Psalm 140 13

Psalm 140:13 kjv

Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.

Psalm 140:13 nkjv

Surely the righteous shall give thanks to Your name; The upright shall dwell in Your presence.

Psalm 140:13 niv

Surely the righteous will praise your name, and the upright will live in your presence.

Psalm 140:13 esv

Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name; the upright shall dwell in your presence.

Psalm 140:13 nlt

Surely righteous people are praising your name;
the godly will live in your presence.

Psalm 140 verses

Psalm 140 13 Meaning

Psalm 140:13 expresses a profound certainty rooted in divine justice: that the righteous will undoubtedly offer praise to God's character and attributes, and those who live with integrity will perpetually dwell in His direct presence, enjoying intimacy and favor. It is an affirmation of faith in the ultimate vindication and blessed state of God's faithful people.

Psalm 140 13 Context

Psalm 140 is a fervent prayer of David seeking deliverance from violent and malicious enemies who speak perverse things and plot evil. It falls into the category of a lament psalm, where the psalmist vividly describes the schemes and characteristics of the wicked, imploring God for protection and swift judgment upon them (verses 1-11). The preceding verse (12) expresses David's confident trust that the Lord will indeed execute justice for the oppressed and uphold the cause of the poor. Verse 13 then acts as the triumphant concluding declaration, a profound statement of faith that the righteous outcome of God's justice will manifest in worship and communion with Him, contrasting sharply with the fate wished upon the wicked. It pivots from the darkness of human malice to the brilliant certainty of divine reward and intimacy.

Psalm 140 13 Word analysis

• Surely (אַךְ - ʾak)
  • Significance: An emphatic particle, similar to "indeed," "certainly," or "only." It emphasizes the absolute truth and unwavering confidence of the statement that follows, solidifying the psalmist's conviction despite the ongoing struggle. It underscores the contrast with the preceding verses detailing the wicked.
• the righteous (צַדִּיקִים - tsaddiqim)
  • Original Meaning: Plural form of tsaddiq, meaning "just," "righteous," "vindicated."
  • Significance: Refers to those who live in accordance with God's law and will, who are declared just or upright by God, often through faith and obedience. In the Psalms, they are frequently depicted as suffering innocently at the hands of the wicked but are ultimately upheld by God.
• will praise (י֭וֹדוּ - yōḏū)
  • Original Meaning: Future tense, from the root yada (יָדָה), which means to "thank," "confess," "praise," or "give thanks." It implies a public declaration or acknowledgment.
  • Significance: This is not merely an inward feeling but an outward act of worship and adoration. The future tense implies a certain, guaranteed event that will happen as a direct result of God's justice and deliverance.
• Your name (שְׁמֶךָ - shimkha)
  • Original Meaning: Shem (שֵׁם) means "name"; suffix -ekha means "your."
  • Significance: In the Bible, God's "name" represents His very character, His nature, His revealed attributes, His power, and His presence. To praise God's name is to acknowledge and extol who He is in His entirety, specifically in light of His actions and justice displayed in the psalm. It means reverencing His authority and holiness.
• the upright (יְשָׁרִים - yĕshārîm)
  • Original Meaning: Plural form of yashar, meaning "straight," "level," "right," "correct," "morally sound," "sincere."
  • Significance: A synonymous parallel to "the righteous." It highlights integrity, moral rectitude, and a direct, unswerving walk before God, contrasting with the twisted paths of the wicked described earlier in the psalm.
• will dwell (יֵשְׁב֗וּ - yēshəvū)
  • Original Meaning: Future tense, from the root yashav (יָשַׁב), meaning "to sit," "to settle," "to remain," "to inhabit," "to dwell permanently."
  • Significance: Denotes a stable, secure, and continuous state of being. It's not a fleeting visit but a permanent, established residence, symbolizing safety, communion, and ultimate blessedness under God's protection.
• in Your presence (אֶת־פָּנֶיךָ - et-pāneikha)
  • Original Meaning: Panim (פָּנִים) literally means "face" or "faces." Et- is a preposition, often meaning "with" or indicating direct object.
  • Significance: To be in God's "face" or "presence" is the ultimate state of fellowship, intimacy, favor, and security. It means living under His direct gaze and protection, enjoying His fellowship, and participating in His glory. This is often associated with temple worship, but also has an eschatological dimension of ultimate communion with God. It signifies deliverance from all enemies and ultimate rest in God.

Psalm 140 13 Bonus section

The eschatological hope within "will dwell in Your presence" suggests more than just present safety or temple worship; it hints at a final, eternal dwelling in God's immediate fellowship. This theme resonates strongly with New Testament promises of seeing God face-to-face and being with Him forever (Rev 22:4). The dual actions of praising and dwelling indicate that ultimate blessedness involves both worshipping God for who He is and enjoying uninterrupted communion with Him, a state entirely opposite to the destruction awaited by the wicked mentioned throughout the psalm. The verse powerfully reminds believers that enduring faithfulness to God ultimately leads to His presence and a life of worship.

Psalm 140 13 Commentary

Psalm 140:13 serves as a magnificent and resolute climax to David's anguished lament, articulating a triumphant conviction in God's unfailing justice. After detailing the oppressive actions and venomous words of the wicked, and appealing for divine intervention, the psalmist expresses absolute confidence in the certain and distinct future awaiting God's people. The parallelism between "the righteous" and "the upright" emphasizes both ethical rectitude and right standing before God. Their guaranteed actions – "will praise Your name" and "will dwell in Your presence" – signify the twin pillars of communion with God: grateful adoration of His character and attributes, and an intimate, secure, and enduring fellowship with Him. This verse moves beyond mere deliverance from temporal foes, pointing towards a deep spiritual blessedness and eternal security in the very presence of the Most High. It's a prophecy of vindication and profound peace for those who walk in integrity.