Psalms 75:8

Authorized King James Version

For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup, and the wine is red; it is full of mixture; and he poureth out of the same: but the dregs thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall wring them out, and drink them.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֤י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

כ֪וֹס

H3563

there is a cup

a cup (as a container), often figuratively, some unclean bird, probably an owl (perhaps from the cup-like cavity of its eye)

בְּֽיַד

H3027

For in the 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

יְהוָ֡ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וְיַ֤יִן

H3196

and the wine

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

חָמַ֨ר׀

H2560

is red

properly, to boil up; hence, to glow (with redness)

מָ֥לֵא

H4392

it is full

full (literally or figuratively) or filling (literally); also (concretely) fulness; adverbially, fully

מֶסֶךְ֮

H4538

of mixture

a mixture, i.e., of wine with spices

וַיַּגֵּ֪ר

H5064

and he poureth out

to flow; figuratively, to stretch out; causatively, to pour out or down; figuratively, to deliver over

#10

מִ֫זֶּ֥ה

H2088

of the same

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#11

אַךְ

H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

#12

שְׁ֭מָרֶיהָ

H8105

but the dregs

something preserved, i.e., the settlings (plural only) of wine

#13

יִמְצ֣וּ

H4680

shall wring them out

to suck out; by implication, to drain, to squeeze out

#14

יִשְׁתּ֑וּ

H8354

and drink

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

#15

כֹּ֝֗ל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#16

רִשְׁעֵי

H7563

thereof all the wicked

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

#17

אָֽרֶץ׃

H776

of the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 historical context of the monarchic period, particularly David's reign (c. 1000-970 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The Israelite monarchy with its temple worship, court life, and constant military threats created the liturgical and emotional context for these prayers and praises. The ancient Israelite worship practices and court culture would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Temple archaeology and ancient musical instruments illuminate the liturgical context of Israelite worship.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 75 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?