Psalms 63:8
Psalms 63:8 in Multiple Translations
My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me.
My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.
My soul followeth hard after thee: Thy right hand upholdeth me.
My soul keeps ever near you: your right hand is my support.
I hold on to you; your strong arms lift me up.
My soule cleaueth vnto thee: for thy right hand vpholdeth me.
Cleaved hath my soul after Thee, On me hath Thy right hand taken hold.
My soul stays close to you. Your right hand holds me up.
My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.
And God shall be exalted. The arrows of children are their wounds:
I cling to you; and with your hand/power you protect me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 63:8
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 63:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
הָיִ֣יתָ
עֶזְרָ֣תָ/ה
לִּ֑/י
וּ/בְ/צֵ֖ל
כְּנָפֶ֣י/ךָ
אֲרַנֵּֽן
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
הָיִ֣יתָ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
עֶזְרָ֣תָ/ה
ʻezrâh
H5833
help
N-fs | Suff
לִּ֑/י
Prep | Suff
וּ/בְ/צֵ֖ל
tsêl
H6738
shadow
Conj | Prep | N-ms
כְּנָפֶ֣י/ךָ
kânâph
H3671
wing
N-fd | Suff
אֲרַנֵּֽן
rânan
H7442
to overcome
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 63:8
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
הָיִ֣יתָ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
עֶזְרָ֣תָ/ה
ʻezrâh
H5833
"help"
N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'help' or 'aid', referring to assistance or support, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) help, succour, assistance 1a) help, succour 1b) one who helps
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: help(-ed, -er). See also: Judges 5:23; Psalms 60:13; Psalms 22:20.
לִּ֑/י
""
Prep | Suff
וּ/בְ/צֵ֖ל
tsêl
H6738
"shadow"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
A shadow refers to a dark area, often providing shade or protection, like the shadow of a tree in Isaiah 4:6. It can also symbolize the fleeting nature of life, as mentioned in Psalm 102:11.
Definition: 1) shadow, shade 1a) shadow (on dial) 1b) shadow, shade (as protection) 1c) shadow (symbolic of transitoriness of life) Also means: tse.lel (צֵלֶל "shadow" H6752)
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: defence, shade(-ow). See also: Genesis 19:8; Ecclesiastes 7:12; Psalms 17:8.
כְּנָפֶ֣י/ךָ
kânâph
H3671
"wing"
N-fd | Suff
The Hebrew word for wing, used to describe the edge or extremity of something, like a bird's wing or the corner of a garment. It appears in the Bible to describe various objects and locations, including the wing of a bird.
Definition: 1) wing, extremity, edge, winged, border, corner, shirt 1a) wing 1b) extremity 1b1) skirt, corner (of garment)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bird, border, corner, end, feather(-ed), [idiom] flying, [phrase] (one an-) other, overspreading, [idiom] quarters, skirt, [idiom] sort, uttermost part, wing(-ed). See also: Genesis 1:21; Psalms 139:9; Psalms 17:8.
אֲרַנֵּֽן
rânan
H7442
"to overcome"
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew verb means to sing or shout for joy, often used to express praise or triumph, as seen in Psalm 98:4 where believers are called to shout for joy to the Lord. It can also mean to cry aloud in distress or to summon others. This word is used to describe a loud, vocal expression of emotion.
Definition: 1) to overcome 1a) (Hithpolel) to be overcome
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: aloud for joy, cry out, be joyful (greatly, make to) rejoice, (cause to) shout (for joy), (cause to) sing (aloud, for joy, out), triumph. See also: Leviticus 9:24; Psalms 132:9; Psalms 5:12.
Study Notes — Psalms 63:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 63:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 63:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 63:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 63:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 63:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 63:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 63:8
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 63:8
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 63:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 63:8
- Sermons on Psalms 63:8
Context — Thirsting for God
6When I remember You on my bed, I think of You through the watches of the night.
7For You are my help; I will sing for joy in the shadow of Your wings.
8My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me.
9But those who seek my life to destroy it will go into the depths of the earth. 10They will fall to the power of the sword; they will become a portion for foxes.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 41:10 | Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness. |
| 2 | Psalms 18:35 | You have given me Your shield of salvation; Your right hand upholds me, and Your gentleness exalts me. |
| 3 | Psalms 73:23 | Yet I am always with You; You hold my right hand. |
| 4 | Psalms 37:24 | Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, for the LORD is holding his hand. |
| 5 | Song of Solomon 2:6 | His left hand is under my head, and his right arm embraces me. |
| 6 | Psalms 73:25 | Whom have I in heaven but You? And on earth I desire no one besides You. |
| 7 | Psalms 94:18 | If I say, “My foot is slipping,” Your loving devotion, O LORD, supports me. |
| 8 | Isaiah 42:1 | “Here is My Servant, whom I uphold, My Chosen One, in whom My soul delights. I will put My Spirit on Him, and He will bring justice to the nations. |
| 9 | Psalms 41:12 | In my integrity You uphold me and set me in Your presence forever. |
| 10 | Genesis 32:26–28 | Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” “What is your name?” the man asked. “Jacob,” he replied. Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men, and you have prevailed.” |
Psalms 63:8 Summary
[Psalms 63:8 tells us that when we cling to God, He will uphold us with His powerful right hand. This means we can trust Him to support us, no matter what challenges we face, just like it says in Psalms 55:22. By clinging to God, we show that we trust in His love and care for us, as seen in Jeremiah 31:3. As we remember that God is always with us and for us, we can have peace and confidence, even in difficult times, because of His promise in Romans 8:31.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have my soul cling to God?
