Psalms 96:10

Authorized King James Version

Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אִמְר֤וּ

H559

Say

to say (used with great latitude)

בַגּוֹיִ֨ם׀

H1471

among the heathen

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

יְה֘וָ֤ה

H3068

that the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

מָלָ֗ךְ

H4427

reigneth

to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel

אַף

H637

meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though

תִּכּ֣וֹן

H3559

also shall be established

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

תֵּ֭בֵל

H8398

the world

the earth (as moist and therefore inhabited); by extension, the globe; by implication, its inhabitants; specifically, a particular land, as babylonia,

בַּל

H1077

properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest

תִּמּ֑וֹט

H4131

that it shall not be moved

to waver; by implication, to slip, shake, fall

#10

יָדִ֥ין

H1777

he shall judge

to rule; by implication to judge (as umpire); also to strive (as at law)

#11

עַ֝מִּ֗ים

H5971

the people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#12

בְּמֵישָׁרִֽים׃

H4339

righteously

evenness, i.e., (figuratively) prosperity or concord; also straightness, i.e., (figuratively) rectitude (only in plural with singular sense; often adv

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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
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 does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?