Psalms 71:22

Authorized King James Version

I will also praise thee with the psaltery, even thy truth, O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
גַּם
H1571
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#2
אֲנִ֤י׀
H589
i
#3
אוֹדְךָ֣
H3034
I will also 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
#4
בִכְלִי
H3627
thee with the psaltery
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
#5
נֶבֶל֮
H5035
a skin-bag for liquids (from collapsing when empty); also a lyre (as having a body of like form)
#6
אֲמִתְּךָ֪
H571
even thy truth
stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness
#7
אֱלֹ֫הָ֥י
H430
O my 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
#8
אֲזַמְּרָ֣ה
H2167
unto thee will I sing
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
#9
לְךָ֣
H0
#10
בְכִנּ֑וֹר
H3658
with the harp
a harp
#11
קְ֝ד֗וֹשׁ
H6918
O thou Holy One
sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary
#12
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃
H3478
of Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of truth 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 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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