Psalms 70:4

Authorized King James Version

Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified.

Word-by-Word Analysis

יָ֘שִׂ֤ישׂוּ

H7797

thee rejoice

to be bright, i.e., cheerful

וְיִשְׂמְח֨וּ׀

H8055

and be glad

probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome

בְּךָ֗

כָּֽל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מְבַ֫קְשֶׁ֥יךָ

H1245

Let all those that seek

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

וְיֹאמְר֣וּ

H559

say

to say (used with great latitude)

תָ֭מִיד

H8548

continually

properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re

יִגְדַּ֣ל

H1431

be magnified

to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)

אֱלֹהִ֑ים

H430

Let God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#10

אֹ֝הֲבֵ֗י

H157

in thee and let such as love

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

#11

יְשׁוּעָתֶֽךָ׃

H3444

thy salvation

something saved, i.e., (abstractly) deliverance; hence, aid, victory, prosperity

Analysis

This verse develops the divine love theme central to Psalms. The concept of love reflects the development of divine love within biblical theology. 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 agape in Greek contexts or hesed in Hebrew, indicating covenantal loyalty, 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 divine love particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show patron-client relationships and family loyalty concepts, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding love in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about divine love?
What practical applications emerge from understanding divine love as presented in this verse, particularly in light of responding to cultural confusion about the nature of love and relationships?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on love address the problem of evil and suffering in light of God's goodness, and how should the church respond?