Psalms 74:10

Authorized King James Version

O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עַד
H5704
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#2
מָתַ֣י
H4970
properly, extent (of time); but used only adverbially (especially with other particle prefixes), when (either relative or interrogative)
#3
אֱ֭לֹהִים
H430
O 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
#4
יְחָ֣רֶף
H2778
reproach
to pull off, i.e., (by implication) to expose (as by stripping); specifically, to betroth (as if a surrender); figuratively, to carp at, i.e., defame;
#5
צָ֑ר
H6862
how long shall the adversary
a pebble (as in h6864)
#6
יְנָ֘אֵ֤ץ
H5006
blaspheme
to scorn; or (in ecclesiastes 12:5), by interchange for h5132, to bloom
#7
אוֹיֵ֖ב
H341
shall the enemy
hating; an adversary
#8
שִׁמְךָ֣
H8034
thy name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#9
לָנֶֽצַח׃
H5331
for ever
properly, a goal, i.e., the bright object at a distance travelled towards; hence (figuratively), splendor, or (subjectively) truthfulness, or (objecti

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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