Psalms 89:50

Authorized King James Version

Remember, Lord, the reproach of thy servants; how I do bear in my bosom the reproach of all the mighty people;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
זְכֹ֣ר
Remember
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
#2
אֲ֭דֹנָי
Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#3
חֶרְפַּ֣ת
the reproach
contumely, disgrace, the pudenda
#4
עֲבָדֶ֑יךָ
of thy servants
a servant
#5
שְׂאֵתִ֥י
how I do bear
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#6
בְ֝חֵיקִ֗י
in my bosom
the bosom (literally or figuratively)
#7
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#8
רַבִּ֥ים
the reproach of all the mighty
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
#9
עַמִּֽים׃
people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

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 sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine 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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection