Psalms 66:9

Authorized King James Version

Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הַשָּׂ֣ם

H7760

Which holdeth

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

נַ֭פְשֵׁנוּ

H5315

our soul

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

בַּֽחַיִּ֑ים

H2416

in life

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

וְלֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נָתַ֖ן

H5414

and suffereth

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לַמּ֣וֹט

H4132

to be moved

a wavering, i.e., fall; by implication, a pole (as shaking); hence, a yoke (as essentially a bent pole)

רַגְלֵֽנוּ׃

H7272

not our feet

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

Analysis

This verse develops the suffering and persecution theme central to Psalms. The concept of life reflects the development of suffering and persecution within biblical theology. 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

What practical applications emerge from understanding suffering and persecution as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
How does the suffering and persecution 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 understanding life in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about suffering and persecution?