Psalms 71:24

Authorized King James Version

My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt.

Word-by-Word Analysis

גַּם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

לְשׁוֹנִ֗י

H3956

My tongue

the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,

כָּל

H3605

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

הַ֭יּוֹם

H3117

all the day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

תֶּהְגֶּ֣ה

H1897

also shall talk

to murmur (in pleasure or anger); by implication, to ponder

צִדְקָתֶ֑ךָ

H6666

of thy righteousness

rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

כִּי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בֹ֥שׁוּ

H954

long for they are confounded

properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed

כִֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#10

חָ֝פְר֗וּ

H2659

for they are brought unto shame

to blush; figuratively, to be ashamed, disappointed; causatively, to shame, reproach

#11

מְבַקְשֵׁ֥י

H1245

that seek

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

#12

רָעָתִֽי׃

H7451

my hurt

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

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 righteousness contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The historical context of the monarchic period, particularly David's reign (c. 1000-970 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The Israelite monarchy with its temple worship, court life, and constant military threats created the liturgical and emotional context for these prayers and praises. The ancient Israelite worship practices and court culture would have shaped how the original audience understood righteousness. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Temple archaeology and ancient musical instruments illuminate the liturgical context of Israelite worship.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does understanding righteousness in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?