Psalms 85:8

Authorized King James Version

I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֶשְׁמְעָ֗ה

H8085

I will hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

מַה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

יְדַבֵּ֬ר

H1696

for he will speak

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

הָאֵ֪ל׀

H410

what God

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

יְה֫וָ֥ה

H3068

the LORD

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

כִּ֤י׀

H3588

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

יְדַבֵּ֬ר

H1696

for he will speak

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

שָׁל֗וֹם

H7965

peace

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#10

עַמּ֥וֹ

H5971

unto his people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#11

וְאֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#12

חֲסִידָ֑יו

H2623

and to his saints

properly, kind, i.e., (religiously) pious (a saint)

#13

וְֽאַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

#14

יָשׁ֥וּבוּ

H7725

but let them not turn again

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

#15

לְכִסְלָֽה׃

H3690

to folly

in a good sense, trust; in a bad one, silliness

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of peace connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about peace, 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 passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of peace differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?