Psalms 83:4

Authorized King James Version

They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אָמְר֗וּ

H559

They have said

to say (used with great latitude)

לְ֭כוּ

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וְנַכְחִידֵ֣ם

H3582

and let us cut them off

to secrete, by act or word; hence (intensively) to destroy

מִגּ֑וֹי

H1471

from being a nation

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

וְלֹֽא

H3808

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

יִזָּכֵ֖ר

H2142

may be no more in remembrance

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

שֵֽׁם

H8034

that the name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

עֽוֹד׃

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

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

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 covenant community 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?
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?
In what ways does understanding covenant community in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?