King James Version

What Does Psalms 130:7 Mean?

Psalms 130:7 in the King James Version says “Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 130 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.”

Psalms 130:7 · KJV

Hope

Context

5

I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.

6

My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning. I say: or, which watch unto

7

Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.

8

And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

Read Psalms 130 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Personal testimony becomes corporate exhortation: 'Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.' The shift from personal (vv. 1-6) to corporate ('Israel') demonstrates that individual experience should encourage communal faith. The command 'let Israel hope' makes confident expectation a duty for all God's people. The word 'hope' (yachal) reappears from verse 5. The basis for hope is twofold: 'with the LORD there is mercy' and 'with him is plenteous redemption.' 'Mercy' (Hebrew 'chesed') is covenant love, loyal devotion, steadfast kindness - God's reliable character. 'Plenteous redemption' (Hebrew 'harbeh pedut') emphasizes abundant, full, complete deliverance. God doesn't redemption sparingly or partially. 'Redemption' (pedut) means ransom, deliverance, freedom - often involving price paid. This verse assures that God's resources are infinite - His mercy and redemption never run out.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The call for Israel to hope in the LORD reflects corporate identity and mutual encouragement. God's mercy and redemption were demonstrated repeatedly in Israel's history - exodus, return from exile, preservation through threats. The pattern of personal testimony leading to corporate exhortation appears throughout psalms, strengthening communal faith.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does personal experience of God's forgiveness (vv. 1-6) lead to encouraging others (v. 7)?
  2. What is the relationship between God's 'mercy' and His 'plenteous redemption'?
  3. Why is redemption described as 'plenteous' rather than merely adequate?
  4. How does covenant love (chesed) provide foundation for confident hope?
  5. In what ways should individual believers' testimonies encourage corporate church faith?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
יַחֵ֥ל1 of 11

“hope”

H3176

to wait; by implication, to be patient, hope

יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל2 of 11

“Let Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

אֶל3 of 11
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוָ֥ה4 of 11

“for with the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

כִּֽי5 of 11
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

עִם6 of 11
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

יְהוָ֥ה7 of 11

“for with the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

הַחֶ֑סֶד8 of 11

“there is mercy”

H2617

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

וְהַרְבֵּ֖ה9 of 11

“and with him is plenteous”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

עִמּ֣וֹ10 of 11
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

פְדֽוּת׃11 of 11

“redemption”

H6304

distinction; also deliverance

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 130:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 130:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ephesians 1:7-8Psalms 40:3Revelation 5:9Psalms 86:151 John 2:1-2Psalms 86:5

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