Psalms 74:19

Authorized King James Version

O deliver not the soul of thy turtledove unto the multitude of the wicked: forget not the congregation of thy poor for ever.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַל
H408
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#2
תִּתֵּ֣ן
H5414
O deliver
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#3
חַיַּ֥ת
H2416
not the congregation
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#4
נֶ֣פֶשׁ
H5315
not the soul
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#5
תּוֹרֶ֑ךָ
H8449
of thy turtledove
a ring-dove, often (figuratively) as a term of endearment
#6
חַיַּ֥ת
H2416
not the congregation
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
#7
עֲ֝נִיֶּ֗יךָ
H6041
of thy poor
depressed, in mind or circumstances
#8
אַל
H408
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#9
תִּשְׁכַּ֥ח
H7911
of the wicked forget
to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention
#10
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

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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