Psalms 86:12

KJV

I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.

KJV (with Strong's)

I will praise {H3034}{H8686)} thee, O Lord {H136} my God {H430}, with all my heart {H3824}: and I will glorify {H3513}{H8762)} thy name {H8034} for evermore {H5769}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will thank you, Adonai my God, with my whole heart; and I will glorify your name forever.

Berean Standard Bible

I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify Your name forever.

American Standard Version

I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with my whole heart; And I will glorify thy name for evermore.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 86:12 presents a fervent and unwavering declaration by King David, expressing a profound, wholehearted commitment to praise and perpetually glorify the divine name of the Lord his God. This verse, situated within a psalm characterized by both earnest supplication and deep trust, serves as a powerful testament to the transformative nature of faith, where personal distress gives way to resolute and enduring worship, acknowledging God's supreme worthiness regardless of circumstances.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 86, uniquely titled "A Prayer of David," stands as a remarkable synthesis of various psalm genres, weaving together elements of individual lament, confession, and robust expressions of trust and praise. The psalm opens with David's urgent pleas for divine attention and mercy, stemming from his affliction and need for deliverance from adversaries and the proud, as seen in passages like [Psalms 86:1-7](/psalms/86-1-7 "Psalm 86:1-7 - David's Earnest Plea for Mercy and Deliverance"). Throughout these cries for help, David consistently reaffirms God's inherent character—His goodness, readiness to forgive, and unwavering steadfast love, exemplified in [Psalms 86:5](/psalms/86-5 "Psalm 86:5 - God's Goodness, Forgiveness, and Abundant Steadfast Love"). Verse 12 marks a pivotal transition from petition to profound praise, functioning as a climactic expression of devotion that transcends the surrounding troubles. This demonstrates that authentic worship is not contingent on external circumstances but is rooted in God's intrinsic worthiness. This declaration of praise is further buttressed by David's preceding resolve to walk in God's truth and to fear His name, as articulated in [Psalms 86:11](/psalms/86-11 "Psalm 86:11 - David's Prayer for Guidance and an Undivided Heart").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Penned by David, likely during a period of significant personal distress or national peril, Psalms 86 mirrors the tumultuous life of a king who frequently encountered opposition, betrayal, and profound personal trials, such as the rebellion led by Absalom detailed in [2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion and David's Flight"). In ancient Israel, the act of "praise" (Hebrew: *yâdâh*) was far more than a mere emotional outburst; it was a deliberate, often public, declaration of God's attributes and His mighty deeds, frequently accompanied by musical instruments and communal worship within the Temple or Tabernacle. The concept of "name" (Hebrew: *shêm*) in the ancient Near East held immense significance, embodying the very essence, character, and reputation of an individual or deity. To "glorify God's name" was to acknowledge, honor, and proclaim His revealed character, His covenant faithfulness, and His sovereign power in the world, often in stark contrast to the perceived impotence of pagan deities. David's solemn vow to glorify God "for evermore" underscores a commitment that extends beyond his immediate crisis, encompassing his entire life and legacy, thereby reflecting a deep understanding of God's eternal nature and His enduring sovereignty.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 86:12 encapsulates several foundational themes prevalent throughout the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully highlights **Wholehearted Devotion**, emphasizing that genuine worship emanates from an undivided heart. This echoes the foundational command to love God with one's entire being, as profoundly articulated in the Shema found in [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Great Commandment to Love God"). Secondly, the verse unequivocally underscores the theme of **God's Inherent Worthiness of Praise**, asserting His supreme glory and absolute authority, a recurring motif in numerous psalms of praise, such as [Psalms 145:3](/psalms/145-3 "Psalm 145:3 - God's Greatness is Unsearchable"). Thirdly, it speaks to the **Enduring Nature of God's Character and Humanity's Corresponding Eternal Response**. David's commitment to glorify God's name "for evermore" reflects an eternal perspective on worship that transcends temporal circumstances, mirroring God's own everlasting faithfulness, as beautifully expressed in [Psalms 100:5](/psalms/100-5 "Psalm 100:5 - God's Goodness Endures Forever"). Consequently, this verse serves as a potent summary of the worshiper's ultimate duty and profound delight in God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Praise (Hebrew, _yâdâh'_):** Derived from a primitive root meaning "to use (i.e. hold out) the hand," this word signifies more than mere verbal commendation. It encompasses an active, volitional expression of reverence, worship, and thanksgiving, often involving extended hands in adoration. In this context, David's "praise" is a deliberate, public, and personal declaration of God's excellencies, acknowledging His goodness, power, and faithfulness, particularly in response to His acts of deliverance and His inherent character.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lêbâb'_):** In biblical anthropology, the "heart" is not merely the seat of emotions but the profound center of one's entire being, encompassing intellect, will, emotions, and conscience. To praise with "all my heart" signifies a complete, undivided, and sincere devotion, engaging every faculty of one's inner person. It implies authenticity and totality, standing in stark contrast to superficial or merely ritualistic forms of worship. It is the core from which true understanding and devotion spring.
