Psalms 94:13

Authorized King James Version

That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לְהַשְׁקִ֣יט
That thou mayest give him rest
to repose (usually figurative)
#2
ל֭וֹ
H0
#3
מִ֣ימֵי
from the days
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#4
רָ֑ע
of adversity
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#5
עַ֤ד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#6
יִכָּרֶ֖ה
be digged
properly, to dig; figuratively, to plot; generally, to bore or open
#7
לָרָשָׁ֣ע
for the wicked
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
#8
שָֽׁחַת׃
until the pit
a pit (especially as a trap); figuratively, destruction

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine revelation reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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