King James Version

What Does Psalms 30:3 Mean?

“O LORD, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.”

Context

A Psalm and Song at the dedication of the house of David. I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me.

O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.

O LORD, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.

Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. at: or, to the memorial

For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. his anger: Heb. there is but a moment in his anger for a night: Heb. in the evening joy: Heb. singing

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3) **Grave.**—*Sheôl *(See Note to Psalm 6:5.) **That I should not go down to the pit.**—This follows a reading which is considered by modern scholars ungrammatical. The ordinary reading, rightly kept by the LXX. and Vulg., means *from these going down to the pit, i.e., *from the dead. (Comp. Psalm 28:1.)

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 30:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.