* **Glorify (Hebrew, _kâbad'_):** This primitive root primarily means "to be heavy" or "to be weighty," and by extension, "to be honored" or "to be glorious." To "glorify" God's name means to acknowledge, honor, and proclaim His inherent weightiness, His supreme importance, His majesty, and His splendor. It involves magnifying His reputation and making His character known and revered, recognizing His ultimate authority and worth in the sight of all. It is an act of attributing ultimate value and significance to God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will praise thee, O Lord my God":** This opening clause is a deeply personal and declarative vow, signaling a deliberate and resolute act of worship. The phrase "I will praise" (אודך, *odeka*) denotes a strong, future-oriented commitment. The address "O Lord my God" (*Adonai Elohim*) is both profoundly intimate and reverent. "Adonai" (Lord, H136) emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty and David's humble submission as His servant, while "Elohim" (God, H430) speaks to His universal power and deity. The combination signifies David's recognition of God as both his personal, covenant Lord and the supreme, all-powerful Creator worthy of all adoration.
* **"with all my heart":** This crucial phrase profoundly intensifies the nature of the praise. It signifies that David's worship is neither perfunctory nor partial, but originates from the deepest core of his being. It encompasses his intellect, emotions, will, and spirit, indicating a total, unreserved, and authentic devotion. This aligns perfectly with the foundational command to love God with all one's heart, soul, and might, as articulated in [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Great Commandment").
* **"and I will glorify thy name":** This is a parallel and complementary vow to "praise," reinforcing the depth of David's commitment. To "glorify thy name" means to honor, exalt, and make weighty God's revealed character, reputation, and attributes. In biblical thought, God's "name" (H8034) represents His entire being—His power, His holiness, His faithfulness, and all that He has revealed Himself to be. David pledges to magnify God's essence and proclaim His greatness to the world, ensuring His renown.
* **"for evermore":** This concluding phrase emphasizes the perpetual and enduring nature of David's commitment. "For evermore" (H5769, _ʻôwlâm_) signifies that his praise and glorification of God's name are not temporary or conditional upon circumstances, but are lifelong and eternal. This speaks to an unwavering dedication that transcends time and trials, reflecting the eternal nature of God Himself and the everlasting covenant He has with His people. It points to a devotion that will never cease.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 86:12 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message of devotion. **Parallelism** is prominently featured, particularly in the structure "I will praise thee... and I will glorify thy name," where the second clause reinforces and expands upon the first, creating a sense of completeness and emphatic commitment to worship. The phrase "with all my heart" functions as a powerful instance of **Intensification**, underscoring the totality and sincerity of David's devotion, indicating a worship that emanates from his entire being rather than mere outward expression. The use of "thy name" is a classic example of **Metonymy**, where "name" stands for God's entire character, reputation, and revealed essence. By glorifying God's name, David is, in essence, glorifying all that God is—His attributes, power, and holiness. Finally, "for evermore" serves as **Hyperbole** and **Exaggeration** to emphasize the unending, perpetual nature of David's commitment, highlighting a devotion that transcends the temporal and aims for an eternal, unbroken connection with the divine.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 86:12 stands as a profound theological statement on the very nature of true worship, underscoring that genuine praise is an act of total surrender and adoration, springing from an undivided heart. It emphasizes God's inherent worthiness of such devotion, not based on what He does for us, but solely on who He is—the sovereign, faithful, and supremely good Lord. This verse calls believers to a worship that is not merely ritualistic or emotionally driven, but deeply intellectual and volitional, engaging every aspect of one's being in the exaltation of God's character. It profoundly connects the personal experience of God's mercy and deliverance (as vividly seen throughout Psalm 86) to a corresponding, lifelong commitment to magnify His name, reflecting a mature faith that finds its ultimate purpose and highest delight in glorifying the Creator.

