Psalms 96:6

Authorized King James Version

Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הוֹד
Honour
grandeur (i.e., an imposing form and appearance)
#2
וְהָדָ֥ר
and majesty
magnificence, i.e., ornament or splendor
#3
לְפָנָ֑יו
are before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#4
עֹ֥ז
him strength
strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)
#5
וְ֝תִפְאֶ֗רֶת
and beauty
ornament (abstractly or concretely, literally or figuratively)
#6
בְּמִקְדָּשֽׁוֹ׃
are in his sanctuary
a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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