Psalms 73:19

Authorized King James Version

How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֵ֤יךְ
H349
how? or how!; also where
#2
הָי֣וּ
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#3
לְשַׁמָּ֣ה
H8047
How are they brought into desolation
ruin; by implication, consternation
#4
כְרָ֑גַע
H7281
as in a moment
a wink (of the eyes), i.e., a very short space of time
#5
סָ֥פוּ
H5486
they are utterly
to snatch away, i.e., terminate
#6
תַ֝֗מּוּ
H8552
consumed
to complete, in a good or a bad sense, literal, or figurative, transitive or intransitive
#7
מִן
H4480
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#8
בַּלָּהֽוֹת׃
H1091
with terrors
alarm; hence, destruction

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Psalms.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection