Psalms 77:1

Authorized King James Version

I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
קוֹלִ֥י
H6963
with my voice
a voice or sound
#2
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
אֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים
H430
even unto 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
וְאֶצְעָ֑קָה
H6817
I cried
to shriek; (by implication) to proclaim (an assembly)
#5
קוֹלִ֥י
H6963
with my voice
a voice or sound
#6
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#7
אֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים
H430
even unto 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
#8
וְהַאֲזִ֥ין
H238
and he gave ear
to broaden out the ear (with the hand), i.e., (by implication) to listen
#9
אֵלָֽי׃
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to

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

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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection