Psalms 86:12

I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אוֹדְךָ֤׀

H3034

I will praise

physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha

אֲדֹנָ֣י

H136

thee O Lord

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

אֱ֭לֹהַי

H430

my 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

בְּכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

לְבָבִ֑י

H3824

with all my heart

the heart (as the most interior organ)

וַאֲכַבְּדָ֖ה

H3513

and I will glorify

to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same

שִׁמְךָ֣

H8034

thy name

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

לְעוֹלָֽם׃

H5769

for evermore

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through universal language and absolute statements. 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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 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?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?