King James Version

What Does Psalms 9:13 Mean?

Psalms 9:13 in the King James Version says “Have mercy upon me, O LORD; consider my trouble which I suffer of them that hate me, thou that liftest me up from the ga...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Have mercy upon me, O LORD; consider my trouble which I suffer of them that hate me, thou that liftest me up from the gates of death:”

Psalms 9:13 · KJV

Context

11

Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings.

12

When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them: he forgetteth not the cry of the humble . humble: or, afflicted

13

Have mercy upon me, O LORD; consider my trouble which I suffer of them that hate me, thou that liftest me up from the gates of death:

14

That I may shew forth all thy praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion: I will rejoice in thy salvation.

15

The heathen are sunk down in the pit that they made: in the net which they hid is their own foot taken.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
David pleads for mercy in the midst of trouble from 'them that hate me.' The title 'thou that liftest me up from the gates of death' acknowledges God as deliverer from mortal danger. 'Gates of death' (Hebrew 'sha'ar mavet') represents the entry point to death/Sheol. This combination of present suffering and confidence in divine deliverance shows biblical realism - trouble exists but God rescues. Christians see this ultimately in Christ's resurrection, lifting us from death's gates to eternal life.

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Historical & Cultural Context

City gates were places of judgment and transaction - death's gates represent the threshold between life and death. David's cry reflects many near-death experiences throughout his life. The pattern of crying for mercy while affirming God's past deliverances models faith-filled prayer. The church echoes this in persecution throughout history.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you balance honest admission of present trouble with confidence in God's delivering power?
  2. How has God lifted you from spiritual death's gates through Christ's resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
חָֽנְנֵ֬נִי1 of 8

“Have mercy”

H2603

properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)

יְהוָ֗ה2 of 8

“upon me O LORD”

H3068

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

רְאֵ֣ה3 of 8

“consider”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

עָ֭נְיִי4 of 8

“my trouble”

H6040

depression, i.e., misery

מִשֹּׂנְאָ֑י5 of 8

“which I suffer of them that hate”

H8130

to hate (personally)

מְ֝רוֹמְמִ֗י6 of 8

“me thou that liftest me up”

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

מִשַּׁ֥עֲרֵי7 of 8

“from the gates”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

מָֽוֶת׃8 of 8

“of death”

H4194

death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

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 9:13 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 9:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 30:3Psalms 86:13Isaiah 38:10Psalms 13:3Nehemiah 9:32Psalms 119:153

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