Psalms 63:11

KJV

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.

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)}.

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.

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.

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.

Commentary

### 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](/psalm/63-1 "Psalm 63:1 - David's Thirst for God")). 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](/psalm/63-2 "Psalm 63:2 - Remembering God's Power")). 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](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion")), though it could also refer to his earlier flight from King Saul (e.g., [1 Samuel 23:14](/1_samuel/23-14 "1 Samuel 23:14 - David in the Wilderness of Ziph")). 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](/1_samuel/16 "1 Samuel 16 - David Anointed King")). 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](/proverbs/12-22 "Proverbs 12:22 - Lying Lips are an Abomination to the Lord")). 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](/psalm/4-7 "Psalm 4:7 - You have put more joy in my heart")).

### 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.
* [Proverbs 12:22](/proverbs/12-22 "Proverbs 12:22 - Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord")
* [Isaiah 54:17](/isaiah/54-17 "Isaiah 54:17 - No weapon formed against you shall prosper")
* [Revelation 21:8](/revelation/21-8 "Revelation 21:8 - The destiny of liars")

### 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](/matthew/5-33 "Matthew 5:33-37 - Do Not Swear Oaths")).

### 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](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Our Faith")). 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](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). 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](/john/8-44 "John 8:44 - The Devil, a Liar from the Beginning")). 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](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - Behold, I am making all things new")). Thus, in Christ, the promises of joy, glory, and the silencing of lies are fully realized for all who put their faith in Him.

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

Deuteronomy 6:13

Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.

Psalms 21:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The king shall joy in thy strength, O LORD; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!

Isaiah 65:16

That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes.

Isaiah 45:23

I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth [in] righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.

Romans 3:19

¶ Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

Hebrews 6:13

For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself,

1 Samuel 23:17

And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth.