Psalms 7:5

Authorized King James Version

Let the enemy persecute my soul, and take it; yea, let him tread down my life upon the earth, and lay mine honour in the dust. Selah.

Word-by-Word Analysis

יִֽרַדֹּ֥ף

H7291

persecute

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

אוֹיֵ֨ב׀

H341

Let the enemy

hating; an adversary

נַפְשִׁ֡י

H5315

my soul

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

וְיַשֵּׂ֗ג

H5381

and take

to reach (literally or figuratively)

וְיִרְמֹ֣ס

H7429

it yea let him tread down

to tread upon (as a potter, in walking or abusively)

לָאָ֣רֶץ

H776

upon the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

חַיָּ֑י

H2416

my life

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

וּכְבוֹדִ֓י׀

H3519

mine honour

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

לֶעָפָ֖ר

H6083

in the dust

dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud

#10

יַשְׁכֵּ֣ן

H7931

and lay

to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)

#11

סֶֽלָה׃

H5542

Selah

suspension (of music), i.e., pause

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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

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?
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 might the original audience's understanding of life differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?