Psalms 94:2

Authorized King James Version

Lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth: render a reward to the proud.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הִ֭נָּשֵׂא
Lift up
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#2
שֹׁפֵ֣ט
thyself thou judge
to judge, i.e., pronounce sentence (for or against); by implication, to vindicate or punish; by extenssion, to govern; passively, to litigate (literal
#3
הָאָ֑רֶץ
of the earth
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#4
הָשֵׁ֥ב
render
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#5
גְּ֝מ֗וּל
a reward
treatment, i.e., an act (of good or ill); by implication, service or requital
#6
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#7
גֵּאִֽים׃
to the proud
lofty; figuratively, arrogant

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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