* [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Great Commandment")
* [Psalm 103:1](/psalms/103-1 "Psalm 103:1 - Bless the Lord, O My Soul")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 86:12 issues a profound challenge for us to critically examine the depth and sincerity of our own worship and devotion. In a world characterized by constant distractions, fragmented attention, and divided loyalties, David's solemn vow to praise God "with all my heart" serves as a powerful and urgent call to radical, undivided devotion. It serves as a potent reminder that true worship is not confined to a particular time, place, or ritual, but is rather a posture of the heart that permeates and transforms every single aspect of our lives. Glorifying God's name "for evermore" means that our commitment to Him should be unwavering, extending faithfully through seasons of profound joy and deep sorrow, abundant prosperity and challenging adversity. This verse invites us to live lives that consistently and authentically reflect His character, making His goodness, truth, and holiness evident to those around us, thereby truly magnifying His name in the world. Ultimately, it encourages us to move beyond superficial expressions of faith to cultivate a deep, abiding, and all-consuming relationship with God, where our entire being is joyfully offered in adoration and dedicated service to Him, recognizing His supreme worth above all else that competes for our allegiance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it truly mean for me to praise God "with all my heart" in my daily life, beyond formal worship settings?**
* **How do my actions, words, and attitudes consistently contribute to "glorifying God's name" in my personal sphere of influence and the broader world around me?**
* **In what specific ways might my heart be divided, and what practical steps can I take to overcome these divisions and offer more wholehearted praise to God?**
* **How can I cultivate a more "for evermore" commitment to God, ensuring my devotion remains steadfast, especially during challenging or uncertain times?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the phrase "O Lord my God" in Psalms 86:12?**

Answer: The phrase "O Lord my God" is profoundly significant, as it combines two distinct and powerful Hebrew terms for God: *Adonai* (אֲדֹנָי, H136) and *Elohim* (אֱלֹהִים, H430). *Adonai* is an emphatic form emphasizing God's sovereignty, mastery, and absolute authority, often used in contexts of humble address by a servant to a master, signifying submission and reverence. *Elohim*, on the other hand, is the more general term for God, highlighting His power as Creator and supreme deity over all things. The combination, "Adonai Elohim," expresses a deep personal relationship ("my God") while simultaneously acknowledging God's universal power and absolute authority. It signifies David's recognition of God as both his personal, covenant Lord and the all-powerful, sovereign ruler of the universe, to whom he owes complete devotion and submission. This dual recognition of intimate relationship and ultimate authority forms the very foundation for his wholehearted praise and unwavering commitment to glorify God's name throughout his life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 86:12, with its profound declaration of wholehearted praise and eternal glorification of God's name, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While David pledged his personal devotion, Christ perfectly embodied and demonstrated this complete surrender to the Father's will, even to the point of obedient death on the cross, as powerfully articulated in [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience to Death"). Jesus, the [only begotten Son of God](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World"), lived a life of perfect obedience and worship, consistently doing what pleased the Father and bringing Him ultimate glory, as He Himself declared in [John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Does What Pleases the Father"). His life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection are the supreme revelation of God's name and character, demonstrating His boundless love, perfect justice, unfathomable mercy, and omnipotent power in a way that mere human praise could never fully achieve. Through Christ, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to offer the "sacrifice of praise" ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - The Sacrifice of Praise Through Jesus")) with renewed and transformed hearts, not merely as an act of duty but as a joyful and spontaneous response to His redemptive work. Our ability to truly praise God "with all our heart" and "glorify His name for evermore" is made possible only through our union with Christ, who has reconciled us to the Father and granted us access to His glorious presence through the one Spirit ([Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ and the Spirit")). Thus, David's ancient vow becomes the Christian's present reality, lived out in the power of the Spirit, reflecting the resplendent glory of God revealed uniquely in Christ Jesus.

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 6:5

And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

Psalms 146:1

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

Psalms 146:2

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

Romans 15:6

That ye may with one mind [and] one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Revelation 19:5

¶ And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.

Revelation 19:6

And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

1 Corinthians 6:20

For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.