Psalms 63:5

Authorized King James Version

My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:

Word-by-Word Analysis

כְּמ֤וֹ

H3644

as, thus, so

חֵ֣לֶב

H2459

as with marrow

fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part

וָ֭דֶשֶׁן

H1880

and fatness

the fat; abstractly fatness, i.e., (figuratively) abundance; specifically the (fatty) ashes of sacrifices

תִּשְׂבַּ֣ע

H7646

shall be satisfied

to sate, i.e., fill to satisfaction (literally or figuratively)

נַפְשִׁ֑י

H5315

My soul

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

וְשִׂפְתֵ֥י

H8193

lips

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

רְ֝נָנ֗וֹת

H7445

thee with joyful

a shout (for joy)

יְהַלֶּל

H1984

shall praise

to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ

פִּֽי׃

H6310

and my mouth

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?