Psalms 63:4

KJV

Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus will I bless {H1288}{H8762)} thee while I live {H2416}: I will lift up {H5375}{H8799)} my hands {H3709} in thy name {H8034}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes, I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.

Berean Standard Bible

So I will bless You as long as I live; in Your name I will lift my hands.

American Standard Version

So will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 63:4 encapsulates David's profound and unwavering commitment to lifelong worship and adoration of God, even amidst severe personal hardship in the wilderness. It is a heartfelt vow to continually bless the Lord and to express this devotion through the ancient posture of lifting hands, signifying surrender, dependence, and praise offered in recognition of God's holy character and sovereign authority. This verse stands as a testament to the psalmist's deep spiritual thirst and his resolve to respond to God's unfailing love with unceasing gratitude and active reverence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 63 is a lament and a psalm of trust, deeply personal and expressive of intense spiritual longing. The preceding verses (Psalms 63:1-3) vividly portray David's soul-thirst for God, comparing it to physical dehydration in a "dry and weary land where there is no water." He recalls seeing God's power and glory in the sanctuary, and declares that God's "lovingkindness is better than life" itself. Verse 4 flows directly as a volitional response to this profound realization of God's supreme worth and the satisfaction found in His presence. Having experienced God's steadfast love and protection, David commits himself to a lifelong posture of praise and worship, demonstrating that true satisfaction in God leads to an overflow of adoration and a desire to continually honor Him.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The superscription attributes this psalm to David when he was "in the wilderness of Judah." This likely refers to a period of intense distress and flight, most commonly associated with his escape from his rebellious son Absalom (2 Samuel 15-17) or earlier, from King Saul (1 Samuel 23). The wilderness of Judah is a desolate, arid region, characterized by caves, rocky terrain, and scarcity of water, making it a place of physical hardship and isolation. David's physical environment mirrors his spiritual yearning; the desolation of the land amplifies his soul's deep thirst for God. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the act of "lifting up hands" was a common and deeply significant gesture in prayer, supplication, and worship, symbolizing an open posture of surrender, dependence, and reception of divine favor, or an offering of praise.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader Psalter. It highlights **lifelong devotion**, as David pledges to bless God "while I live," signifying a commitment to continuous, unwavering praise and worship throughout his entire existence, irrespective of circumstances. This echoes the sentiment found in [Psalm 145:2](/psalms/145-2 "Psalm 145:2 - Daily Praise"), which declares a commitment to daily and eternal praise. The theme of **active worship** is evident in the physical act of "lifting up my hands," an outward, tangible expression of an inward spiritual state of reverence, submission, and adoration. Furthermore, the phrase "in thy name" underscores the theme of **worship rooted in God's character and authority**. To worship "in thy name" means to do so according to God's revealed nature, acknowledging His power, holiness, faithfulness, and love. This is not merely invoking a word, but revering the very essence of who God is, trusting in the strength and security found in His identity, as seen in [Proverbs 18:10](/proverbs/18-10 "Proverbs 18:10 - The Name of the Lord as a Strong Tower").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bless (Hebrew, _barak'_):** When applied to humans blessing God, this term signifies praise, adoration, and the acknowledgment of God's inherent goodness, sovereignty, and worthiness. It is not an act of bestowing favor upon God, but rather an act of expressing honor, gratitude, and reverence to Him. It implies a recognition of His divine attributes and a verbal declaration of His greatness.
* **Lift up my hands (Hebrew, _nasa kapayim'_):** This phrase describes a widespread and significant gesture in biblical worship and prayer. It symbolizes an open posture of surrender, dependence, supplication, and adoration. It is an outward physical expression of an inward spiritual state, demonstrating humility, receptivity to God's grace, and an offering of oneself in worship. It can also signify a posture of receiving a blessing or making a vow.
* **Name (Hebrew, _shem'_):** In biblical thought, God's "name" is far more than a mere label; it represents His entire revealed character, His authority, His presence, and His very being. To act or worship "in thy name" means to do so in accordance with who God is, relying on His power, acknowledging His holiness, and trusting in His faithfulness. It implies a worship that is informed by and directed towards the true nature of the Almighty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus will I bless thee while I live":** This clause expresses a deeply personal and resolute commitment from the psalmist. "Thus" refers back to the profound satisfaction and spiritual nourishment experienced in God's presence (Psalms 63:1-3). David vows a continuous, active, and conscious act of praise and adoration ("bless thee") that will endure throughout his entire earthly existence ("while I live"). This is a pledge of lifelong devotion, indicating that his worship is not circumstantial or fleeting, but a fundamental aspect of his being, sustained even in the most challenging environments like the wilderness.
* **"I will lift up my hands":** This phrase describes the specific physical posture that accompanies his vow of blessing. It is a tangible, outward demonstration of his inward spiritual state. Lifting hands signifies a posture of surrender to God's will, dependence on His provision, and an open heart ready to receive from Him. It is also a gesture of offering praise, supplication, and reverence, making his worship active and embodied, not merely intellectual.
* **"in thy name":** This final phrase qualifies the nature and direction of David's worship. His praise and the lifting of his hands are not generic acts of devotion but are specifically directed "in thy name." This means his worship is grounded in and empowered by God's revealed character, His authority, and His very presence. It implies a worship that acknowledges God for who He truly is—His power, holiness, love, and faithfulness—and is offered in reliance upon His divine essence, not merely human sentiment or ritual.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 63:4 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The verse functions as a **Vow** or **Pledge**, where David solemnly commits to a course of action—lifelong praise—in response to God's goodness. This vow is absolute and unconditional, underscored by the phrase "while I live." The act of "lifting up my hands" serves as **Symbolism**, representing not only a physical posture of prayer and worship but also an outward manifestation of inward surrender, dependence, and an open heart. It is a **Synecdoche**, where a part (hands) stands for the whole person, indicating that David's entire being is engaged in this act of devotion. Furthermore, the entire psalm, leading up to this verse, utilizes **Metaphor** extensively, particularly the comparison of spiritual longing to physical thirst in a dry land, which then gives context to the subsequent declaration of satisfaction and praise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 63:4 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of true worship and human response to divine grace. It underscores that worship is not merely an activity but a continuous, life-encompassing posture of the heart and body, born out of a deep experience of God's lovingkindness. David's vow to "bless thee while I live" speaks to the concept of covenant faithfulness, where the believer commits to a lifelong relationship of adoration and obedience. This verse also highlights the holistic nature of worship, encompassing both internal devotion and outward, physical expression. To worship "in thy name" points to the essential truth that genuine worship must be directed towards and grounded in God's revealed character and authority, rather than human constructs or fleeting emotions. It is a worship that acknowledges God's sovereignty and finds its foundation in His unchanging identity, providing a powerful example for believers to cultivate a worship life that is both deeply personal and biblically informed.

* [Psalm 145:2](/psalms/145-2 "Psalm 145:2 - Daily Praise")
* [Lamentations 3:41](/lamentations/3-41 "Lamentations 3:41 - Lifting Hearts and Hands to God")
* [Exodus 34:5-7](/exodus/34-5 "Exodus 34:5-7 - God's Name and Character")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 63:4 offers a timeless blueprint for a vibrant spiritual life, especially in seasons of hardship. David's commitment to bless God "while I live" challenges us to consider worship not as an isolated event, but as an integrated lifestyle—a continuous posture of gratitude and reverence that permeates every aspect of our existence, regardless of our circumstances. Even in the "wilderness" moments of life, when we feel dry, weary, or isolated, this verse calls us to intentionally turn our hearts and hands towards God. The physical act of "lifting up my hands" serves as a powerful reminder that our worship can be embodied, a tangible expression of surrender, dependence, and open receptivity to God's grace. It invites us to humbly acknowledge our need for Him and to offer ourselves fully in praise. Furthermore, to worship "in thy name" compels us to deepen our understanding of who God is—His character, His promises, His authority—so that our praise is rooted in truth and not merely in emotion. This verse encourages an authentic, holistic, and enduring devotion to the God who satisfies our deepest longings.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's commitment to praise "while I live" challenge my understanding of worship as a continuous lifestyle rather than a confined activity?**
* **In what ways can I physically or symbolically "lift up my hands" as an expression of surrender and dependence on God in my daily life?**
* **How does understanding God's "name" (His character and authority) deepen my worship and trust in Him, particularly during challenging times?**
* **What specific actions can I take this week to integrate more intentional, "while I live" worship into my daily routine?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of "lifting up hands" in ancient worship?**

Answer: Lifting up hands was a common and highly significant gesture in ancient Near Eastern and biblical worship. It symbolized a variety of meanings, including surrender to God's will, supplication (pleading for help or mercy), dependence on divine provision, and an open posture to receive blessings or offer praise. It was an outward, physical expression of an inward spiritual state of humility, reverence, and adoration. For example, [Lamentations 3:41](/lamentations/3-41 "Lamentations 3:41 - Lifting Hearts and Hands to God") speaks of lifting up both heart and hands to God, emphasizing the holistic nature of this act.

**How can I "bless" God, since He is already blessed and all-sufficient?**

Answer: When humans "bless" God, it is not in the sense of bestowing favor upon Him or adding to His inherent glory, for God is already perfectly blessed and self-sufficient. Instead, for humans, to "bless" God means to praise Him, adore Him, acknowledge His goodness, declare His greatness, and express gratitude for His character and actions. It is an act of recognizing His supreme worthiness and responding with honor and reverence. It is an act of worship that acknowledges His sovereignty and goodness, as seen in [Psalm 103:1](/psalms/103-1 "Psalm 103:1 - Bless the Lord, O My Soul").

**What does it mean to worship "in thy name"?**

Answer: In biblical understanding, God's "name" represents His entire revealed character, His authority, His presence, and His very essence. To worship "in thy name" means that our worship is directed towards and grounded in who God truly is—His power, holiness, love, justice, faithfulness, and all His attributes. It implies that our worship is not based on our own feelings or interpretations, but on the truth of His revealed nature. It also means we worship by His authority and in reliance upon His presence. [Proverbs 18:10](/proverbs/18-10 "Proverbs 18:10 - The Name of the Lord as a Strong Tower") illustrates the strength and refuge found in God's name, signifying that to worship "in His name" is to worship in the secure knowledge of His unchanging character.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 63:4, with its profound declaration of lifelong praise and active worship "in thy name," finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent Worshiper, whose entire life was a seamless act of blessing the Father "while I live." From His incarnation to His ascension, Jesus perfectly embodied the spirit of continuous devotion, always doing the will of the Father and bringing Him glory (John 8:29). The act of "lifting up my hands" finds its deepest resonance in Christ's ultimate act of surrender and sacrifice on the cross, where He literally stretched out His hands, offering Himself as the perfect Lamb of God (John 19:18). This was the supreme act of dependence and obedience to the Father's will, fulfilling the posture of complete surrender. Furthermore, our ability to worship "in thy name" is now uniquely realized through Christ. It is through the name of Jesus that believers have access to the Father (John 14:6), and it is in His name that we are empowered to pray, worship, and live (Colossians 3:17). The "name" of God, fully revealed in Jesus, becomes the very foundation and means of our worship, for "there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). Thus, David's ancient vow becomes a living reality for all who worship God through the Son, Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate expression of God's character and the perfect object and means of our praise.

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 104:33

I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.

Psalms 134:2

Lift up your hands [in] the sanctuary, and bless the LORD.

Psalms 28:2

Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward thy holy oracle.

Psalms 145:1

¶ David's [Psalm] of praise. I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.

Psalms 145:3

Great [is] the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness [is] unsearchable.

1 Kings 8:22

¶ And Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven:

1 Kings 8:66

On the eighth day he sent the people away: and they blessed the king, and went unto their tents joyful and glad of heart for all the goodness that the LORD had done for David his servant, and for Israel his people.