Psalms 63:11

Translation
King James Version
But the king shall rejoice in God; every one that sweareth by him shall glory: but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped.
Ask
KJV (with Strong's)
But the king H4428 shall rejoice H8055 H8799 in God H430; every one that sweareth H7650 H8737 by him shall glory H1984 H8691: but the mouth H6310 of them that speak H1696 H8802 lies H8267 shall be stopped H5534 H8735.
Ask
Complete Jewish Bible
But the king will rejoice in God. Everyone who swears by him will exult, for the mouths of liars will be silenced.
Ask
Berean Standard Bible
But the king will rejoice in God; all who swear by Him will exult, for the mouths of liars will be shut.
Ask
American Standard Version
But the king shall rejoice in God: Every one that sweareth by him shall glory; For the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped.
Ask
World English Bible Messianic
But the king shall rejoice in God. Everyone who swears by him will praise him, for the mouth of those who speak lies shall be silenced.
Ask
Geneva Bible (1599)
But the King shall reioyce in God, and all that sweare by him shall reioyce in him: for the mouth of them that speake lyes, shall be stopped.
Ask
Young's Literal Translation
And the king doth rejoice in God, Boast himself doth every one swearing by Him, But stopped is the mouth of those speaking lies!
Ask
See also
Deuteronomy 6:13Psalms 21:1Isaiah 65:16Isaiah 45:23Romans 3:19Hebrews 6:131 Samuel 23:17
In the KJVVerse 14,851 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Psalm 63:11 serves as a triumphant culmination of David's fervent trust and unwavering hope in God, even when facing dire circumstances in the wilderness. This verse powerfully declares God's ultimate sovereignty and perfect justice, affirming that while the king finds his true joy and vindication in the Lord, all who are loyal to God will be honored, and the mouths of those who speak lies will be decisively silenced by divine intervention. It encapsulates the psalm's profound movement from desperate spiritual longing to a confident assurance of God's righteous rule and the ultimate triumph of truth over falsehood.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Psalm 63 is a deeply personal psalm of individual lament and trust, aptly subtitled "A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah." The psalm opens with David's intense spiritual yearning for God, likening his soul's longing to a parched land without water, a vivid metaphor for his spiritual thirst in a desolate physical and emotional landscape (Psalms 63:1). He then recalls God's past faithfulness and expresses a profound desire to once again behold God's power and glory, remembering times of divine presence and strength (Psalms 63:2). The psalm progresses from this initial yearning to an unwavering confidence in God's protective presence and ultimate vindication. Verses 9-10 describe the inevitable downfall of David's enemies, who "seek my soul, to destroy it," predicting their destruction and descent into the earth, thereby setting the stage for the triumphant declaration of verse 11 regarding the king's joy and the silencing of liars. This final verse provides a definitive theological conclusion, sharply contrasting the assured destiny of the righteous with the certain judgment of the wicked.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The superscription places this psalm "when he was in the wilderness of Judah," a period most commonly interpreted as David's flight from his rebellious son Absalom (2 Samuel 15), though it could also refer to his earlier flight from King Saul (e.g., 1 Samuel 23:14). During such periods, David was a fugitive, facing betrayal, slander, and mortal threats, yet he maintained an extraordinary spiritual focus on God. Culturally, the king in ancient Israel was understood as God's anointed representative, and his well-being was intrinsically tied to the nation's spiritual and physical health. To "swear by him" (referring to God) was a profound act of covenantal allegiance and truth-telling, invoking divine authority and demonstrating loyalty. Conversely, "speaking lies" was considered a grave offense, undermining community trust, violating covenant fidelity, and directly defying God's character as truth. The wilderness setting itself underscores David's vulnerability and absolute dependence on God, making his expressions of trust and hope in God's ultimate intervention all the more poignant and powerful.
  • Key Themes: This verse encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout the Psalms and broader biblical theology. Firstly, Divine Sovereignty and Justice is paramount, asserting God's ultimate control over human affairs, including the destinies of rulers and the wicked. It declares that God will actively uphold truth and silence falsehood, demonstrating His perfect and active justice in the world. Secondly, the Vindication of the Righteous is a central promise; those who are faithful and loyal to God ("every one that sweareth by him") are assured glory and honor. This speaks to God's faithfulness in defending and exalting His own, bringing them honor and vindication in due time, as seen in the broader narrative of David's life, from his anointing as king to his eventual reign (1 Samuel 16). Thirdly, the Consequences for the Deceitful are starkly presented, highlighting God's abhorrence of falsehood and His active role in silencing it, ensuring that the schemes of liars will ultimately fail and be exposed (Proverbs 12:22). Finally, the theme of Joy in God is foundational, demonstrating that true joy for the king (and by extension, the believer) is rooted not in worldly success or the absence of trouble, but in a deep, abiding faith and trust in God's protection and ultimate victory, a sentiment echoed in many psalms of trust and praise (Psalms 4:7).

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Rejoice (Hebrew, sâmach', H8055): A primitive root meaning "to brighten up," and figuratively, "to be blithe or gleesome." It signifies a deep, inner delight and gladness, often leading to outward expressions of joy. For the king, this joy is not superficial or circumstantial but springs from a secure and confident relationship with God, rooted in His character and ultimate victory, transcending immediate difficulties and external circumstances.
  • Sweareth (Hebrew, shâbaʻ', H7650): A primitive root meaning "to seven oneself," implying to swear as if by repeating a declaration seven times, symbolizing completeness and certainty. This verb denotes more than merely taking an oath; it signifies a profound act of covenantal allegiance, loyalty, and deep devotion. To "swear by him" means to invoke God's authority and character as a witness to one's truthfulness and commitment, implying a life lived in integrity and faithfulness to God's covenant.
  • Stopped (Hebrew, çâkar', H5534): A primitive root meaning "to shut up," "to be closed," or "to be stopped." In this context, it powerfully conveys a complete silencing or shutting down of the mouths of those who speak lies. It suggests not just a cessation of their lying, but a divine intervention that renders their deceitful efforts futile, brings them to shame, and often implies a public exposure or divine judgment that prevents them from continuing their harmful speech.

Verse Breakdown

  • "But the king shall rejoice in God;": This initial clause presents a powerful and hopeful contrast to the preceding verses, which detail the downfall of the king's enemies. Despite the trials, threats, and desolation David experiences, his ultimate source of joy, security, and confidence is God Himself. This joy is not based on fleeting circumstances or worldly success but is a profound, theological delight rooted in God's unchanging character, faithfulness, and the certainty of His ultimate vindication. It speaks to an unshakeable trust that transcends immediate difficulties.
  • "every one that sweareth by him shall glory:": This expands the promise of vindication and honor beyond the king to encompass all who are truly loyal and faithful to God. To "swear by him" signifies a deep, covenantal allegiance and integrity before God, where one's words and life are aligned with divine truth. Such individuals, by virtue of their devotion and truthfulness, will experience "glory"—meaning honor, vindication, and exaltation from God. This is a divine assurance that faithfulness to God will ultimately be rewarded, recognized, and publicly affirmed.
  • "but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped.": This final clause provides a stark and decisive counterpoint, detailing the assured fate of the wicked and deceitful. Those who engage in falsehood, slander, and deception will be divinely silenced. Their ability to spread lies, undermine truth, or cause harm through deceitful speech will be brought to an abrupt and complete end. This often implies a public shaming, exposure of their deceit, or a divine judgment that renders their efforts powerless, underscoring God's active opposition to falsehood and His unwavering commitment to upholding truth and justice.

Literary Devices

Psalm 63:11 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message of divine justice and vindication. The most prominent is Contrast, which is evident in the sharp juxtaposition between the king and those who swear by God (who rejoice and glory) and "them that speak lies" (whose mouths shall be stopped). This antithetical parallelism vividly highlights the distinct and opposing destinies of the righteous and the wicked. There is also a strong sense of Parallelism, particularly in the first two clauses, where the king's rejoicing in God is paralleled by the glory of those who swear by God, suggesting a shared experience of divine favor and vindication for all who are aligned with God. The phrase "mouth... shall be stopped" functions as a potent Metaphor for the complete cessation of deceitful speech and the ultimate futility of wicked schemes. It vividly portrays a divine act of silencing, implying not just a lack of words but a comprehensive defeat and exposure of falsehood. The verse's concise and declarative nature also lends it an air of Aphorism, presenting a universal and timeless truth about divine justice and the ultimate triumph of truth.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Psalm 63:11 profoundly articulates the biblical principle of divine justice, where God actively intervenes in human affairs to vindicate the righteous and silence the wicked. It reinforces the theme that true joy, security, and honor are found exclusively in God, not in worldly power, human approval, or favorable circumstances. The "glory" promised to those who swear by God speaks to the inherent honor and ultimate vindication that comes from living a life of integrity and unwavering allegiance to the Creator. Conversely, the decisive silencing of liars underscores God's absolute opposition to falsehood and His commitment to establishing truth, reflecting His own character as a God of truth and righteousness. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God is the ultimate arbiter of truth and justice, ensuring that no lie or deception will stand forever in His presence.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Psalm 63:11 offers profound encouragement and a clear call to faithful living for believers today. In a world often saturated with deceit, injustice, and the clamor of opposing voices, this verse reminds us where our ultimate joy and security truly lie: in God alone. Like David, we are called to anchor our delight and confidence in the Lord, regardless of our external circumstances or the trials we face. This perspective cultivates resilience and inner peace, enabling us to navigate adversity with a spirit of hope and unwavering trust. Furthermore, the promise of glory for those who "swear by him" challenges us to live lives of unwavering integrity and truthfulness, reflecting God's character in every word and action. Our allegiance to God, expressed through our commitment to truth, brings lasting honor and divine vindication that far surpasses any fleeting worldly recognition. Finally, when confronted with slander, falsehood, or injustice, this verse calls us to trust in God's perfect timing and His ultimate role as judge. We are to rely on His justice to expose and silence deceit, rather than succumbing to despair, seeking personal revenge, or engaging in the same deceitful tactics. It is a powerful assurance that God is sovereign over all, and His truth will ultimately prevail.

