Psalms 54:6

KJV

I will freely sacrifice unto thee: I will praise thy name, O LORD; for [it is] good.

KJV (with Strong's)

I will freely {H5071} sacrifice {H2076}{H8799)} unto thee: I will praise {H3034}{H8686)} thy name {H8034}, O LORD {H3068}; for it is good {H2896}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then I will generously sacrifice to you; I will praise your name, ADONAI, because it is good,

Berean Standard Bible

Freely I will sacrifice to You; I will praise Your name, O LORD, for it is good.

American Standard Version

With a freewill-offering will I sacrifice unto thee: I will give thanks unto thy name, O Jehovah, for it is good.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 54:6 stands as a profound declaration of David's unwavering commitment to worship and thanksgiving, even amidst severe personal distress and betrayal. This verse encapsulates the worshiper's promise to God, rooted not in a transactional expectation of deliverance, but in a deep, foundational understanding of God's inherent and unchanging character as supremely good. It portrays a heart that chooses to offer spontaneous, heartfelt praise and sacrifice, anticipating God's faithfulness and acknowledging His worthiness above all circumstances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 54 is a lament, specifically a psalm of individual complaint and trust. It opens with an urgent plea for salvation from enemies (verses 1-3), transitions to an expression of confident trust in God's help (verses 4-5), and culminates in a vow of praise and thanksgiving (verses 6-7). Verse 6, "I will freely sacrifice unto thee: I will praise thy name, O LORD; for [it is] good," is the heart of David's promised response to the deliverance he anticipates. It is a commitment made *before* the full experience of salvation, demonstrating profound faith and a pre-emptive act of worship that flows from confidence in God's character.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The superscription of Psalm 54 explicitly links it to a specific historical event: "To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, A Psalm of David, when the Ziphims came and said to Saul, Doth not David hide himself with us?" This refers to the desperate period in David's life when he was relentlessly pursued by King Saul, who sought to kill him. The Ziphites, inhabitants of the wilderness of Ziph, twice betrayed David's hiding place to Saul ([1 Samuel 23:19-23](/1_samuel/23-19 "1 Samuel 23:19-23 - The Ziphites Betray David") and [1 Samuel 26:1-5](/1_samuel/26-1 "1 Samuel 26:1-5 - The Ziphites Again Betray David")). David was a fugitive, living in caves and wilderness strongholds, constantly in danger. In this context of extreme vulnerability and betrayal, David's vow to "freely sacrifice" and "praise thy name" highlights a profound act of faith and spiritual resilience, a worship that transcends immediate circumstances and relies solely on the character of God. The concept of "freewill offerings" (Hebrew: *nedabah*) was a recognized part of Israelite worship, distinct from obligatory sacrifices, often made in fulfillment of a vow or as a spontaneous expression of devotion and gratitude.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalms and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Worship in Adversity**, demonstrating that genuine praise is not contingent on favorable circumstances but can arise from deep trust even in the midst of peril. David's commitment to "freely sacrifice" highlights **Voluntary and Heartfelt Worship**, emphasizing that the most pleasing offerings to God come from a willing heart, not mere obligation. This connects to the broader theme of spiritual sacrifice, as seen in passages like [Psalm 51:17](/psalms/51-17 "Psalm 51:17 - The Sacrifices of God are a Broken Spirit"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **Sovereignty and Goodness of God**. David's praise is grounded in the absolute truth that God's "name" (representing His character, attributes, and reputation) "is good." This inherent goodness of the LORD (Yahweh), as explored throughout the Psalms (e.g., [Psalm 100:5](/psalms/100-5 "Psalm 100:5 - The Lord is Good")), provides the ultimate and unchanging foundation for trust and worship, regardless of human betrayal or immediate suffering.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **freely sacrifice (Hebrew, _nādab_ / _nədābâ'_):** The verb *nādab* means "to volunteer, to be willing, to incite." The noun form, *nədābâ*, refers specifically to a "freewill offering" or "voluntary offering." Unlike obligatory sacrifices for sin or guilt, a *nədābâ* was given out of genuine devotion, spontaneous generosity, or in fulfillment of a vow. This emphasizes the intentional, uncoerced, and heartfelt nature of David's worship, signifying a deep personal commitment rather than a mere ritualistic duty.
* **praise (Hebrew, _yādâ'_):** This verb means "to give thanks, laud, confess, praise." It often involves the physical gesture of extending or throwing out the hands, symbolizing an open, public declaration of gratitude and adoration. To "praise thy name" is to acknowledge and extol God's revealed character, attributes, and deeds, recognizing His inherent worthiness.
* **good (Hebrew, _ṭôv'_):** This is a broad and foundational term in Hebrew, signifying pleasant, agreeable, excellent, beneficial, joyful, and morally upright. When applied to God, as here, it refers to His intrinsic nature as benevolent, righteous, and perfect in all His ways. His goodness is not contingent on circumstances but is an eternal truth, providing the ultimate and unchanging reason for David's worship and trust.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will freely sacrifice unto thee":** This clause expresses David's personal and resolute commitment to offer a voluntary sacrifice. It's not a legalistic obligation but a spontaneous outflow of his heart, a spiritual offering of gratitude and devotion. The "sacrifice" here likely refers to a thank offering (peace offering) that would be made in the temple upon deliverance, but it also carries the broader sense of spiritual devotion and self-offering.
* **"I will praise thy name, O LORD":** This is a parallel declaration of worship. To "praise thy name" means to glorify God for His very being, His revealed character, His attributes, and His acts of power and faithfulness. "O LORD" (Yahweh) emphasizes God's covenantal name, highlighting His personal relationship with His people and His unwavering faithfulness to His promises, even in times of distress.
* **"for [it is] good":** This concluding phrase provides the profound theological justification for David's worship. His praise and sacrifice are not offered to manipulate God or earn favor, but because God's nature *is* inherently good. This goodness is the ultimate, unchanging foundation for all worship and trust. It implies that God's actions are always just, beneficial, and perfectly aligned with His righteous character, making Him supremely worthy of all adoration.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 54:6 employs several literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. David's declaration is a clear **Vow of Praise**, a common feature in psalms of lament where the psalmist promises future thanksgiving upon divine deliverance. This vow demonstrates faith that God *will* act. The verse also exhibits **Syntactic Parallelism** in its structure, with two distinct "I will" clauses ("I will freely sacrifice... I will praise..."), which reinforces the psalmist's resolute commitment. The phrase "thy name" is a powerful example of **Metonymy**, where "name" stands in for the entire revealed character, reputation, and essence of God. Praising God's name is thus a comprehensive act of acknowledging His divine attributes and His inherent worthiness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 54:6 offers a timeless theological lesson on the nature of true worship. It teaches that authentic praise flows from a deep conviction of God's inherent goodness, rather than being merely a reaction to favorable circumstances. David's commitment to "freely sacrifice" and "praise thy name" while still in the midst of danger exemplifies a faith that trusts God's character above all else. This voluntary offering, born of a willing heart, foreshadows the New Testament understanding of spiritual sacrifices—not of animals, but of praise, thanksgiving, and lives wholly devoted to God. It reminds us that our worship is not a means to an end, but an end in itself, a rightful response to the One who is intrinsically good and worthy of all adoration.

