Psalms 13:6 — Word Study
WLCאָשִׁ֥ירָה לַיהוָ֑ה כִּ֖י גָמַ֣ל עָלָֽי׃
BSAI will singshîyr [as an individual, personally, praise, rejoice] to the LORDYᵉhôvâh [Yehovah, my Savior] forkîy [because, since] He has been goodgâmal■ [the Almighty, my Deliverer, continually, graciously, kind, dealt bountifully] to meʻal [toward me, on my behalf]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| אָשִׁ֥ירָה | I will sing | Verb, Qal, infinitive construct first person common singular |
| לַיהוָ֑ה | to Yahweh | Preposition, noun proper |
| כִּ֖י | for | Particle |
| גָמַ֣ל | he has dealt bountifully | Verb, Qal, perfect third person masculine singular |
| עָלָֽי׃ | towards me | Preposition, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | I will sing to the LORD, for He has been good to me. |
| KJV | I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me. |
| ASV | I will sing unto Jehovah, Because he hath dealt bountifully with me. |
| YLT | I do sing to Jehovah, For He hath conferred benefits upon me! |
| WEB | I will sing to Yahweh, because he has been good to me. |
| BBE | I will make a song to the Lord, because he has given me my reward. |
Translations agree on the psalmist's intention to sing to the LORD for His goodness.
The sentence is straightforward, with a main clause followed by a causal clause explaining the reason for the action.






7 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbוְ
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Psalms 13:6
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — A Song of Praisegenerated
Psalm 13:6 concludes a heartfelt plea for help with a declaration of praise. The psalmist reflects on the goodness of the LORD, expressing personal gratitude for His kindness. This verse serves as a transition from lament to joy, emphasizing the importance of recognizing God's blessings even in difficult times.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 21:13 | Be exalted, O LORD, in Your strength; we will sing and praise Your power. |
| 2 | Psalm 116:7 | Return to your rest, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you. |
| 3 | Psalm 119:7 | I will praise You with an upright heart when I learn Your righteous judgments. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 3 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — אָשִׁ֥ירָה, 'a.Shi.rahgenerated
The word אָשִׁ֥ירָה ('a.Shi.rah) is a first person singular form of the verb meaning 'to sing'. It conveys the act of singing, often in a context of worship or praise. The psalmist uses this word to express a personal commitment to sing to the LORD, highlighting the intimate relationship between the singer and God.
This verb is derived from the root שִׁיר (shiyr), which encompasses various forms of singing. The psalmist's choice to sing reflects not only joy but also a response to God's goodness, as singing is a common biblical expression of gratitude and worship.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
Translations of this verse are consistent in conveying the psalmist's intent to sing to the LORD for His goodness.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main finite verb in this verse is אָשִׁ֥ירָה, I will sing, which governs the structure. The verse contains a prepositional phrase indicating the recipient of the song, followed by a causal conjunction that introduces the reason for singing.
The structure emphasizes the relationship between the act of singing and the psalmist's gratitude for the LORD's goodness, creating a clear flow from intention to reason.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates אָשִׁ֥ירָה as ἀγαλλιάσεται, which means 'to rejoice' or 'to exult'. This choice reflects a broader interpretation of the act of singing as an expression of joy and celebration.
The translation of גָמַל as ἐλέει suggests a focus on the act of kindness or mercy, aligning with the theme of divine favor in the psalm.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalm 13:6 expresses the psalmist's intention to sing to the LORD in gratitude for His goodness. This verse highlights the importance of recognizing and celebrating God's kindness in our lives.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Singing to the LORD is an act of worship and praise, expressing gratitude for His goodness and faithfulness, as seen in this psalm.
The psalmist acknowledges God's kindness and mercy, which prompts a response of praise and thanksgiving through song.
Recognizing the goodness of the LORD in your life can inspire you to express gratitude through song or other forms of worship.
In this context, 'good' refers to the kindness and favorable treatment that the LORD has shown to the psalmist, highlighting God's benevolent nature.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways have I experienced God's goodness in my life?
- How can I incorporate singing or praise into my daily routine as a response to God's blessings?
- What specific instances can I recall where I felt the LORD's kindness towards me?
- How does recognizing God's goodness affect my perspective during challenging times?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early Church Fathers like John Chrysostom and Augustine reference this verse to emphasize themes of gratitude and divine goodness.
Hope in God’s mercy, have no doubts, and you will gain your request completely; once gained, however, do not prove ungrateful for the favor and unappreciative but make a record of the kindness and offer it as a thanksgiving song to the…Early Church Fathers on Psalms 13 →
"My heart shall exult in Your salvation;" in Christ, in the Wisdom of God. "I will sing to the Lord who has given me good things;" spiritual good things, not belonging to man's day.Early Church Fathers on Psalms 13 →
Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 13:6 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleI will sing unto the Lord,.... In prayer faith is encouraged, through believing the heart is filled with joy; and this joy is expressed by the lips, in songs of praise to the Lord, ascribing the
Read John Gill on Psalms 13 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryBut I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. But I have trusted in thy mercy [ checed (H2617)]; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 13 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleEither, 1. In giving me that support and assurance of his favour which for the present I enjoy. Or, 2. In giving me that mercy which he hath freely promised me; it being a common thing for David and other prophets to speak of future deliverances as if they were already come, that so they may signify both the infallible certainty of the thing, and their firm assurance thereof. But the words may be rendered, when he shall have dealt bountifully with me. This verb properly signifies to requite, or reward, but here it signifies a free and bountiful giving, as it doth also 142:7.
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 13 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 13:6 I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.Ver. 6. I will sing unto the Lord] How far different is the end of this psalm from the beginning! See the like Psalms 6:1, Because he hath dealt bountifully with me] Qui retribuit mihi, so Popish merit-mongers read it, and would therehence collect something in favour of their absurd tenet. But their own Vulgate translation hath it bona tribuit, hath given me good things. And it is well observed (Ainsworth), that though the Hebrew word be sometimes taken for rewarding evil for good, Psalms 7:5, or evil for evil, Psalms 137:8, yet from God to his people it commonly signifieth a bountiful rewarding of good things…
Read John Trapp on Psalms 13 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 6. I will sing unto the Lord] That heart is turned to God's praise which has a clear sense of God's favour. Because he hath dealt bountifully with me.] כי גמל עלי ki gamel alai, because he hath recompensed me. My sorrows were deep, long continued, and oppressive, but in thy favour is life. A moment of this spiritual joy is worth a year of sorrow! O, to what blessedness has this godly sorrow led! He has given me the oil of joy for the spirit of heaviness, and the garments of praise for mourning. The old MS. Psalter, which I have so frequently mentioned and quoted, was written at least four hundred years ago, and written probably in Scotland, as it is in the Scottish dialect. That the…
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 13 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleI will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me - The word which is here rendered “dealt bountifully” - גמל gâmal - means properly “to deal” with anyone; to “treat” anyone well
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 13 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible6. I will sing—Faith rises to the point of victory, and joy ends the bitter outcry of Psa 13:1-2. Luther: “While Satan rages and roars about him, he meanwhile sings quietly his little psalm.”
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Psalms 13 →The verse in English, compared — 16 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
I will sing to the LORD, for He has been good to me.
I will sing to Yahweh, because he has been good to me.
I will sing to the LORD, for He has been good to me.
I will sing praises to the Lord when he vindicates me.
Tyndale line
I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.
I will sing unto Jehovah, Because he hath dealt bountifully with me.
I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.
I will sing to the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.
Strictly literal
I will sing unto Jehovah, for he hath dealt bountifully with me.
I do sing to Jehovah, For He hath conferred benefits upon me!
I sing to YHWH, || For He has conferred benefits on me!
I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.
I will sing to Yahweh because he has treated me very generously.
From the Latin
For the Lord is in the just generation: you have confounded the counsel of the poor man, but the Lord is his hope.
Simplified
I will sing to the Lord because he has treated me with such generosity!
I will make a song to the Lord, because he has given me my reward.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text agrees with the Septuagint in the main elements of the verse, with all five words matched. The Dead Sea Scrolls also align closely with the MT, although they contain editorial restorations.
אָשִׁ֥ירָה לַיהוָ֑ה כִּ֖י גָמַ֣ל עָלָֽי׃
5 of the 5 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
[ואני] [בחסד׳כה] [בטחתי] [יגל] [לב׳י] [בישועת׳כה] [אשירה] [ליהוה] [כי] [גמל] [על׳י]
nothing on the leather here — 11 supplied entire by an editor.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Psalms 13:6
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
שִׁיר (shiyr) means 'to sing' and is a denominative verb derived from a primitive root. It covers various forms of singing, including participles for singers and songstresses. The entries indicate its use in different verbal stems, such as Qal and Polel, and note its appearance in contexts like 1 Samuel 18:6.
[שִׁיר] 86 vb. sing (denom.)
Qal 49 sing
Pō‛l. 36 sing
Hoph. be sung
base
H7891 שִׁיר sing (denom.)
7891 shiyr sheer
or (the original form) shuwr (1 Sam. 18:6) {shoor}; a
primitive root (identical with 7788 through the idea of
strolling minstrelsy); to sing:--behold (by mistake for
7789), sing(-er, -ing man, - ing woman).
see HEBREW for 07788
see HEBREW for 07789
שִׁיר (shir) — to sing.
1) to sing
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to sing
1a2) singer, songstresses (participle)
1b) (Polel)
1b1) to sing
1b2) singer, songstress (participle)
1c) (Hophal) to be sung
V-Qal-1cs — Verb · Qal · infinitive construct first person common singularHVqc1cs
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) is the proper name of the God of Israel, often rendered as Jehovah or the Lord. It signifies the self-existent or eternal nature of God. The name is closely associated with the revelation to Moses in Exodus 3:12-15 and is used in conjunction with other terms to denote sacred places. Some scholars suggest it derives from a root meaning 'to bring into being.'
יהוה c. 6823 i.e. יַהְוֶה n.pr.dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel—(1. MT יְהֹוָה 6518 (Qr אֲדֹנָי), or יֱהֹוִה 305 (Qr אֱלֹהִים) 2. Many recent scholars explain יַהְוֶה as Hiph. of הוה (= היה) the one bringing into being, life-giver)
יהוה is not used by E in Gn, but is given Ex 3:12-15 as the name of the God who revealed Himself to Moses at Horeb
יהוה is used with אלהים and suffixes, especially in D
the phrase † אֲנִי יהוה is noteworthy
יהוה is also used with several predicates, to form sacred names of holy places of Yahweh
base
H3068 יהוה i.e. יַהְוֶה n. pr. dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel
3068 Yhovah yeh-ho-vaw'
from 1961; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish
national name of God:--Jehovah, the Lord. Compare 3050, 3069.
see HEBREW for 01961
see HEBREW for 03050
see HEBREW for 03069
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — LORD.
Jehovah = "the existing One"
1) the proper name of the one true God
1a) unpronounced except with the vowel pointings of a.do.na (אֲדֹנָי "Lord" H0136)
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — The Lord.
Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — (Jerusalem of) the Lord.
Combined with ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Prep | N-proper — Preposition · noun properHR/Npt
כִּי (ki) is a conjunction primarily meaning 'that,' 'for,' or 'when.' It indicates causal relationships and can express conditions like 'if' or 'though.' The word is versatile, appearing in various contexts to convey certainty, exception, or concession. Notably, it can combine with other particles to modify its meaning, such as in the phrase כִּי אם־ (ki im), meaning 'that if.'
כִּי conj. that, for, when
that
Of time, when, of the past
elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם
when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though
Because, since
base
כִּי אם־
each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause:
that if
for if
(About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause—
limiting the prec. clause, except
the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but
after an oath, surely
base
כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
base
H3588a כִּי that, for, when . that
. . Of time, when, of the past
. elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם
. when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though
. Because, since
H3588b כִּי אם־ . each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause: . that if
. for if
. (About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause— . limiting the prec. clause, except
. the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but
. after an oath, surely
H3588c כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
3588 kiy kee
a primitive particle (the full form of the prepositional
prefix) indicating causal relations of all kinds, antecedent
or consequent; (by implication) very widely used as a relative
conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by
other particles annexed:--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.
כִּי (ki) — for.
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
כִּי [אם] (ki im) — that if: except.
1) except if
1a) but if
1b) even though
כִּי [עַל כֵּן] (ki [al ken]) — for as that: since.
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)
Conj — ParticleHTc
for (ki (conjunction), le, from 'el (preposition), and various other words. In the New Testament also the words are various, chiefly gar, kai gar, hoti (conjunctions); anti apo eis dia (accusative), epi (dative and accusative), peri (genitive), pros (genitive and accusative), huper (genitive) (prepositions)): the English Revised Version and the American Standard Revised Version give in many cases more literal or more accurate renderings than those in the King James Version.
In the New Testament the most important preps. from a doctrinal point of view are anti, "face to face," "over against," "instead," "on behalf of," peri, "around," "about," "concerning," huper, "over," "on behalf of." The first has been claimed as stating the substitutionary nature of Christ's sacrifice as contrasted with huper and peri, more frequently used of it. But, although anti in the New Testament often means…
גָּמַל (gamal) is a Hebrew root meaning to deal fully or adequately with someone, which includes concepts like recompensing or rewarding. It also specifically refers to weaning a child and can denote the ripening of fruit, particularly almonds. The entries consistently highlight these meanings without significant disagreement.
גָּמַל vb. 1. deal fully or adequately with, deal out to. 2. wean. 3. ripen
Qal
deal out to, do to
deal bountifully with
recompense, repay, requite
wean a child (complete his nursing)
trans. ripen, bear ripe (almonds)
Niph. be weaned
base
H1580 גָּמַל 1. deal fully or adequately with, deal out to. 2. wean. 3. ripen
1580 gamal gaw-mal'
a primitive root; to treat a person (well or ill), i.e.
benefit or requite; by implication (of toil), to ripen, i.e.
(specifically) to wean:--bestow on, deal bountifully, do
(good), recompense, requite, reward, ripen, + serve, mean,
yield.
גָּמַל (ga.mal) — to wean.
1) to deal fully with, recompense
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to deal out to, do to
1a2) to deal bountifully with
1a3) to recompense, repay, requite
2) (Qal) to wean a child (Niphal) to be weaned
3) (Qal) to ripen, bear ripe (almonds)
V-Qal-Perf-3ms — Verb · Qal · perfect third person masculine singularHVqp3ms
The Hebrew word עַל (*al*) is a preposition meaning 'upon' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including 'on account of,' 'beside,' 'above,' and 'against.' It can indicate physical placement, emotional burdens, or duties imposed on a person. The entries also note its use in idiomatic expressions and with verbs of motion. There is a mention of its function as a conjunction in certain contexts.
כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
base
עַל, עָ֑ל
subst. height
As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against
Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed
—
of clothing, etc., which any one wears
With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it
Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him
Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him
על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him
חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)
H5921a עַל, עָ֑ל . As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against . Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed . — . of clothing, etc., which any one wears
. With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it
. Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him
. Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him
. על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him
. חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)
5921 `al al
properly, the same as 5920 used as a preposition (in the
singular or plural often with prefix, or as conjunction with a
particle following); above, over, upon, or against (yet always
in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great
variety of applications (as follow):--above, according
to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, X as, at, because
of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, X both
and, by (reason of), X had the charge of, concerning for, in
(that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-)on, over, than,
through(-out), to, touching, X with.
see HEBREW for 05920
עַל (al) — upon.
prep
1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against
1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards
1b) above, beyond, over (of excess)
1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence)
1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition)
1e) over (of suspension or extension)
1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity)
1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion)
1h) to (as a dative)
[כִּי] עַל [כֵּן] ([ki] al [ken]) — as.
conj
Prep | Suff — Preposition · suffixHR/Sp1bs
