Psalms 73:26

Authorized King James Version

My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כָּלָ֥ה

H3615

faileth

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

שְׁאֵרִ֗י

H7607

My flesh

flesh (as swelling out), as living or for food; generally food of any kind; figuratively, kindred by blood

לְבָבִ֥י

H3824

and my heart

the heart (as the most interior organ)

צוּר

H6697

is the strength

properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)

לְבָבִ֥י

H3824

and my heart

the heart (as the most interior organ)

וְחֶלְקִ֗י

H2506

and my portion

properly, smoothness (of the tongue)

אֱלֹהִ֥ים

H430

but 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

לְעוֹלָֽם׃

H5769

for ever

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine sovereignty 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

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

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?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 73 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?