Questions for Reflection

  • Where do I primarily seek my joy and security? Is it truly rooted in God, or in circumstances and worldly achievements?
  • In what ways can I more consistently "swear by Him" in my daily life, demonstrating unwavering allegiance and integrity to God in my words and actions?
  • How does trusting in God's ultimate justice impact my response when I encounter falsehood, slander, or injustice in the world or in my personal life?

FAQ

What does it mean to "swear by him" in this context?

Answer: To "swear by him" (referring to God) in Psalms 63:11 signifies much more than simply taking an oath. It denotes a profound act of covenantal allegiance, loyalty, and deep devotion to God. In ancient Israel, to swear by God's name was to invoke His divine authority, character, and very being as a witness to one's truthfulness, commitment, and submission. Therefore, "every one that sweareth by him" refers to those who are truly devoted to and dependent on God, making Him their ultimate authority, source of truth, and the guarantor of their lives. It implies a life lived in integrity and faithfulness to God's covenant, where one's words and actions are aligned with God's truth and character, reflecting the call to integrity found throughout Scripture, even in the New Testament (Matthew 5:33-37).

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Psalm 63:11 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the true King, not merely of Israel, but of all creation, who perfectly "rejoiced in God" even in the face of immense suffering and the cross, finding His joy and strength in His Father's will and the promise of ultimate vindication (Hebrews 12:2). As the Son, Jesus embodies the perfect "one who sweareth by Him," living a life of absolute fidelity, truth, and unwavering obedience to God, even unto death on the cross (Philippians 2:8). His glorious resurrection and ascension are the ultimate "glory" promised to those who are faithful, demonstrating God's complete vindication of His Son and the triumph of righteousness. Furthermore, Jesus is the very embodiment of truth, and His coming decisively "stopped the mouth of them that speak lies." Through His life, death, and resurrection, He exposed the lies of Satan, sin, and death, silencing their accusations and breaking their power over humanity (John 8:44). His triumph on the cross and His ongoing reign as King ensure that all falsehood and deception will ultimately be brought to nothing, and His truth will prevail eternally, ushering in a new heaven and new earth where righteousness dwells and all things are made new (Revelation 21:5). Thus, in Christ, the promises of joy, glory, and the silencing of lies are fully realized for all who put their faith in Him.

Copy as

Commentary on Psalms 63 verses 7–11

I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points

David, having expressed his desires towards God and his praises of him, here expresses his confidence in him and his joyful expectations from him (Psa 63:7): In the shadow of thy wings I will rejoice, alluding either to the wings of the cherubim stretched out over the ark of the covenant, between which God is said to dwell ("I will rejoice in thy oracles, and in covenant and communion with thee"), or to the wings of a fowl, under which the helpless young ones have shelter, as the eagle's young ones (Exo 19:4, Deu 32:11), which speaks the divine power, and the young ones of the common hen (Mat 23:37), which speaks more of divine tenderness. It is a phrase often used in the psalms (Psa 17:8; Psa 36:7; Psa 57:1; Psa 61:4; Psa 91:4), and no where else in this sense, except Rut 2:12, where Ruth, when she became a proselyte, is said to trust under the wings of the God of Israel. It is our duty to rejoice in the shadow of God's wings, which denotes our recourse to him by faith and prayer, as naturally as the chickens, when they are cold or frightened, run by instinct under the wings of the hen. It intimates also our reliance upon him as able and ready to help us and our refreshment and satisfaction in his care and protection. Having committed ourselves to God, we must be easy and pleased, and quiet from the fear of evil. Now let us see further,

I. What were the supports and encouragements of David's confidence in God. Two things were as props to that hope which the word of God was the only foundation of: -

1.His former experiences of God's power in relieving him: "Because thou hast been my help when other helps and helpers failed me, therefore I will still rejoice in thy salvation, will trust in thee for the future, and will do it with delight and holy joy. Thou hast been not only my helper, but my help;" for we could never have helped ourselves, nor could any creature have been helpful to us, but by him. Here we may set up our Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto the Lord has helped us, and must therefore resolve that we will never desert him, never distrust him, nor ever droop in our walking with him.

