Psalms 88:5

Authorized King James Version

Free among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave, whom thou rememberest no more: and they are cut off from thy hand.

Word-by-Word Analysis

בַּמֵּתִ֗ים

H4191

among the dead

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

חָ֫פְשִׁ֥י

H2670

Free

exempt (from bondage, tax or care)

כְּמ֤וֹ

H3644

as, thus, so

חֲלָלִ֨ים׀

H2491

like the slain

pierced (especially to death); figuratively, polluted

שֹׁ֥כְבֵי

H7901

that lie

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

קֶ֗בֶר

H6913

in the grave

a sepulcher

אֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

זְכַרְתָּ֣ם

H2142

whom thou rememberest

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

#10

ע֑וֹד

H5750

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

#11

וְ֝הֵ֗מָּה

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

#12

מִיָּדְךָ֥

H3027

from thy hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#13

נִגְזָֽרוּ׃

H1504

no more and they are cut off

to cut down or off; (figuratively) to destroy, divide, exclude, or decide

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 divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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