Psalms 81:9

Authorized King James Version

There shall no strange god be in thee; neither shalt thou worship any strange god.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִהְיֶ֣ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בְ֭ךָ

לְאֵ֣ל

H410

god

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

זָ֑ר

H2114

There shall no strange

to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִ֝שְׁתַּחֲוֶ֗ה

H7812

be in thee neither shalt thou worship

to depress, i.e., prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or god)

לְאֵ֣ל

H410

god

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

נֵכָֽר׃

H5236

any strange

foreign, or (concretely) a foreigner, or (abstractly) heathendom

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

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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
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?