2.The present sense he had of God's grace carrying him on in these pursuits (Psa 63:8): My soul follows hard after thee, which speaks a very earnest desire and a serious vigorous endeavour to keep up communion with God; if we cannot always have God in our embraces, yet we must always have him in our eye, reaching forth towards him as our prize, Phi 3:14. To press hard after God is to follow him closely, as those that are afraid of losing the sight of him, and to follow him swiftly, as those that long to be with him. This David did, and he owns, to the glory of God, Thy right hand upholds me. God upheld him, (1.) Under his afflictions, that he might not sink under them. Underneath are the everlasting arms. (2.) In his devotions. God upheld him in his holy desires and pursuits, that he might not grow weary in well-doing. Those that follow hard after God would soon fail and faint if God's right hand did not uphold them. It is he that strengthens us in the pursuit of him, quickens our good affections, and comforts us while we have not yet attained what we are in the pursuit of. It is by the power of God (that is his right hand) that we are kept from falling. Now this was a great encouragement to the psalmist to hope that he would, in due time, give him that which he so earnestly desired, because he had by his grace wrought in him those desires and kept them up.

II. What it was that David triumphed in the hopes of.

1.That his enemies should be ruined, Psa 63:9, Psa 63:10. There were those that sought his soul to destroy it, not only his life (which they struck at, both to prevent his coming to the crown and because they envied and hated him for his wisdom, piety, and usefulness), but his soul, which they sought to destroy by banishing him from God's ordinances, which are the nourishment and support of the soul (so doing what they could to starve it), and by sending him to serve other gods, so doing what they could to poison it, Sa1 26:19. But he foresees and foretels, (1.) That they shall go into the lower parts of the earth, to the grave, to hell; their enmity to David would be their death and their damnation, their ruin, their eternal ruin. (2.) That they shall fall by the sword, by the sword of God's wrath and his justice, by the sword of man, Job 19:28, Job 19:29. They shall die a violent death, Rev 13:10. This was fulfilled in Saul, who fell by the sword, his own sword; David foretold this, yet he would not execute it when it was in the power of his hand, once and again; for precepts, not prophecies, are our rule. (3.) That they shall be a portion for foxes; either their dead bodies shall be a prey to ravenous beasts (Saul lay a good while unburied) or their houses and estates shall be a habitation for wild beasts, Isa 34:14. Such as this will be the doom of Christ's enemies, that oppose his kingdom and interest in the world; Bring them forth and slay them before me, Luk 19:27.

2.That he himself should gain his point at last (Psa 63:11), that he should be advanced to the throne to which he had been anointed: The king shall rejoice in God. (1.) He calls himself the king, because he knew himself to be so in the divine purpose and designation; thus Paul, while yet in the conflict, writes himself more than a conqueror, Rom 8:37. Believers are made kings, though they are not to have the dominion till the morning of the resurrection. (2.) He doubts not but that though he was now sowing in tears he should reap in joy. The king shall rejoice. (3.) He resolves to make God the Alpha and Omega of all his joys. He shall rejoice in God. Now this is applicable to the glories and joys of the exalted Redeemer. Messiah the Prince shall rejoice in God; he has already entered into the joy set before him, and his glory will be completed at his second coming. Two things would be the good effect of David's advancement: - [1.] It would be the consolation of his friends. Every one that swears to him (that is, to David), that comes into his interest and takes an oath of allegiance to him, shall glory in his success; or every one that swears by him (that is, by the blessed name of God, and not by any idol, Deu 6:13), and then it means all good people, that make a sincere and open profession of God's name; they shall glory in God; they shall glory in David's advancement. Those that fear thee will be glad when they see me. Those that heartily espouse the cause of Christ shall glory in its victory at last. If we suffer with him, we shall reign with him. [2.] It would be the confutation of his enemies: The mouth of those that speak lies, of Saul, and Doeg, and others that misrepresented David and insulted over him, as if his cause was desperate, shall be quite stopped; they shall not have one word more to say against him, but will be for ever silenced and shamed. Apply this to Christ's enemies, to those that speak lies to him, as all hypocrites do, that tell him they love him while their hearts are not with him; their mouth shall be stopped with that word, I know you not whence you are; they shall be for ever speechless, Mat 22:12. The mouths of those also that speak lies against him, that pervert the right ways of the Lord and speak ill of his holy religion, will be stopped in that day when the Lord shall come to reckon for all the hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. Christ's second coming will be the everlasting triumph of all his faithful friends and followers, who may therefore now triumph in the believing hopes of it.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 7–11. Public domain.
Copy as
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.
Copy as

Continue studying Psalms 63:11 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.

Read & Compare

Commentaries

Original Language & Research

Sermons, Hymns & Audio

TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.