Psalms 92:12

Authorized King James Version

The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
צַ֭דִּיק
The righteous
just
#2
כַּתָּמָ֣ר
like the palm tree
a palm tree
#3
יִפְרָ֑ח
shall flourish
to break forth as a bud, i.e., bloom; generally, to spread; specifically, to fly (as extending the wings); figuratively, to flourish
#4
כְּאֶ֖רֶז
like a cedar
a cedar tree (from the tenacity of its roots)
#5
בַּלְּבָנ֣וֹן
in Lebanon
lebanon, a mountain range in palestine
#6
יִשְׂגֶּֽה׃
he shall grow
to enlarge (especially upward, also figuratively)

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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