Psalms 84:11

Authorized King James Version

For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֤י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

שֶׁ֨מֶשׁ׀

H8121

is a sun

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

וּמָגֵן֮

H4043

and shield

a shield (i.e., the small one or buckler); figuratively, a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile

יְהוָ֑ה

H3068

For the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹ֫הִ֥ים

H430

God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

חֵ֣ן

H2580

grace

graciousness, i.e., subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty)

וְ֭כָבוֹד

H3519

and glory

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

יִתֵּ֣ן

H5414

will give

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

יְהוָ֑ה

H3068

For the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#10

לֹ֥א

H3808

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

#11

יִמְנַע

H4513

thing will he withhold

to debar (negatively or positively) from benefit or injury

#12

ט֝֗וֹב

H2896

no good

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

#13

לַֽהֹלְכִ֥ים

H1980

from them that walk

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

#14

בְּתָמִֽים׃

H8549

uprightly

entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of grace 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 the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the monarchic period, particularly David's reign (c. 1000-970 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The Israelite monarchy with its temple worship, court life, and constant military threats created the liturgical and emotional context for these prayers and praises. The ancient Israelite worship practices and court culture would have shaped how the original audience understood grace. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Temple archaeology and ancient musical instruments illuminate the liturgical context of Israelite worship.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on grace 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?
In what ways does understanding grace in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?