Psalms 79:10

Authorized King James Version

Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is their God? let him be known among the heathen in our sight by the revenging of the blood of thy servants which is shed.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לָ֤מָּה׀
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#2
יֹאמְר֣וּ
say
to say (used with great latitude)
#3
בַּגֹּייִ֣ם
Wherefore should the heathen
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#4
אַיֵּ֪ה
where?
#5
אֱֽלֹהֵ֫יהֶ֥ם
Where is their 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
#6
יִוָּדַ֣ע
let him be known
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#7
בַּגֹּייִ֣ם
Wherefore should the heathen
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
#8
לְעֵינֵ֑ינוּ
in our sight
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#9
נִ֝קְמַ֗ת
by the revenging
avengement, whether the act of the passion
#10
דַּֽם
of the blood
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
#11
עֲבָדֶ֥יךָ
of thy servants
a servant
#12
הַשָּׁפֽוּךְ׃
which is shed
to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. 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 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