Psalms 84:2

Authorized King James Version

My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.

Word-by-Word Analysis

נִכְסְפָ֬ה

H3700

longeth

properly, to become pale, i.e., (by implication) to pine after; also to fear

וְגַם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

כָּלְתָ֨ה׀

H3615

yea even fainteth

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

נַפְשִׁי֮

H5315

My soul

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

לְחַצְר֪וֹת

H2691

for the courts

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)

יְה֫וָ֥ה

H3068

of the LORD

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

לִבִּ֥י

H3820

my heart

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

וּבְשָׂרִ֑י

H1320

and my flesh

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

יְ֝רַנְּנ֗וּ

H7442

crieth out

properly, to creak (or emit a stridulous sound), i.e., to shout (usually for joy)

#10

אֶ֣ל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#11

אֵֽל

H410

God

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

#12

חָֽי׃

H2416

for the living

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Psalms.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 84 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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?