Psalms 63:2
Psalms 63:2 in Multiple Translations
So I have seen You in the sanctuary and beheld Your power and glory.
To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.
So have I looked upon thee in the sanctuary, To see thy power and thy glory.
To see your power and your glory, as I have seen you in the holy place.
I see you in the Temple; I watch your power and glory.
Thus I beholde thee as in the Sanctuarie, when I beholde thy power and thy glorie.
So in the sanctuary I have seen Thee, To behold Thy strength and Thine honour.
So I have seen you in the sanctuary, watching your power and your glory.
To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.
Hear, O God, my prayer, when I make supplication to thee: deliver my soul from the fear of the enemy.
So, I want to see you in your temple; I want to see that you are great and glorious.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 63:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 63:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֱלֹהִ֤ים
אֵלִ֥/י
אַתָּ֗ה
אֲֽשַׁחֲ֫רֶ֥/ךָּ
צָמְאָ֬ה
לְ/ךָ֨
נַפְשִׁ֗/י
כָּמַ֣הּ
לְ/ךָ֣
בְשָׂרִ֑/י
בְּ/אֶֽרֶץ
צִיָּ֖ה
וְ/עָיֵ֣ף
בְּלִי
מָֽיִם
אֱלֹהִ֤ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
אֵלִ֥/י
ʼêl
H410
god
N-ms | Suff
אַתָּ֗ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
אֲֽשַׁחֲ֫רֶ֥/ךָּ
shâchar
H7836
to seek
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs | Suff
צָמְאָ֬ה
tsâmêʼ
H6770
to thirst
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
לְ/ךָ֨
Prep | Suff
נַפְשִׁ֗/י
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
כָּמַ֣הּ
kâmahh
H3642
to pine
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לְ/ךָ֣
Prep | Suff
בְשָׂרִ֑/י
bâsâr
H1320
flesh
N-ms | Suff
בְּ/אֶֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
צִיָּ֖ה
tsîyâh
H6723
dryness
N-fs
וְ/עָיֵ֣ף
ʻâyêph
H5889
faint
Conj | Adj
בְּלִי
bᵉlîy
H1097
without
Part
מָֽיִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 63:2
אֱלֹהִ֤ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
אֵלִ֥/י
ʼêl
H410
"god"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, 'el means strength or power, and is often used to refer to God or false gods. It describes something or someone as mighty or powerful, like the Almighty. This concept is central to understanding the Bible's view of God.
Definition: : god 1) god, god-like one, mighty one 1a) mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes 1b) angels 1c) god, false god, (demons, imaginations) 1d) God, the one true God, Jehovah 2) mighty things in nature 3) strength, power Also means: ": power" (el אֵל H0410L)
Usage: Occurs in 235 OT verses. KJV: God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.' See also: Genesis 14:18; Job 33:14; Psalms 5:5.
אַתָּ֗ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
אֲֽשַׁחֲ֫רֶ֥/ךָּ
shâchar
H7836
"to seek"
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs | Suff
This verb means to seek or search for something early and earnestly, like in Psalm 63:1 where David seeks God diligently. It can also mean to rise early, as in Proverbs 8:17 where wisdom is found by those who seek it early. The word appears about 15 times in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to seek, seek early or earnestly, look early or diligently for 1a) (Qal) to look for diligently, seek 1b) (Piel) to seek, seek early
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: (do something) betimes, enquire early, rise (seek) betimes, seek diligently) early, in the morning). See also: Job 7:21; Proverbs 7:15; Psalms 63:2.
צָמְאָ֬ה
tsâmêʼ
H6770
"to thirst"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to feel thirsty, either physically or spiritually, and is used in the Bible to describe a strong desire or longing, like in Psalm 42:2 where David thirsts for God. It can also refer to a lack of something, like water or satisfaction. It is often used figuratively.
Definition: (Qal) to be thirsty
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: (be a-, suffer) thirst(-y). See also: Exodus 17:3; Psalms 42:3; Psalms 63:2.
לְ/ךָ֨
""
Prep | Suff
נַפְשִׁ֗/י
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
כָּמַ֣הּ
kâmahh
H3642
"to pine"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To pine or long for something, like when a person deeply desires something. This word appears in the Bible to describe strong emotional yearning. It is used to express intense longing.
Definition: (Qal) to long for, faint, faint with longing
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: long. See also: Psalms 63:2.
לְ/ךָ֣
""
Prep | Suff
בְשָׂרִ֑/י
bâsâr
H1320
"flesh"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for flesh refers to the body or a person, and can also describe living things or animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe humans and animals, as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) flesh 1a) of the body 1a1) of humans 1a2) of animals 1b) the body itself 1c) male organ of generation (euphemism) 1d) kindred, blood-relations 1e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God) 1f) all living things 1g) animals 1h) mankind Aramaic equivalent: be.shar (בְּשַׁר "flesh" H1321)
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind, [phrase] nakedness, self, skin. See also: Genesis 2:21; Numbers 11:21; Psalms 16:9.
בְּ/אֶֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
צִיָּ֖ה
tsîyâh
H6723
"dryness"
N-fs
This word describes a dry and barren place, like a desert or wilderness, often used in the Bible to depict a lack of water or fertility in a land.
