Psalms 63:9

Authorized King James Version

But those that seek my soul, to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהֵ֗מָּה

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

לְ֭שׁוֹאָה

H7722

to destroy

a tempest; by implication, devastation

יְבַקְשׁ֣וּ

H1245

But those that seek

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

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

יָ֝בֹ֗אוּ

H935

it shall go

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בְּֽתַחְתִּיּ֥וֹת

H8482

into the lower parts

lowermost; as noun (feminine plural) the depths (figuratively, a pit, the womb)

הָאָֽרֶץ׃

H776

of the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine revelation reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 63 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?