Psalms 82:5

Authorized King James Version

They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לֹ֤א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
יָֽדְע֨וּ׀
H3045
They know
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#3
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#4
יָבִ֗ינוּ
H995
not neither will they understand
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
#5
בַּחֲשֵׁכָ֥ה
H2825
on in darkness
darkness; figuratively, misery
#6
יִתְהַלָּ֑כוּ
H1980
they walk
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#7
יִ֝מּ֗וֹטוּ
H4131
are out of course
to waver; by implication, to slip, shake, fall
#8
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#9
מ֥וֹסְדֵי
H4144
all the foundations
a foundation
#10
אָֽרֶץ׃
H776
of the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

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