Psalms 30:12

To the end that [my] glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.

To the end that my glory {H3519} may sing {H2167} praise to thee, and not be silent {H1826}. O LORD {H3068} my God {H430}, I will give thanks {H3034} unto thee for ever {H5769}.

so that my well-being can praise you and not be silent; ADONAI my God, I will thank you forever!

that my heart may sing Your praises and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks forever.

To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Jehovah my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.

Commentary

Context

Psalm 30 is a powerful psalm of thanksgiving, attributed to David, likely composed after a period of severe illness or distress from which God delivered him. The preceding verses vividly describe the psalmist's near-death experience, his fervent cry to the Lord for mercy, and God's gracious intervention. The psalm transitions from a lament of despair (Psalm 30:9) to a joyful declaration of God's restorative power, where God turns mourning into dancing. Verse 12 serves as the triumphant conclusion and a perpetual vow of praise, articulating the very purpose of his deliverance.

Key Themes

  • Purpose of Deliverance: The verse highlights that salvation, healing, or any form of divine intervention is not an end in itself, but a means to a greater purpose: to enable and inspire deeper worship. God saves so that His people might praise Him.
  • Active and Unceasing Praise: The phrase "not be silent" underscores the importance of vocal, continuous, and enthusiastic worship. Itโ€™s a commitment to a life of gratitude, contrasting sharply with the silence of the grave or the despair of affliction.
  • Personal and Eternal Commitment: "O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever" demonstrates a deep, intimate relationship and an unwavering personal vow to worship God eternally for His goodness and faithfulness.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "my glory" (KJV) in this verse is a significant translation of the Hebrew word kabod (ื›ึธึผื‘ื•ึนื“). While kabod often refers to God's majestic presence or weighty splendor, when applied to humans, it can signify one's innermost being, soul, spirit, or even the tongue (as the primary instrument of vocal praise). In this context, "my glory" likely means "my soul" or "my whole being," implying that every facet of the psalmist's existence is now dedicated to singing God's praise. It's the very essence of his restored life, no longer silent in potential death but vibrant with thanksgiving.

Practical Application

Psalms 30:12 offers a timeless model for our own response to God's grace. It reminds us that when God delivers us from difficulties, whether physical illness, emotional distress, or spiritual bondage, our appropriate response is not merely relief but profound and lasting gratitude. We are called to use our renewed strength, our voices, and our entire lives to actively praise Him. This verse encourages us to transform our experiences of God's faithfulness into a perpetual song of thanksgiving, ensuring that our "glory" โ€“ our innermost being and our capacity for expression โ€“ is never silent but always declaring His goodness.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 145:2 (5 votes)

    Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.

  • Psalms 44:8 (4 votes)

    In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever. Selah.

  • Psalms 16:9 (4 votes)

    Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.

  • Psalms 146:1 (4 votes)

    ยถ Praise ye the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul.

  • Psalms 146:2 (4 votes)

    While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.

  • Luke 19:40 (3 votes)

    And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.

  • Psalms 57:8 (2 votes)

    Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I [myself] will awake early.