King James Version
What Does Psalms 52:9 Mean?
“I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints.”
Context
7
Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness. wickedness: or, substance
8
But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.
9
I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(9) **Because thou hast done it.**—Better, *because thou workest, i.e., for thy works, *but spoken in anticipation of future manifestations.
**I will wait on thy name. . . .**—Better, *I will wait for thy glory; “*name,” here, after the mention of God’s works in the last clause, being evidently, as so often, synonymous with “fame” and “reputation.”
**For it is good before thy saints.**—This may mean that such a trustful expectation in the presence of the saints is good, or that it is pleasant in the eyes of the saints thus to wait, or we may take “name” as the subject.
The mention of the “saints” (*chasîdîm*) is by some supposed to indicate the Asmonean period as that of the composition of the Psalm.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
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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 52:9 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 52:9
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge