Psalms 140:13

KJV

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

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The righteous will surely give thanks to your name; the upright will live in your presence.

Berean Standard Bible

Surely the righteous will praise Your name; the upright will dwell in Your presence.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### 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](/psalms/140-1-5 "Psalms 140:1-5 - David's Prayer for Deliverance from the Wicked")). 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](/psalms/140-6-12 "Psalms 140:6-12 - David's Trust in God's Justice")). 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](/psalms/27-4 "Psalms 27:4 - David's Desire to Dwell in the House of the Lord").
* **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](/psalms/1-4-6 "Psalms 1:4-6 - The Fate of the Ungodly"). 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](/psalms/34-1 "Psalms 34:1 - Blessing the Lord at All Times") where David vows to bless the Lord at all times.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Righteous (Hebrew, _tsaddîyq'_):** 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'_):** 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'_):** 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.

* [Psalms 16:11](/psalms/16-11 "Psalm 16:11 - Fullness of Joy in God's Presence")
* [Psalms 23:6](/psalms/23-6 "Psalm 23:6 - Dwelling in the House of the Lord Forever")
* [Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God's Dwelling Place is with Man")

### 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](/psalms/7-17 "Psalms 7:17 - Giving Thanks to the Lord's Righteousness").

**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](/psalms/27-8 "Psalms 27:8 - Seeking God's Face").

### 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 (cf. [1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ Committed No Sin")). 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 (cf. [John 17:4](/john/17-4 "John 17:4 - Jesus Glorifies the Father")). 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 (cf. [Ephesians 2:13](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13 - Brought Near by the Blood of Christ")). Jesus Himself promised to come and make His dwelling with those who love Him and keep His word (cf. [John 14:23](/john/14-23 "John 14:23 - Dwelling with God")), and through the indwelling Holy Spirit, God's presence now resides within believers, making them temples of the Holy Spirit (cf. [1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")). 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.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 16:11

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence [is] fulness of joy; at thy right hand [there are] pleasures for evermore.

Psalms 11:7

For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.

John 17:24

¶ Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

Isaiah 3:10

Say ye to the righteous, that [it shall be] well [with him]: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.

Revelation 7:14

And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Revelation 7:17

For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

1 Thessalonians 4:17

Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.