King James Version

What Does Psalms 27:6 Mean?

Psalms 27:6 in the King James Version says “And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifi...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD. joy: Heb. shouting”

Psalms 27:6 · KJV

Joy

Context

4

One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. the beauty: or, the delight

5

For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

6

And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD. joy: Heb. shouting

7

Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.

8

When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek. When: or, My heart said unto thee, Let my face seek thy face, etc

Read Psalms 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The promise 'And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me' anticipates vindication. Lifted head symbolizes honor and victory. The result: 'therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.' Deliverance produces worship. Reformed theology emphasizes that salvation's purpose is doxology—God saves us to worship Him. The repetition 'I will sing, yea, I will sing' expresses exuberant joy that cannot be contained.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Victory in battle required thanksgiving sacrifices at the tabernacle. David's practice of celebrating God's deliverances through music and sacrifice established Israel's worship patterns. Testimonial worship encouraged the community.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does anticipated victory produce present worship?
  2. What 'sacrifices of joy' can you offer to God today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְעַתָּ֨ה1 of 13
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

יָר֪וּם2 of 13

“be lifted up”

H7311

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

רֹאשִׁ֡י3 of 13

“And now shall mine head”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

עַ֤ל4 of 13
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אֹֽיְבַ֬י5 of 13

“above mine enemies”

H341

hating; an adversary

סְֽבִיבוֹתַ֗י6 of 13

“round about”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

וְאֶזְבְּחָ֣ה7 of 13

“me therefore will I offer”

H2076

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

בְ֭אָהֳלוֹ8 of 13

“in his tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

זִבְחֵ֣י9 of 13

“sacrifices”

H2077

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

תְרוּעָ֑ה10 of 13

“of joy”

H8643

clamor, i.e., acclamation of joy or a battle-cry; especially clangor of trumpets, as an alarum

אָשִׁ֥ירָה11 of 13

“I will sing”

H7891

to sing

וַ֝אֲזַמְּרָ֗ה12 of 13

“yea I will sing praises”

H2167

properly, to touch the strings or parts of a musical instrument, i.e., play upon it; to make music, accompanied by the voice; hence to celebrate in so

לַיהוָֽה׃13 of 13

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

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 27:6 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 27:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 3:3Hebrews 13:15Psalms 107:222 Samuel 22:49Isaiah 12:6Ephesians 5:19-20

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 27 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Psalms 27 with CommentaryAll Psalms ChaptersComplete Psalms QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes