King James Version

What Does Psalms 31:5 Mean?

Psalms 31:5 in the King James Version says “Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.”

Psalms 31:5 · KJV

Holy SpiritSalvationTruth

Context

3

For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.

4

Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength.

5

Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.

6

I have hated them that regard lying vanities: but I trust in the LORD.

7

I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;

Read Psalms 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth. This verse expresses ultimate trust in God's faithfulness and became Jesus' final words from the cross (Luke 23:46), establishing a profound typological connection between David's trust and Christ's perfect surrender.

The Hebrew word for commit (paqad) means to entrust or deposit for safekeeping, suggesting David places his life—his very essence—into God's protective custody. Spirit (ruach) refers to the life-breath, the animating principle that makes us living beings. David trusts God not just with circumstances but with his essential being.

Thou hast redeemed me invokes covenant language. The Hebrew ga'al refers to the kinsman-redeemer who buys back family members from slavery or debt. David acknowledges God as his personal redeemer who has already secured his deliverance. This is not future hope but past-tense confidence—redemption already accomplished forms the basis for present trust.

O LORD God of truth identifies God by His covenant name (YHWH) and His essential character. The Hebrew emet (truth) denotes reliability, faithfulness, and immutability. God's truth is not merely propositional but relational—He keeps His promises. Because God is truthful in nature, He can be trusted with our lives.

When Jesus quoted this verse at His death, He fulfilled David's typological trust. Where David committed his spirit in crisis, Christ committed His spirit in atoning sacrifice. Reformed theology sees Christ as the true Israel, the ultimate Psalmist who perfectly trusts God through death itself.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 31 is a Davidic lament, likely composed during one of his many persecutions—possibly during Absalom's rebellion or Saul's pursuit. The superscription attributes it to David, and the intimate knowledge of unjust suffering and divine deliverance fits his biography.

This verse became central to Jewish evening prayers (the bedtime Shema), teaching generations to commit their lives to God daily. Its use by Jesus on the cross (Luke 23:46) elevated it from personal devotion to cosmic significance—the Messiah's final act of trust before accomplishing redemption.

The concept of the kinsman-redeemer (ga'al) would be vivid to ancient Israelites familiar with Levitical law. When family members fell into slavery or lost land, the nearest relative had obligation and right to redeem them. David claims this intimate relationship with YHWH—God is his kinsman-redeemer, personally invested in his deliverance.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean practically to commit your spirit—your essential being—into God's hands daily?
  2. How does God's past redemption (already accomplished) give confidence for present crises?
  3. In what ways does Jesus' use of this verse from the cross deepen its meaning for believers?
  4. Why is God's character as 'God of truth' essential to trusting Him with our lives?
  5. How can this verse shape your perspective as you face your own mortality?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
בְּיָדְךָ֮1 of 8

“Into thine hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

אַפְקִ֪יד2 of 8

“I commit”

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

ר֫וּחִ֥י3 of 8

“my spirit”

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

פָּדִ֖יתָה4 of 8

“thou hast redeemed”

H6299

to sever, i.e., ransom; generally to release, preserve

אוֹתִ֥י5 of 8
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יְהוָ֗ה6 of 8

“me O LORD”

H3068

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

אֵ֣ל7 of 8

“God”

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

אֱמֶֽת׃8 of 8

“of truth”

H571

stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

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 31:5 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 31:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 23:46Acts 7:59Deuteronomy 32:41 Peter 1:18-19Psalms 71:23Genesis 48:16

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Psalms 31 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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