King James Version

What Does Psalms 30:11 Mean?

“Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;”

Context

What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth?

Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me: LORD, be thou my helper.

Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;

To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever. my glory: that is, my tongue, or, my soul

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(11) **Thou hast turned for me.**—This verse gives the answer to the prayer. *Mourning *is literally *beating the breast, *and therefore *dancing *forms a proper parallelism; or else, according to one derivation of the word, *machôl *would suggest *piping. *(See margin, Psalm 149:3; Psalm 150:4; see Smith’s *Bible Dictionary, *under “Dance;” and *Bible Educator, *vol. ii., p. 70; and comp. Note to Song of Solomon 6:13.)

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 30:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.