Psalms 62:9

Authorized King James Version

Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַ֤ךְ׀
H389
a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only
#2
מֵהֶ֥בֶל
H1892
lighter than vanity
emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb
#3
בְּנֵֽי
H1121
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#4
אָדָם֮
H120
Surely men
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
#5
כָּזָ֪ב
H3577
of high degree are a lie
falsehood; literally (untruth) or figuratively (idol)
#6
בְּנֵ֫י
H1121
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#7
אִ֥ישׁ
H376
and men
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#8
בְּמֹאזְנַ֥יִם
H3976
in the balance
(only in the dual) a pair of scales
#9
לַעֲל֑וֹת
H5927
to be laid
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#10
הֵ֝֗מָּה
H1992
they (only used when emphatic)
#11
מֵהֶ֥בֶל
H1892
lighter than vanity
emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb
#12
יָֽחַד׃
H3162
they are altogether
properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Psalms.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection