Psalms 79:13

Authorized King James Version

So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: we will shew forth thy praise to all generations.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַאֲנַ֤חְנוּ

H587

עַמְּךָ֙׀

H5971

So we thy people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וְצֹ֥אן

H6629

and sheep

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

מַרְעִיתֶךָ֮

H4830

of thy pasture

pasturage; concretely, a flock

נ֤וֹדֶ֥ה

H3034

will give thee thanks

physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha

לְּךָ֗

לְע֫וֹלָ֥ם

H5769

for ever

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

וָדֹ֑ר

H1755

generations

properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

וָדֹ֑ר

H1755

generations

properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

#10

נְ֝סַפֵּ֗ר

H5608

we will shew forth

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

#11

תְּהִלָּתֶֽךָ׃

H8416

thy praise

laudation; specifically (concretely) a hymn

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing covenant community contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 79 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?