This expression, found in Psalms 63:8, signifies a deep, personal attachment to God, much like the way a child clings to a parent for comfort and security, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5.
How does God's right hand upholding me provide comfort?
In the Bible, the right hand is often a symbol of strength and power, as seen in Psalms 118:16 and Isaiah 48:13, so God's right hand upholding us means He is actively supporting and sustaining us in times of need.
Is this verse only for those who are facing persecution or hardship?
While the context of Psalms 63 does suggest the psalmist was facing difficulties, the principle of clinging to God and being upheld by Him is applicable to all believers, regardless of their circumstances, as emphasized in Romans 8:28 and Philippians 4:13.
How can I practically apply this verse to my life?
To apply Psalms 63:8, focus on cultivating a deeper relationship with God through prayer, meditation on His Word, and trust in His sovereignty, as encouraged in Jeremiah 29:13 and Matthew 7:7-8.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I demonstrate my soul clinging to God in my daily life?
- How has God's right hand upheld me in the past, and what can I learn from those experiences?
- What are some areas of my life where I need to trust in God's power and support right now?
- How can I use this verse to encourage a fellow believer who is struggling?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 63:8
My soul followeth hard after thee,.... In a way of duty, and in the use of means; as prayer, meditation, c.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 63:8
When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. -Second strophe.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 63:8
Followeth hard after thee, i.e. pursueth thee eagerly, diligently, and resolvedly, and as it were step by step, when thou seemest to run away from me; which is the emphasis of this Hebrew word. My soul and spirit cleaveth to thee, as this verb signifies, , when my body is absent from thy sanctuary. Upholdeth me: I do not lose my labour in following hard after thee; for though I am not, yet restored to the enjoyment of thy presence in thy house, yet I have present supports from thee, whereby my spirit is kept from fainting under my manifold pressures, and is enabled with faith and patience to wait upon thee, till thou seest fit to deliver me.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 63:8
Psalms 63:8 My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.Ver. 8. My soul followeth hard after thee] Adhaesit anima mea post te. As hard as mine enemies do after me, even hard at heels, as we say; Sic trahit sua quemque voluptas. A Christian’ s close cleaving to God is the continent cause of all his comfort. This we must beg of God, Jeremiah 13:11, sc. that we may cleave to God with full purpose of heart, Acts 11:23, and if he seem to withdraw, to follow him hot foot, and press his footsteps. Thy right hand upholdeth me] For otherwise I should faint and fail in the pursuit of thee; my short legs and pursy heart would never hold on.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 63:8
(8) My soul . . .—Literally, my soul cleaved after thee, combining two ideas. (Comp. Jeremiah 42:16.) The English phrase, “hung upon thee” (comp. Prayer-Book version), exactly expresses it. For “depths,” or “abysses of the earth,” comp. Psalms 139:15; Ephesians 4:9. It means the under world of the dead.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 63:8
Verse 8. My soul followeth hard after thee] דבקה נפשי אחריך dabekah naphshi achareycha, "My soul cleaves (or) is glued after thee." This phrase not only shows the diligence of the pursuit, and the nearness of the attainment, but also the fast hold he had got of the mercy of his God.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 63:8
8, 9. While he draws ever closer to God, his enemies will be destroyed.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 63:8
My soul followeth hard after thee - The word used here - דבק dâbaq - means properly to cleave to; to adhere; to be glued to; to stick fast. Then it means to attach oneself to anything; and then, to pursue or follow after.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 63:8
8. My soul followeth hard after thee—Or, my soul taketh fast hold behind thee. The figure is that of following close behind, and taking fast hold meanwhile of, the person leading.
Sermons on Psalms 63:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Drawing Near to God by Brian Brodersen | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck focuses on the invitation and promise given in James 4:8 to draw near to God. He emphasizes that drawing near to God is not just a preliminary warm-up |
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The Happy Man 07 Expressions-Saved Soul by James K. Boswell | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of keeping our focus on Jesus and his ability to see in the dark. He uses the example of Peter walking on water and how Jesus |
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A Test of Assurance by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson emphasizes that true love for God is evidenced by a deep desire for His presence in all aspects of life, a genuine hatred for sin, a coolness towards worldly things, |
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The Desire for God by Andrew Murray | Andrew Murray emphasizes the profound necessity of seeking, knowing, loving, and praising God daily, asserting that this pursuit is the most glorious endeavor a person can undertak |
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Psalm 63 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches about the intense longing of the soul for God, the joy found in public ordinances, the confidence in the final triumph of the righteous, and the ultimate ruin of |
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Praying With Desire by T.M. Anderson | T.M. Anderson preaches on the power of faith in prayer, emphasizing Jesus' promise that whatever is desired in prayer, when believed, will be received. He clarifies that faith is e |
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Then the Ear"¦ by Stanley H. Frodsham | Stanley H. Frodsham preaches about the intense pursuit of God's heart, drawing inspiration from the attitude of Smith Wigglesworth in following hard after God. Despite facing trial |