Psalms 69:26

For they persecute him whom thou hast smitten; and they talk to the grief of those whom thou hast wounded.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אַתָּ֣ה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

הִכִּ֣יתָ

H5221

him whom thou hast smitten

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

רָדָ֑פוּ

H7291

For they persecute

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

וְאֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מַכְא֖וֹב

H4341

to the grief

anguish or (figuratively) affliction

חֲלָלֶ֣יךָ

H2491

of those whom thou hast wounded

pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted

יְסַפֵּֽרוּ׃

H5608

and they talk

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

Analysis

This verse develops the suffering and persecution theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine revelation 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 69 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?
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?