Psalms 71:20

Authorized King James Version

Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#2
הִרְאִיתַ֨נִו׀
H7200
Thou which hast shewed
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#3
צָר֥וֹת
H6869
troubles
transitively, a female rival
#4
רַבּ֗וֹת
H7227
me great
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#5
וְרָ֫ע֥וֹת
H7451
and sore
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#6
תָּשׁ֥וּב
H7725
again
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#7
תְּחַיֵּ֑ינִי
H2421
shalt quicken
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
#8
וּֽמִתְּהֹמ֥וֹת
H8415
from the depths
an abyss (as a surging mass of water), especially the deep (the main sea or the subterranean watersupply)
#9
הָ֝אָ֗רֶץ
H776
of the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#10
תָּשׁ֥וּב
H7725
again
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#11
תַּעֲלֵֽנִי׃
H5927
and shalt bring me up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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