King James Version
What Does Psalms 142:7 Mean?
“Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me.”
Context
5
I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.
6
Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.
7
Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(7) **Out of prison.**—This expression, which must certainly be figurative of distress (comp. Psalm 143:11), probably led to the inscription.
**Compass me about.—**The Hebrew word here employed is used in a hostile sense in Psalm 22:12; Judges 20:43; Habakkuk 1:4. It is better, therefore, to follow the LXX. and render:
“In my case the righteous are waiting
Till,” &c
This sense “waiting for,” besides being favoured by the construction, suits well the passage, Proverbs 14:18.
“The simple inherit folly,
But the prudent *wait for *knowledge,
and is Aquila’s rendering there of the word as it is here.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
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Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 142:7 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 142:7
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge