Psalms 63:9
Psalms 63:9 in Multiple Translations
But those who seek my life to destroy it will go into the depths of the earth.
But those that seek my soul, to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth.
But those that seek my soul, to destroy it, Shall go into the lower parts of the earth.
But those whose desire is my soul's destruction will go down to the lower parts of the earth.
Those who are trying to destroy me will go down into the grave.
Therefore they that seeke my soule to destroy it, they shall goe into the lowest partes of the earth.
And they who for desolation seek my soul, Go in to the lower parts of the earth.
But those who seek my soul to destroy it shall go into the lower parts of the earth.
But those that seek my soul to destroy it , shall go into the lower parts of the earth.
And their tongues against them are made weak. All that saw them were troubled;
But those who are trying to kill me will die and descend into the place of the dead;
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 63:9
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 63:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
דָּבְקָ֣ה
נַפְשִׁ֣/י
אַחֲרֶ֑י/ךָ
בִּ֝֗/י
תָּמְכָ֥ה
יְמִינֶֽ/ךָ
דָּבְקָ֣ה
dâbaq
H1692
to cleave
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
נַפְשִׁ֣/י
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
אַחֲרֶ֑י/ךָ
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep | Suff
בִּ֝֗/י
Prep | Suff
תָּמְכָ֥ה
tâmak
H8551
to grasp
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
יְמִינֶֽ/ךָ
yâmîyn
H3225
Ben]jamin
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 63:9
דָּבְקָ֣ה
dâbaq
H1692
"to cleave"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
To cleave means to cling or stick to something, like pursuing something closely. It's used in the Bible to describe following God or others.
Definition: 1) to cling, stick, stay close, cleave, keep close, stick to, stick with, follow closely, join to, overtake, catch 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cling, cleave to 1a2) to stay with 1b) (Pual) to be joined together 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to cleave to 1c2) to pursue closely 1c3) to overtake 1d) (Hophal) to be made to cleave Aramaic equivalent: de.vaq (דְּבֵק "to cleave" H1693)
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: abide fast, cleave (fast together), follow close (hard after), be joined (together), keep (fast), overtake, pursue hard, stick, take. See also: Genesis 2:24; 2 Samuel 20:2; Psalms 22:16.
נַפְשִׁ֣/י
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
אַחֲרֶ֑י/ךָ
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep | Suff
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
בִּ֝֗/י
""
Prep | Suff
תָּמְכָ֥ה
tâmak
H8551
"to grasp"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to grasp or hold something, like taking hold of a person or object. It is used in books like Genesis and Psalms to describe helping or supporting someone.
Definition: 1) to grasp, hold, support, attain, lay hold of, hold fast 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to grasp, lay hold of, attain 1a2) to hold up, support 1a3) to hold, keep 1a4) to take hold of each other 1b) (Niphal) to be seized, be held
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: (take, up-) hold (up), maintain, retain, stay (up). See also: Genesis 48:17; Proverbs 5:22; Psalms 16:5.
יְמִינֶֽ/ךָ
yâmîyn
H3225
"Ben]jamin"
N-fs | Suff
Benjamin was a son of Israel and Rachel, and the brother of Joseph, mentioned in Genesis 35:18. The name also refers to the right hand or south direction.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.35.18; son of: Israel (H3478) and Rachel (H7354); brother of: Joseph (H3130); half-brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); father of: Bela (H1106A), Becher (H1071), Ashbel (H0788), Gera (H1617), Naaman (H5283), Ehi (H0278), Rosh (H7220), Muppim (H4649), Huppim (H2650H), Ard (H0714), Ahiram (H0297) and Jediael (H3043); also called Jamin at 1Sa.9.1,4; 22.7; 1x Another name of bin.ya.min (בִּנְיָמִין "Benjamin" H1144G)
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] left-handed, right (hand, side), south. See also: Genesis 13:9; Psalms 18:36; Psalms 16:8.
Study Notes — Psalms 63:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 63:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 63:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 63:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 63:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 63:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 63:9
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 63:9
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 63:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 63:9
- Sermons on Psalms 63:9
Context — Thirsting for God
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. 11But the king will rejoice in God; all who swear by Him will exult, for the mouths of liars will be shut.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 55:15 | Let death seize them by surprise; let them go down to Sheol alive, for evil is with them in their homes. |
| 2 | Psalms 9:17 | The wicked will return to Sheol— all the nations who forget God. |
| 3 | Psalms 40:14 | May those who seek my life be ashamed and confounded; may those who wish me harm be repelled and humiliated. |
| 4 | Psalms 86:13 | For great is Your loving devotion to me; You have delivered me from the depths of Sheol. |
| 5 | Numbers 16:30–33 | But if the LORD brings about something unprecedented, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them and all that belongs to them so that they go down alive into Sheol, then you will know that these men have treated the LORD with contempt.” As soon as Moses had finished saying all this, the ground beneath them split open, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households—all Korah’s men and all their possessions. They went down alive into Sheol with all they owned. The earth closed over them, and they vanished from the assembly. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 25:29 | And should someone pursue you and seek your life, then the life of my lord will be bound securely by the LORD your God in the bundle of the living. But He shall fling away the lives of your enemies like stones from a sling. |
| 7 | Psalms 70:2 | May those who seek my life be ashamed and confounded; may those who wish me harm be repelled and humiliated. |
| 8 | Ezekiel 32:18–32 | “Son of man, wail for the multitudes of Egypt, and consign her and the daughters of the mighty nations to the depths of the earth with those who descend to the Pit: Whom do you surpass in beauty? Go down and be placed with the uncircumcised! They will fall among those slain by the sword. The sword is appointed! Let them drag her away along with all her multitudes. Mighty chiefs will speak from the midst of Sheol about Egypt and her allies: ‘They have come down and lie with the uncircumcised, with those slain by the sword.’ Assyria is there with her whole company; her graves are all around her. All of them are slain, fallen by the sword. Her graves are set in the depths of the Pit, and her company is all around her grave. All of them are slain, fallen by the sword— those who once spread terror in the land of the living. Elam is there with all her multitudes around her grave. All of them are slain, fallen by the sword— those who went down uncircumcised to the earth below, who once spread their terror in the land of the living. They bear their disgrace with those who descend to the Pit. Among the slain they prepare a resting place for Elam with all her hordes, with her graves all around her. All of them are uncircumcised, slain by the sword, although their terror was once spread in the land of the living. They bear their disgrace with those who descend to the Pit. They are placed among the slain. Meshech and Tubal are there with all their multitudes, with their graves all around them. All of them are uncircumcised, slain by the sword, because they spread their terror in the land of the living. They do not lie down with the fallen warriors of old, who went down to Sheol with their weapons of war, whose swords were placed under their heads, whose shields rested on their bones, although the terror of the mighty was once in the land of the living. But you too will be shattered and lie down among the uncircumcised, with those slain by the sword. Edom is there, and all her kings and princes, who despite their might are laid among those slain by the sword. They lie down with the uncircumcised, with those who descend to the Pit. All the leaders of the north and all the Sidonians are there; they went down in disgrace with the slain, despite the terror of their might. They lie uncircumcised with those slain by the sword and bear their shame with those who descend to the Pit. Pharaoh will see them and be comforted over all his multitude— Pharaoh and all his army, slain by the sword, declares the Lord GOD. For I will spread My terror in the land of the living, so that Pharaoh and all his multitude will be laid to rest among the uncircumcised, with those slain by the sword, declares the Lord GOD.” |
| 9 | Psalms 55:23 | But You, O God, will bring them down to the Pit of destruction; men of bloodshed and deceit will not live out half their days. But I will trust in You. |
| 10 | Job 40:13 | Bury them together in the dust; imprison them in the grave. |
Psalms 63:9 Summary
This verse, Psalms 63:9, tells us that those who try to hurt or kill others will ultimately face punishment and death, as seen in other parts of the Bible like Psalms 55:23 and Proverbs 10:27. The 'depths of the earth' is like a grave, where they will end up. It's a reminder that God is just and will take care of those who do wrong, as promised in Deuteronomy 32:4 and Romans 12:19. We can trust in God's protection, like the psalmist, and know that He will take care of us, even in the face of danger or threats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'seek my life to destroy it' in Psalms 63:9?
This phrase refers to those who want to harm or kill the psalmist, as seen in other scriptures like Psalms 38:12, where the enemies of the psalmist seek to destroy him.
What does 'the depths of the earth' signify in this verse?
The phrase 'the depths of the earth' is likely a metaphor for the grave or death, similar to Psalms 71:20, where God is praised for bringing the psalmist up from the depths of the earth, or death.
Is this verse speaking of a physical or spiritual death?
While the context suggests a physical threat, the principle can also apply to spiritual death, as seen in Proverbs 15:24, where the path of the wicked leads to death, and Revelation 20:14, where death and Hades are thrown into the lake of fire.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
Psalms 63:9 serves as a contrast to the psalmist's trust in God, as seen in Psalms 63:7-8, where the psalmist finds joy and help in God's presence, highlighting the difference between those who trust in God and those who seek to harm others.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can trust in God's protection, like the psalmist, when faced with threats or danger?
- How can I distinguish between physical and spiritual threats, and seek God's help in both cases?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of Psalms 63:9 to my own life, standing against evil and trusting in God's justice?
- What does this verse teach me about God's attitude towards those who seek to harm others, and how can I reflect that attitude in my own relationships?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 63:9
But those [that] seek my soul to destroy it,.... Meaning his life; for as for his soul, that was immaterial and immortal, and could never be destroyed by man: but as for his natural life, his enemies
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 63:9
When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. -Second strophe.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 63:9
To destroy it, i.e. to take away my life. Into the lower parts of the earth; either, 1. Into hell. Or rather, 2. Into their grave, as this phrase is used, ,18. But how is this true, when they are supposed to be devoured by foxes, ? Answ. This may be understood, either, 1. Of divers persons. Some of their slain might be buried, and others lie unburied.
Or, 2. Of the same persons; they did go into the earth, but not immediately, but were first devoured of foxes, and the remainders of them were buried, as is frequently done in such cases. Or this phrase may note not so much the place as the state of the dead; this being universally said of those that die, whether they are buried or unburied, that they return to the earth or dust, .
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 63:9
Psalms 63:9 But those [that] seek my soul, to destroy [it], shall go into the lower parts of the earth.Ver. 9. But those that seek my soul to destroy it] Heb. Ad pracipitium, to hurl it down headlong, shall themselves be laid low enough, even in the slimy valley where are many already like them, and more (shall come after them), Job 21:31-32. And this assurance of his enemies’ downfall David had gotten by his meditations on God, Psalms 63:6. Shall go into the lower parts of the earth] i.e. Into the grave at least, if not into hell; they shall be abyssed into hell, into eternal perdition, saith Diodati.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 63:9
Verse 9. Lower parts of the earth.] They are appointed, in the just judgment of God, to destruction; they shall be slain and buried in the earth, and shall be seen no more. Some understand the passage as referring to the punishment of hell; which many supposed to be in the centre of the earth. So the old Psalter, - Thai sall entir in till lagher pine of hell. Lahher or laigher, lower, undermost.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 63:9
9. But those &c.] They, his enemies, who are seeking his life, are emphatically contrasted with himself (Psalms 59:15; Psalms 56:6). While his path is upward to God, theirs is downward to the depths of Sheol. It is possible to render (cp. R.V. marg.) But they shall be destroyed that seek my life, They shall go &c. into the lower parts of the earth] Into Sheol, swallowed up like Korah and his company of rebels. Cp. for the phrase, Isaiah 44:23; Ezekiel 26:20; Psalms 86:13; Ephesians 4:9; Deuteronomy 32:22 : and for the thought, Psalms 9:15; Psalms 9:17; Psalms 55:15; Psalms 55:23.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 63:9
But those that seek my soul to destroy it - Who seek my life; who endeavor to kill me. This language would well describe the purposes of Absalom and his followers.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 63:9
9. But those—He turns from these soul yearnings and sweet thoughts of God to the stern battle of life before him.
Sermons on Psalms 63:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Separated From Lot by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the necessity of separation from worldly influences, using the story of Abraham and Lot to illustrate how God can transform unworthy materials into vessels of |
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(John the Baptist Comes to Town) - Part 4 Turn or Burn! by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of repentance as the only command that God has for sinners. He states that God does not have time to argue or negotiate with |
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Voices From Hell Speaking to America - Part 6 by Alan Cairns | This sermon emphasizes the importance of not forgetting the innocent bloodshed and the consequences of a nation turning away from God's covenant mercies. It warns against being div |
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Voices From Hell Speaking to America - Part 5 by Alan Cairns | This sermon emphasizes the reality of hell and the warning it presents to individuals and nations. It discusses the downfall of once-great superpowers who neglected their spiritual |
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Paul's Gospel by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the central belief of Christianity that Jesus is Lord. He explains that Jesus' Lordship is not just a theory, but a reality that was establi |
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The Neglected Place Called Hell by David Legge | This sermon delves into the neglected truth of the reality of hell, emphasizing the importance of understanding its existence as a real place of torment. Through the story in Luke |
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The Great White Throne Judgement by David Legge | In this sermon, Dr. Ironside begins by reading John 3:16, emphasizing God's love for the world and the gift of His only begotten Son. He then shares a story about a man on a plane |