King James Version

What Does Psalms 131:1 Mean?

Psalms 131:1 in the King James Version says “A Song of degrees of David. LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great ma...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 131 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“A Song of degrees of David. LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me. exercise: Heb. walk high: Heb. wonderful”

Psalms 131:1 · KJV

Context

1

A Song of degrees of David. LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me. exercise: Heb. walk high: Heb. wonderful

2

Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child. myself: Heb. my soul

3

Let Israel hope in the LORD from henceforth and for ever. henceforth: Heb. now

Read Psalms 131 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
David confesses humble contentment: 'LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.' The address 'LORD' establishes this as prayer/testimony before God. The triple negative emphasizes what David is NOT: 'not haughty...nor lofty...neither do I exercise.' 'Heart is not haughty' addresses internal pride - haughty (Hebrew 'gabah') means elevated, proud, arrogant. 'Eyes lofty' describes outward expression of pride - looking down on others, presumptuous gaze. The phrase 'neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high' means David doesn't overreach his calling or capacity. 'Exercise' (Hebrew 'halak') means to walk or conduct oneself. 'Great matters' and 'things too high' refer to ambitions beyond proper scope - perhaps royal intrigue, theological mysteries, or presumptuous plans. This verse models humility as knowing one's place, limitations, and calling without self-exalting ambition. It's contentment with God's assignment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

David's life involved resisting temptation to seize power prematurely (sparing Saul repeatedly, 1 Samuel 24; 26) and accepting God's timing. His humility contrasts with Absalom's proud ambition (2 Samuel 15). The psalm may reflect David's mature perspective after experiencing both humble beginnings and royal authority, learning contentment in God's providence.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do haughty heart, lofty eyes, and overreaching ambition relate to each other?
  2. What 'great matters' or 'things too high' might tempt believers to exercise themselves inappropriately?
  3. How does humility involve knowing and accepting one's limitations and calling?
  4. What is the difference between godly ambition and proud overreaching?
  5. How does this confession before the LORD indicate that humility is ultimately lived before God's face?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
יְהוָ֤ה׀1 of 12

“LORD”

H3068

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

לֹא2 of 12
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

גָבַ֣הּ3 of 12

“is not haughty”

H1361

to soar, i.e., be lofty; figuratively, to be haughty

לִ֭בִּי4 of 12

“my heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

וְלֹא5 of 12
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

רָמ֣וּ6 of 12

“lofty”

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

עֵינַ֑י7 of 12

“nor mine eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

וְלֹֽא8 of 12
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הִלַּ֓כְתִּי׀9 of 12

“neither do I exercise”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בִּגְדֹל֖וֹת10 of 12

“myself in great matters”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

וּבְנִפְלָא֣וֹת11 of 12

“or in things too high”

H6381

properly, perhaps to separate, i.e., distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful

מִמֶּֽנִּי׃12 of 12
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

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 131:1 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 131:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 12:16Psalms 139:6Job 42:3Jeremiah 45:5Matthew 11:29Psalms 101:5

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Psalms 131 →

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