Psalms 69:28

Authorized King James Version

Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous.

Word-by-Word Analysis

יִ֭מָּחֽוּ

H4229

Let them be blotted

properly, to stroke or rub; by implication, to erase; also to smooth (as if with oil), i.e., grease or make fat

מִסֵּ֣פֶר

H5612

out of the book

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

חַיִּ֑ים

H2416

of the living

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

וְעִ֥ם

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

צַ֝דִּיקִ֗ים

H6662

with the righteous

just

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

יִכָּתֵֽבוּ׃

H3789

and not be written

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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 understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
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 69 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?