Psalms 74:11

Why withdrawest thou thy hand, even thy right hand? pluck it out of thy bosom.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לָ֤מָּה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

תָשִׁ֣יב

H7725

Why withdrawest

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

יָ֭דְךָ

H3027

thou thy hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וִֽימִינֶ֑ךָ

H3225

even thy right hand

the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south

מִקֶּ֖רֶב

H7130

it out of

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

חֵֽוקְךָ֣

H2436

thy bosom

the bosom (literally or figuratively)

כַלֵּֽה׃

H3615

pluck

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

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine revelation reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God, advancing the author's theological argument. 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 74 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
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?