King James Version

What Does Psalms 36:10 Mean?

Psalms 36:10 in the King James Version says “O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart. continue: Heb. dr...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart. continue: Heb. draw out at length”

Psalms 36:10 · KJV

Context

8

They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. abundantly: Heb. watered

9

For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light.

10

O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart. continue: Heb. draw out at length

11

Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me.

12

There are the workers of iniquity fallen: they are cast down, and shall not be able to rise.

Read Psalms 36 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The prayer for continuance ('O continue') recognizes that God's past faithfulness doesn't guarantee presumptuous assumption but motivates petition for ongoing grace. The recipients—'them that know thee' and 'the upright in heart'—indicates covenant relationship and moral integrity. Knowing God isn't merely intellectual but experiential, relational knowledge ('yada'), while uprightness describes those whose hearts are aligned with God's character. Divine lovingkindness and righteousness together provide security and guidance.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Covenantal language permeates this verse. 'Knowing' God was the essence of Israel's covenant (Jeremiah 31:34), distinguishing them from nations who worshiped gods they could not truly know.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you cultivate deeper knowledge of God beyond mere information?
  2. What does it mean to have an 'upright heart' before God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
מְשֹׁ֣ךְ1 of 6

“O continue”

H4900

to draw, used in a great variety of applications (including to sow, to sound, to prolong, to develop, to march, to remove, to delay, to be tall, etc.)

חַ֭סְדְּךָ2 of 6

“thy lovingkindness”

H2617

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

לְיֹדְעֶ֑יךָ3 of 6

“unto them that know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

וְ֝צִדְקָֽתְךָ֗4 of 6

“thee and thy righteousness”

H6666

rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

לְיִשְׁרֵי5 of 6

“to the upright”

H3477

straight (literally or figuratively)

לֵֽב׃6 of 6

“in heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

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 36:10 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 36:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 24:7Hebrews 8:11Psalms 97:10-11Jeremiah 22:16Psalms 9:101 Peter 1:5

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 36 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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