Psalms 66:17

Authorized King James Version

I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֵלָ֥יו

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

פִּֽי

H6310

unto him with my mouth

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

קָרָ֑אתִי

H7121

I cried

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

וְ֝רוֹמַ֗ם

H7318

exaltation, i.e., (figuratively and specifically) praise

תַּ֣חַת

H8478

with

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

לְשׁוֹנִֽי׃

H3956

my tongue

the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 66 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?