King James Version

What Does Psalms 63:3 Mean?

Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.

Context

1

A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; thirsty: Heb. weary where: without water

2

To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.

3

Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.

4

Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.

5

My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: marrow: Heb. fatness

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **Because.**—Such a sense of the blessedness of Divine favour—here in its peculiar sense of covenant favour—that it is better than life itself, calls for gratitude displayed all through life. “Love is the ever-springing fountain” from which all goodness proceeds, and a sense of it is even more than the happy sense of being alive. The following lines convey in a modern dress the feeling of this part of the psalm:— “So gazing up in my youth at love, As seen through power, ever above All modes which make it manifest, My soul brought all to a single test— That He, the Eternal, First and Last, Who in His power had so surpassed All man conceives of what is might, Whose wisdom too showed infinite— Would prove as infinitely good.” R. BROWNING: *Christmas Eve.* **Thus**—*i.e.*, in the spirit in which he now speaks. For the attitude of the uplifted hands, see Note, Psalm 28:2.

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 63:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 63:3

Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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