* [Psalm 107:1](/psalms/107-1 "Psalm 107:1 - Give Thanks to the Lord, for He is Good")
* [Hosea 14:2](/hosea/14-2 "Hosea 14:2 - Offer the Calves of Our Lips")
* [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - The Sacrifice of Praise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 54:6 provides a profound model for believers navigating the complexities of life, especially in times of distress or uncertainty. David's example challenges us to cultivate a posture of worship that is not conditional on our immediate circumstances but is rooted in the unchanging truth of God's character. When we face betrayal, fear, or hardship, this verse calls us to remember that God's goodness is an eternal reality, a steadfast anchor for our souls. Our worship, like David's "freewill offering," should be a spontaneous, heartfelt response to who God is, not just what He does for us. This kind of worship transforms our perspective, shifting our gaze from our problems to the greatness of our God, strengthening our faith and deepening our intimacy with Him. It encourages us to offer "spiritual sacrifices" of praise and thanksgiving, even when our hearts are heavy, knowing that such offerings are pleasing to the Lord and align us with His eternal goodness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's commitment to "freely sacrifice" challenge our understanding of worship, especially when facing difficulties?**
* **In what ways can acknowledging God's inherent "goodness" transform our perspective during times of distress or uncertainty?**
* **What practical steps can we take to cultivate a heart of "freewill" praise, rather than merely fulfilling religious obligations?**

### FAQ

**Why is David's sacrifice described as "freely" given?**

Answer: The term "freely sacrifice" translates the Hebrew concept of a *nədābâ*, or "freewill offering." Unlike other sacrifices mandated by the Law for specific purposes (like sin offerings or guilt offerings), a freewill offering was entirely voluntary. It was given out of a spontaneous desire to express gratitude, devotion, or to fulfill a vow made to God. In David's desperate situation, his promise to "freely sacrifice" underscores that his worship is not a reluctant duty or a desperate plea for rescue, but a genuine, heartfelt commitment born of faith in God's character and anticipated deliverance. It highlights the sincerity and depth of his devotion.

**What does it mean to "praise thy name"?**

Answer: In biblical thought, a "name" represents the entire character, reputation, authority, and essence of a person. To "praise thy name" is therefore much more than simply uttering a word; it is to acknowledge, honor, and extol all that God is. It encompasses His attributes (holiness, power, love, faithfulness, justice), His revealed character through His actions in history, and His covenant relationship with His people. When David praises God's "name," he is glorifying the fullness of God's being, recognizing His supreme worthiness, and declaring His inherent excellence, especially His goodness, which is the ultimate reason for his worship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 54:6 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. David's vow to "freely sacrifice" and praise God's name for His goodness points forward to the perfect, ultimate, and truly "freewill" offering made by the Son of God Himself. Jesus willingly laid down His life, becoming the supreme sacrifice for sin, not under compulsion but out of boundless love and obedience to the Father's will ([John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus Lays Down His Life Willingly")). His entire life was a "freewill offering" of perfect obedience, culminating in His death on the cross, which perfectly glorified the Father's name and demonstrated God's goodness and righteousness in a way previously unimaginable ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Because of Christ's perfect sacrifice, believers are now empowered to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving, not through the shedding of animal blood, but through lives transformed by His grace ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")). Our ability to "praise thy name, O LORD, for [it is] good" is now rooted in the complete revelation of God's goodness found in the person and work of Jesus, who is the radiance of God's glory and the exact imprint of His nature ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory")). Through Him, we can continually offer a "sacrifice of praise" to God, the fruit of lips that confess His name ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - The Sacrifice of Praise")), knowing that His goodness endures forever through the New Covenant established in Christ.

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 52:9

I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done [it]: and I will wait on thy name; for [it is] good before thy saints.

Psalms 7:17

I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.

Psalms 147:1

¶ Praise ye the LORD: for [it is] good to sing praises unto our God; for [it is] pleasant; [and] praise is comely.

Psalms 140:13

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

Psalms 107:22

And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.

Deuteronomy 12:6

And thither ye shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and heave offerings of your hand, and your vows, and your freewill offerings, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flocks:

Deuteronomy 12:7

And there ye shall eat before the LORD your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the LORD thy God hath blessed thee.