King James Version

What Does Psalms 61:6 Mean?

Psalms 61:6 in the King James Version says “Thou wilt prolong the king's life : and his years as many generations. Thou: Heb. Thou shalt add days to the days of the...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 61 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thou wilt prolong the king's life : and his years as many generations. Thou: Heb. Thou shalt add days to the days of the king as: Heb. as generation and generation”

Psalms 61:6 · KJV

Context

4

I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah. trust: or, make my refuge

5

For thou, O God, hast heard my vows: thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear thy name.

6

Thou wilt prolong the king's life : and his years as many generations. Thou: Heb. Thou shalt add days to the days of the king as: Heb. as generation and generation

7

He shall abide before God for ever: O prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him.

8

So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The prayer for the king's prolonged life ('years as many generations') anticipates the eternal dynasty promised to David (2 Samuel 7:16). While David's physical reign was temporal, this prophetically points to the Messiah's eternal reign. Each earthly king's reign is shadow, with Christ the substance—His years truly are 'as many generations' (Hebrews 7:24).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern royal ideology included prayers for the king's long life and dynasty. In David's case, these prayers connect to specific covenant promises about his seed reigning forever, fulfilled in Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do temporal fulfillments of God's promises point toward eternal realities in Christ?
  2. What does Christ's eternal kingship mean for your current relationship to earthly authority?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
יְמֵי1 of 9

“life”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

עַל2 of 9
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יְמֵי3 of 9

“life”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

מֶ֣לֶךְ4 of 9

“the king's”

H4428

a king

תּוֹסִ֑יף5 of 9

“Thou wilt prolong”

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

שְׁ֝נוֹתָ֗יו6 of 9

“and his years”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

כְּמוֹ7 of 9
H3644

as, thus, so

וָדֹֽר׃8 of 9

“as many”

H1755

properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

וָדֹֽר׃9 of 9

“as many”

H1755

properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

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 61:6 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 61:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 21:4Psalms 89:36-37Psalms 21:6Isaiah 53:10Psalms 72:15-17

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