Psalms 66:16

Authorized King James Version

Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לְכֽוּ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

שִׁמְע֣וּ

H8085

and hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

וַ֭אֲסַפְּרָה

H5608

and I will declare

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יִרְאֵ֣י

H3373

all ye that fear

fearing; morally, reverent

אֱלֹהִ֑ים

H430

God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אֲשֶׁ֖ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָשָׂ֣ה

H6213

what he hath done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לְנַפְשִֽׁי׃

H5315

for 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

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 sovereignty 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 sovereignty 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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 66 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?