Psalms 140:13

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

Surely the righteous {H6662} shall give thanks {H3034} unto thy name {H8034}: the upright {H3477} shall dwell {H3427} in thy presence {H6440}.

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

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

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

Psalm 140:13 (KJV) offers a powerful conclusion to a psalm of distress, articulating the psalmist's unwavering confidence in God's justice and faithfulness. It declares that those who live righteously will not only offer praise to God but will also enjoy a perpetual, intimate relationship with Him.

Context

Psalm 140 is a prayer of David, crying out to God for deliverance from wicked and violent men who seek to harm him. Throughout the psalm, David details the schemes and threats of his enemies, appealing to God as his refuge and strength. He expresses a deep trust that the Lord will uphold the cause of the afflicted and execute justice. Verse 13 serves as a confident and prophetic declaration of the ultimate outcome: despite the present danger, the righteous will prevail and enjoy God's favor, while the wicked will be overthrown. It transitions from a plea for rescue to an assurance of divine vindication and blessing.

Key Themes

  • Thanksgiving of the Righteous: The verse begins with the certainty that "Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name." This is not just a casual expression of gratitude, but a deep, heartfelt acknowledgment of God's character, power, and deliverance. It implies a life lived in recognition of God's goodness and intervention, especially after experiencing His protection from adversaries. This theme resonates with Psalm 34:1, where David vows to bless the Lord at all times.
  • Dwelling in God's Presence: The second part of the verse, "the upright shall dwell in thy presence," speaks to an even deeper blessing. To "dwell in God's presence" signifies not merely being near Him, but living in intimate communion, security, and favor. It implies a state of abiding fellowship, protection, and peace that is reserved for those who walk in integrity. This promise of close fellowship is a core desire for believers, echoed in Psalm 16:11, which speaks of fullness of joy in His presence.
  • Divine Justice and Vindication: Underlying this verse is the theme of God's justice. The "righteous" and "upright" are those who align their lives with God's moral standards, often suffering unjustly in this world. This verse assures them that their steadfastness will be rewarded, and God will ultimately distinguish them from the wicked, bringing them into His favor and protection.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Righteous" (Hebrew: tsaddiq): This term refers to one who is just, innocent, and conforms to God's standard of righteousness. It implies a moral and ethical uprightness.
  • "Upright" (Hebrew: yashar): This word means straight, level, or morally correct. It emphasizes integrity and sincerity of heart and conduct, walking a path that is pleasing to God.
  • "Give thanks" (Hebrew: yadah): More than just saying "thank you," this verb often implies public praise, confession, or acknowledgment, often with outstretched hands. It signifies an act of worship and adoration.
  • "Dwell in thy presence" (Hebrew: yashab l'paneikha): Yashab means to sit, remain, or abide. L'paneikha means "before your face" or "in your presence." This phrase conveys a sense of intimate, secure, and continuous communion with God, enjoying His favor and protection.

Practical Application

Psalm 140:13 offers profound encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that:

  • Righteous Living is Rewarded: While we may face trials and opposition, living a life of integrity and seeking righteousness in Christ ultimately leads to God's favor and presence.
  • Gratitude is a Core Response: Regardless of circumstances, the appropriate response of the righteous is to give thanks to God's name, acknowledging His sovereignty and goodness. This cultivated habit of thanksgiving strengthens our faith and perspective.
  • God's Presence is Our Ultimate Goal: The deepest desire of the human heart, and the ultimate blessing for the believer, is to abide in God's presence and experience His close fellowship. This verse assures us that for the upright, this privilege is certain. It serves as a powerful reminder to prioritize our relationship with God above all else.
This verse stands as a beacon of hope and a declaration of faith, affirming that God's justice prevails and His steadfast love ensures the blessed state of the righteous.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.
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