Psalms 8:6

Authorized King James Version

Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:

Word-by-Word Analysis

תַּ֭מְשִׁילֵהוּ

H4910

Thou madest him to have dominion

to rule

בְּמַעֲשֵׂ֣י

H4639

over the works

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

יָדֶ֑יךָ

H3027

of thy hands

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

כֹּ֝ל

H3605

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

שַׁ֣תָּה

H7896

thou hast put

to place (in a very wide application)

תַֽחַת

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

רַגְלָֽיו׃

H7272

all things under his feet

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

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 divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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 8 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?