King James Version

What Does Psalms 9:14 Mean?

Psalms 9:14 in the King James Version says “That I may shew forth all thy praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion: I will rejoice in thy salvation. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 9:14 · KJV


Context

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.

16

The LORD is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah. Higgaion: that is, Meditation


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
David's plea for mercy connects deliverance with doxology, demonstrating that God's salvation has worship as its ultimate purpose. The 'gates of death' contrast with 'gates of Zion,' illustrating the biblical theme of two cities—the earthly versus the heavenly. This verse anticipates Christ's victory over death's gates (Matthew 16:18) and our participation in eternal praise.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Written during a time of persecution, likely from Saul or Absalom. Ancient city gates served as centers of public life and justice, making them symbolic places for proclamation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does experiencing God's deliverance deepen your worship?
  2. In what ways do you publicly declare God's praise in your community?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
לְמַ֥עַן1 of 9
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

אֲסַפְּרָ֗ה2 of 9

That I may shew forth

H5608

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

כָּֽל3 of 9
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

תְּהִלָּ֫תֶ֥יךָ4 of 9

all thy praise

H8416

laudation; specifically (concretely) a hymn

בְּשַֽׁעֲרֵ֥י5 of 9

in the gates

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

בַת6 of 9

of the daughter

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

צִיּ֑וֹן7 of 9

of Zion

H6726

tsijon (as a permanent capital), a mountain of jerusalem

אָ֝גִ֗ילָה8 of 9

I will rejoice

H1523

properly, to spin round (under the influence of any violent emotion), i.e., usually rejoice, or (as cringing) fear

בִּישׁוּעָתֶֽךָ׃9 of 9

in thy salvation

H3444

something saved, i.e., (abstractly) deliverance; hence, aid, victory, prosperity


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 9:14 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 9:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study