Psalms 7:17

I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אוֹדֶ֣ה

H3034

I will praise

physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

כְּצִדְק֑וֹ

H6664

according to his righteousness

the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity

וַ֝אֲזַמְּרָ֗ה

H2167

and will sing praise

properly, to touch the strings or parts of a musical instrument, i.e., play upon it; to make music, accompanied by the voice; hence to celebrate in so

שֵֽׁם

H8034

to the name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

יְהוָ֥ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

עֶלְיֽוֹן׃

H5945

most high

an elevation, i.e., (adjectively) lofty (comparatively); as title, the supreme

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of righteousness reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The divine name or title here functions within worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 righteousness 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?
How might the original audience's understanding of righteousness differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding righteousness in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?