What does Psalm 140:13 mean?
ESV: Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name; the upright shall dwell in your presence.
NIV: Surely the righteous will praise your name, and the upright will live in your presence.
NASB: Certainly the righteous will give thanks to Your name; The upright will dwell in Your presence.
CSB: Surely the righteous will praise your name; the upright will live in your presence.
NLT: Surely righteous people are praising your name; the godly will live in your presence.
KJV: Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the upright shall dwell in thy presence.
NKJV: Surely the righteous shall give thanks to Your name; The upright shall dwell in Your presence.
Verse Commentary:
Verse Context:
Psalm 140:12–13 celebrates David's confidence in God. Prior verses called on the Lord to rescue David from violent enemies who conspired for his death (Psalm 140:1, 8). Despite these hardships, David expresses faith that the Lord will do what is right. God will see that justice is done and reward those who honor Him.
Chapter Summary:
David prays for rescue from wicked and bloodthirsty enemies. He suggests violent conspiracies and traps, including false words. These enemies are plotting for his death, so he asks God for protection. This prayer comes with confidence that the Lord will grant David's request. David also asks the Lord to judge these evil opponents: to make them suffer defeat and death. This is also expressed with confidence that God will do what is right and care for the weak.
Chapter Context:
Psalm 140 is part of a series associated with David (Psalms 138—145). No specific event is mentioned. However, David experienced danger and conspiracy many times. King Saul sought to have him killed (1 Samuel 19:1–2) and David's own son, Absalom, conspired to take the throne (2 Samuel 15:13–14). Because David prays for negative consequences on these enemies, this is considered the last of the "imprecatory" psalms (Psalms 5; 10; 17; 35; 58; 59; 69; 70; 79; 83; 109; 129; 13). Davd's Psalm 7 has a similar progression of ideas and also relates to a hostile enemy.
Book Summary:
The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.
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