Psalms 92:11

Authorized King James Version

Mine eye also shall see my desire on mine enemies, and mine ears shall hear my desire of the wicked that rise up against me.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַתַּבֵּ֥ט

H5027

also shall see

to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care

עֵינִ֗י

H5869

Mine eye

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

בְּשׁ֫וּרָ֥י

H7790

my desire on mine enemies

a foe (as lying in wait)

בַּקָּמִ֖ים

H6965

that rise up

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

עָלַ֥י

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מְרֵעִ֗ים

H7489

my desire of the wicked

properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)

תִּשְׁמַ֥עְנָה

H8085

shall hear

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

אָזְנָֽי׃

H241

and mine ears

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

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

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
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?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?