Psalms 89:1

Authorized King James Version

I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.

Word-by-Word Analysis

חַֽסְדֵ֣י

H2617

of the mercies

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

יְ֭הוָה

H3068

of the LORD

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

עוֹלָ֣ם

H5769

for ever

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

אָשִׁ֑ירָה

H7891

I will sing

to sing

וָדֹ֓ר׀

H1755

generations

properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

וָדֹ֓ר׀

H1755

generations

properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

אוֹדִ֖יעַ

H3045

will I make known

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אֱמוּנָתְךָ֣

H530

thy faithfulness

literally firmness; figuratively security; morally fidelity

בְּפִֽי׃

H6310

with my mouth

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

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 faith central to epistemology and the means by which humans receive divine revelation and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes faith in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on faith address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding faith in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?