Psalms 74:20

Authorized King James Version

Have respect unto the covenant: for the dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הַבֵּ֥ט
H5027
Have respect
to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care
#2
לַבְּרִ֑ית
H1285
unto the covenant
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
#3
כִּ֥י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#4
מָלְא֥וּ
H4390
are full
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
#5
מַחֲשַׁכֵּי
H4285
for the dark
darkness; concretely, a dark place
#6
אֶ֝֗רֶץ
H776
places of the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#7
נְא֣וֹת
H4999
of the habitations
a home; figuratively, a pasture
#8
חָמָֽס׃
H2555
of cruelty
violence; by implication, wrong; by metonymy unjust gain

Analysis

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

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 covenant in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection