Psalms 140:13

Translation
King James Version
Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.
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KJV (with Strong's)
Surely the righteous H6662 shall give thanks H3034 unto thy name H8034: the upright H3477 shall dwell H3427 in thy presence H6440.
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Complete Jewish Bible
The righteous will surely give thanks to your name; the upright will live in your presence.
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Berean Standard Bible
Surely the righteous will praise Your name; the upright will dwell in Your presence.
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American Standard Version
Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: The upright shall dwell in thy presence.
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World English Bible Messianic
Surely the righteous will give thanks to your name. The upright will dwell in your presence.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
Surely the righteous shall prayse thy Name, and the iust shall dwell in thy presence.
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Young's Literal Translation
Only--the righteous give thanks to Thy name, The upright do dwell with Thy presence!
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See also
Psalms 16:11Psalms 11:7John 17:24Isaiah 3:10Revelation 7:14Revelation 7:171 Thessalonians 4:17
In the KJVVerse 16,277 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Psalms 140:13 serves as a triumphant and confident declaration, concluding a psalm of desperate lament with a profound affirmation of God's unwavering justice and faithfulness. It articulates with absolute certainty that those who live righteously will not only offer heartfelt praise and worship to God's revealed character but will also experience the profound intimacy, secure abiding, and protective favor found exclusively within His immediate presence. This verse encapsulates the ultimate vindication and blessed destiny awaiting the faithful, providing a powerful contrast to the temporary triumph of the wicked.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Psalms 140 is a fervent individual lament of David, a desperate cry for divine deliverance from violent and malicious adversaries. The preceding verses vividly portray the psalmist's distress, detailing the cunning schemes, verbal assaults, and physical threats posed by his enemies, who are likened to venomous serpents and hunters setting traps (e.g., Psalms 140:1-5). David appeals to God as his sole refuge and strength, expressing deep trust that the Lord will uphold the cause of the afflicted and execute justice against the wicked (e.g., Psalms 140:6-12). Verse 13 functions as a climactic declaration of faith, transitioning from an urgent plea for rescue to a confident, prophetic assurance of divine vindication and ultimate blessing, contrasting the certain downfall of the wicked described earlier in the psalm with the secure destiny of the righteous. It serves as a powerful doxological conclusion, affirming the psalmist's unwavering hope in God's character and future intervention.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: Composed by David, likely during a period of intense persecution (possibly from King Saul, or later during Absalom's rebellion), Psalms 140 reflects the precarious existence of a righteous individual facing relentless opposition in ancient Israel. The cultural context emphasizes the importance of a king's justice and the societal expectation that God, as the ultimate King and Judge, would intervene on behalf of the innocent and oppressed. To be "righteous" (צַדִּיק, tsaddîyq) and "upright" (יָשָׁר, yâshâr) was to live in accordance with the Mosaic Law and covenantal obligations, demonstrating integrity and blamelessness before God and man, often in stark contrast to the "wicked" who practiced treachery, violence, and deceit. The concept of "dwelling in God's presence" (לְפָנֶיךָ, l'pânêykâ) carried profound weight, evoking images of temple worship, divine favor, and secure protection under the shadow of the Almighty, a privilege often associated with priests or those uniquely blessed by God, as seen in David's desire to "dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life" in Psalms 27:4.
  • Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the theme of Divine Justice and Vindication, assuring that God actively intervenes to distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, ultimately bringing judgment upon the latter and salvation to the former. It also highlights the theme of The Blessedness and Security of the Righteous, asserting that a life lived in integrity and faithfulness to God leads to profound spiritual rewards, including intimate fellowship and secure dwelling in His presence, a stark contrast to the fate of the ungodly described in Psalms 1:4-6. Furthermore, it emphasizes The Centrality of Thanksgiving and Worship, portraying gratitude as the natural and certain response of those who have experienced God's deliverance and goodness, a theme echoed throughout the Psalms, such as in Psalms 34:1 where David vows to bless the Lord at all times.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Righteous (Hebrew, tsaddîyq', H6662): This term (H6662) denotes one who is just, innocent, and conforms to God's standard of righteousness. It implies a moral and ethical uprightness, not merely external adherence to law but an internal disposition aligned with divine character. In the context of Psalms 140, it signifies those who are unjustly persecuted despite their blameless conduct before God, whose integrity is recognized and upheld by the Lord.
  • Give thanks (Hebrew, yâdâh', H3034): This verb (H3034) is a primitive root, literally meaning "to use (i.e., hold out) the hand." It goes beyond a simple "thank you," encompassing public praise, confession, or acknowledgment, often with outstretched hands in an act of worship and adoration. It denotes a deep, heartfelt expression of gratitude and recognition of God's character and intervention, particularly after experiencing deliverance and vindication.
  • Presence (Hebrew, pânîym', H6440): This plural noun (H6440), always used as singular, literally means "the face." When used with a prepositional prefix, as it is here ("in thy presence"), it conveys being "before your face" or "in your immediate presence." It signifies intimate, secure, and continuous communion with God, enjoying His direct favor, protection, and fellowship, as opposed to merely being in His general vicinity. It implies a state of unhindered access and divine intimacy.

Verse Breakdown

  • "Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name:" This clause opens with an emphatic "Surely," underscoring the absolute certainty and prophetic nature of the declaration. It asserts that those who are just, innocent, and morally upright (the "righteous") will, without fail, offer profound gratitude and worship to God. To "give thanks unto thy name" means to praise and acknowledge God's very character, reputation, and revealed attributes, especially in light of His deliverance and faithfulness. This is not a conditional statement but a confident prediction of the inevitable, joyful response of those who have experienced God's vindication.
  • "the upright shall dwell in thy presence." This second clause parallels and deepens the first, providing the ultimate blessing and secure destiny for the righteous. The "upright" (those of integrity and sincere conduct, whose lives are straight and true before God) are promised not just a fleeting visit but a permanent, secure "dwelling" (abiding) in God's "presence." This signifies an intimate, continuous, and protected fellowship with God, experiencing His direct favor, peace, and security. It is the culmination of the psalmist's hope: not just deliverance from enemies, but an eternal, intimate relationship with the Divine Protector, a state of profound peace and belonging.

Literary Devices

Psalms 140:13 employs several potent literary devices that enhance its impact and meaning. The most prominent is Parallelism, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second line ("the upright shall dwell in thy presence") reiterates and intensifies the meaning of the first line ("Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name"). "Righteous" is paralleled with "upright," and "give thanks unto thy name" is paralleled with "dwell in thy presence," showing two complementary facets of the same blessed reality for the faithful. The use of "Surely" at the beginning provides strong Emphasis and Assurance, transforming a hopeful wish into a confident, prophetic declaration of divine certainty. The phrase "thy name" serves as a Metonymy for God's entire character, reputation, and revealed being, implying that the thanksgiving is directed not just to an abstract deity but to the very essence of who God is. Similarly, "thy presence" is a Synecdoche for the fullness of God's intimate fellowship and protective care, where a part (His face/presence) represents the whole experience of divine communion, security, and favor.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Psalms 140:13 encapsulates a profound theological truth: God's ultimate vindication of the righteous and His desire for intimate fellowship with His people. It affirms that despite present suffering or the machinations of the wicked, God's justice will prevail, and His faithful will be brought into a state of secure and joyful communion with Him. This verse speaks to the eschatological hope of believers, where all tears will be wiped away, and the righteous will forever enjoy the unhindered presence of their God, a theme that resonates deeply throughout biblical theology, from the Garden of Eden where God walked with humanity, to the New Jerusalem where God's dwelling place is with man. It underscores that true blessedness is found not merely in the absence of trouble, but in the secure and intimate relationship with the Almighty, a relationship characterized by praise and perpetual communion.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Psalms 140:13 offers profound encouragement and a clear call to faithful living for believers today. In a world often marked by injustice, the apparent prosperity of the wicked, and the trials faced by those who seek to live righteously, this verse reminds us that God's ultimate justice is certain and His promises are unfailing. Our present trials are temporary, and our steadfastness in righteousness will be eternally rewarded. It calls us to cultivate a heart of thanksgiving, not just for what God does, but for who He is—His unchanging character, His powerful name, and His unwavering faithfulness. This gratitude should flow from a deep trust that He is sovereign over all circumstances and that He will indeed bring about justice. Furthermore, the promise of dwelling in God's presence is our ultimate hope and motivation. It reminds us that our deepest longing for security, peace, and belonging is found only in intimate communion with our Creator. Prioritizing this relationship, seeking His face daily, and living in a manner that honors His name are not just duties, but pathways to profound joy, enduring peace, and eternal satisfaction.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does the certainty expressed in "Surely" impact your perspective on current challenges or injustices you face?
  • In what practical ways can you "give thanks unto thy name" more intentionally, even amidst difficulty and uncertainty?
  • What does "dwelling in God's presence" mean to you personally, and how can you cultivate a deeper sense of His presence in your daily life?
  • How does the promise of God's ultimate vindication for the righteous shape your priorities and actions in your walk with Him?

FAQ

What does it mean to "give thanks unto thy name"?

Answer: To "give thanks unto thy name" (Hebrew: yâdâh H3034, and shêm H8034) means to praise, confess, or acknowledge God's character, reputation, and revealed attributes. It's more than a casual thank you; it's an act of worship and adoration, often expressed publicly or with outstretched hands, recognizing God's power, goodness, and faithfulness. It implies a deep, heartfelt gratitude that stems from an understanding of who God is and what He has done, particularly His deliverance and protection, as seen in David's declaration in Psalms 7:17.

What is the significance of "dwelling in thy presence"?

Answer: "Dwelling in thy presence" (Hebrew: yâshab H3427, and pânîym H6440) signifies an intimate, secure, and continuous communion with God. It implies being in His direct favor, under His protection, and experiencing His peace. This is not merely a physical proximity but a spiritual reality of abiding fellowship and security that is reserved for those who walk in integrity. It speaks to a profound closeness and a state of being continually aware of and blessed by God's immediate presence, much like the psalmist's longing to "seek Your face" in Psalms 27:8.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Psalms 140:13 finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the Righteous One (H6662) and the Upright One (H3477) par excellence, who perfectly fulfilled all righteousness and lived a life of absolute integrity, even unto death on the cross (1 Peter 2:22). His life was a continuous offering of "thanks unto thy name" (H3034), culminating in His perfect obedience and sacrifice, which supremely glorified the Father's name and completed the work He was given to do (John 17:4). More profoundly, through Christ, humanity is granted the privilege to "dwell in thy presence" (H3427, H6440). Once separated from God by sin and alienated from His holy presence, believers are now, by faith in Jesus' atoning work, brought near and granted access to the very presence of God (Ephesians 2:13). Jesus Himself promised to come and make His dwelling with those who love Him and keep His word (John 14:23), and through the indwelling Holy Spirit, God's presence now resides within believers, making them temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). Thus, the promise of Psalms 140:13 is not merely an eschatological hope but a present reality for those who are in Christ, who are made righteous by His sacrifice and are now invited into an eternal, intimate fellowship with God, a foretaste of the full and unhindered communion to come in the new heavens and new earth.

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Commentary on Psalms 140 verses 8–13

I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points(1.) (2.) Details

Here is the believing foresight David had,

I. Of the shame and confusion of persecutors.

1.Their disappointment. This he prays for (Psa 140:8), that their lusts might not be gratified, their lust of ambition, envy, and revenge: "Grant not, O Lord! the desires of the wicked, but frustrate them; let them not see the ruin of my interest, which they so earnestly wish to see; but hear the voice of my supplications." He prays that their projects might not take effect, but be blasted: "O further not his wicked device; let not Providence favour any of his designs, but cross them; suffer not his wicked device to proceed, but chain his wheels, and stop him in the career of his pursuits." Thus we are to pray against the enemies of God's people, that they may not succeed in any of their enterprises. Such was David's prayer against Ahithophel, that God would turn his counsels into foolishness. The plea is, lest they exalt themselves, value themselves upon their success as if it were an evidence that God favoured them. Proud men, when they prosper, are made prouder, grow more impudent against God and insolent against his people, and therefore, "Lord, do not prosper them."

2.Their destruction. This he prays for (as we read it); but some choose to read it rather as a prophecy, and the original will bear it. If we take it as a prayer, that proceeds from a spirit of prophecy, which comes all to one. He foretels the ruin,

(1.)Of his own enemies: "As for those that compass me about, and seek my ruin," [1.] "The mischief of their own lips shall cover their heads (Psa 140:9); the evil they have wished to me shall come upon themselves, their curses shall be blown back into their own faces, and the very designs which they have laid against me shall turn to their own ruin," Psa 7:15, Psa 7:16. Let those that make mischief, by slandering, tale-bearing, misrepresenting their neighbours, and spreading ill-natured characters and stories, dread the consequence of it, and think how sad their condition will be when all the mischief they have been accessory to shall be made to return upon themselves. [2.] The judgments of God shall fall upon them, compared here to burning coals, in allusion to the destruction of Sodom; nay, as in the deluge the waters from above, and those from beneath, met for the drowning of the world, both the windows of heaven were opened and the fountains of the great deep were broken up, so here, to complete the ruin of the enemies of Christ and his kingdom, they shall not only have burning coals cast upon them from above (Job 20:23; Job 27:22), but they themselves shall be cast into the fire beneath; both heaven and hell, the wrath of God the Judge and the rage of Satan the tormentor, shall concur to make them miserable. And the fire they shall be cast into is not a furnace of fire, out of which perhaps they might escape, but a deep pit, out of which they cannot rise. Tophet is said to be deep and large, Isa 30:33.

(2.)Of all others that are like them, Psa 140:11. [1.] Evil speakers must expect to be shaken, for they shall never be established in the earth. What is got by fraud and falsehood, by calumny and unjust accusation, will not prosper, will not last. Wealth gotten by vanity will be diminished. Let not such men as Doeg think to reign long, for his doom will be theirs, Psa 2:5. A lying tongue is but for a moment, but the lip of truth shall be established for ever. [2.] Evil doers must expect to be destroyed: Evil shall hunt the violent man, as the blood-hound hunts the murderer to discover him, as the lion hunts his prey to tear it to pieces. Mischievous men will be brought to light, and brought to ruin; the destruction appointed shall run them down and overthrow them. Evil pursues sinners.

II. Here is his foresight of the deliverance and comfort of the persecuted, Psa 140:12, Psa 140:13. 1. God will do those justice, in delivering them, who, being wronged, commit themselves to him: "I know that the Lord will maintain the just and injured cause of his afflicted people, and will not suffer might always to prevail against right, though it be but the right of the poor, who have but little that they can pretend a right to." God is, and will be, the patron of oppressed innocence, much more of persecuted piety; those that know him cannot but know this. 2. They will do him justice (if I may so speak), in ascribing the glory of their deliverance to him: "Surely the righteous (who make conscience of rendering to God his due, as well as to men theirs) shall give thanks unto thy name when they find their cause pleaded with jealousy and prosecuted with effect." The closing words, The upright shall dwell in thy presence, denote both God's favour to them ("Thou shalt admit them to dwell in thy presence in grace here, in glory hereafter, and it shall be their safety and happiness") and their duty to God: "They shall attend upon thee as servants that keep in the presence of their masters, both to do them honour and to receive their commands." This is true thanksgiving, even thanksliving; and this use we should make of all our deliverance, we should serve God the more closely and cheerfully.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 8–13. Public domain.
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Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 140
"But the just shall confess to Your Name" [Psalm 140:13]. Both when You shall plead their cause, and when You shall maintain their right, they "shall confess to Your Name;" nought shall they attribute to their own merits, all they shall attribute to nought save to Your mercy....Therefore see what follows, see wherewith he concludes. "The upright shall dwell with Your Countenance." For ill was it with them in their own countenance; well will it be with them with Your Countenance. For when they loved their own countenance, "In the sweat of their countenance did they eat bread." [Genesis 3:19] Your Countenance shall come to them with abundance to satisfy them. Nought more shall they seek, for nought better have they; no more shall they abandon You, nor be abandoned by You. For after His Resurrection, what was said of the Lord? "You shall fill me with joy with Your Countenance." Without His Countenance He would not give us joy. For this do we cleanse our countenance, that we may rejoice in His Countenance. [1 John 3:2] ...Because too, "blessed are the poor in heart, for they shall see God;" [Matthew 5:8] He gave the Form of Man both to good and evil, the Form of God He preserved for the pure and good, that we may rejoice in Him, and it may be well with us for ever with His Countenance.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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