Definition: dryness, drought, desert
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: barren, drought, dry (land, place), solitary place, wilderness. See also: Job 24:19; Isaiah 53:2; Psalms 63:2.
וְ/עָיֵ֣ף
ʻâyêph
H5889
"faint"
Conj | Adj
In the Bible, this word means feeling faint or exhausted, like being very thirsty or weary. It is used to describe someone who is drained of energy. This word appears in descriptions of people who are struggling.
Definition: faint, exhausted, weary
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: faint, thirsty, weary. See also: Genesis 25:29; Psalms 63:2; Psalms 143:6.
בְּלִי
bᵉlîy
H1097
"without"
Part
This word means without or nothing, often used for negation. It appears in various forms, such as without or not yet, in the Old Testament.
Definition: subst 1) wearing out adv of negation 2) without, no, not
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: corruption, ig(norantly), for lack of, where no...is, so that no, none, not, un(awares), without. See also: Genesis 31:20; Job 38:41; Psalms 19:4.
מָֽיִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
Study Notes — Psalms 63:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 63:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 63:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 63:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 63:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 63:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 63:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 63:2
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 63:2
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 63:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 63:2
- Sermons on Psalms 63:2
Context — Thirsting for God
1O God, You are my God. Earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You. My body yearns for You in a dry and weary land without water.
2So I have seen You in the sanctuary and beheld Your power and glory.
3Because Your loving devotion is better than life, my lips will glorify You. 4So I will bless You as long as I live; in Your name I will lift my hands.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 27:4 | One thing I have asked of the LORD; this is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and seek Him in His temple. |
| 2 | Psalms 105:4 | Seek out the LORD and His strength; seek His face always. |
| 3 | Psalms 84:2–11 | My soul longs, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she places her young near Your altars, O LORD of Hosts, my King and my God. How blessed are those who dwell in Your house! They are ever praising You. Selah Blessed are those whose strength is in You, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; even the autumn rain covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength, until each appears before God in Zion. O LORD God of Hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah Take notice of our shield, O God, and look with favor on the face of Your anointed. For better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. For the LORD God is a sun and a shield; the LORD gives grace and glory; He withholds no good thing from those who walk with integrity. |
| 4 | Psalms 96:6 | Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and beauty fill His sanctuary. |
| 5 | 2 Corinthians 4:4–6 | The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. |
| 6 | 1 Chronicles 16:11 | Seek out the LORD and His strength; seek His face always. |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 4:21–22 | And she named the boy Ichabod, saying, “The glory has departed from Israel,” because the ark of God had been captured and her father-in-law and her husband had been killed. “The glory has departed from Israel,” she said, “for the ark of God has been captured.” |
| 8 | Psalms 145:11 | They will tell of the glory of Your kingdom and speak of Your might, |
| 9 | Exodus 33:18–19 | Then Moses said, “Please show me Your glory.” “I will cause all My goodness to pass before you,” the LORD replied, “and I will proclaim My name—the LORD—in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” |
| 10 | Psalms 77:13–14 | Your way, O God, is holy. What god is so great as our God? You are the God who works wonders; You display Your strength among the peoples. |
Psalms 63:2 Summary
In Psalms 63:2, the Psalmist says they have 'seen' God in the sanctuary, which means they have experienced His presence and power in a special way. This can happen when we take time to worship and focus on God, like the Psalmist did, and it's not just limited to a physical place, as we can experience God's presence anywhere (Matthew 18:20). By seeking God and prioritizing our relationship with Him, we can behold His power and glory, just like the Psalmist, and experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from knowing Him (Psalms 16:11). As we seek to deepen our understanding of God's presence, we can look to examples in the Bible, such as Isaiah 6:1-5, where the prophet had a powerful encounter with God's glory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'see' God in the sanctuary?
In Psalms 63:2, the sanctuary refers to a place of worship where God's presence is felt, and 'seeing' Him means experiencing His presence and power, as described in Isaiah 6:1-5 where the prophet had a similar encounter with God's glory.
How can we behold God's power and glory in our daily lives?
We can behold God's power and glory by spending time in prayer, reading His Word, and worshiping Him, just like the Psalmist did, as seen in Psalms 119:148 where the writer rises early to meditate on God's promises.
Is it possible to experience God's presence outside of a physical sanctuary?
Yes, according to Matthew 18:20, God's presence is with us wherever we gather in His name, and as seen in Acts 17:24-25, God is not limited to a physical sanctuary, but is present everywhere, and we can experience His presence in our daily lives.
What role does faith play in 'seeing' God in the sanctuary?
Faith plays a crucial role in 'seeing' God, as Hebrews 11:1 and 6 emphasize the importance of faith in experiencing God's presence and power, and without faith, it is impossible to please God or experience His glory.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways you have experienced God's presence and power in your life, and how can you cultivate a deeper sense of His presence?
- How does the idea of 'seeing' God in the sanctuary impact your understanding of worship and your relationship with God?
- In what ways can you apply the Psalmist's desire to 'behold' God's power and glory in your own life, and what steps can you take to prioritize this pursuit?
- How does the concept of God's sanctuary relate to your own personal experiences of worship and intimacy with God, and what can you learn from the Psalmist's example?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 63:2
To see thy power and thy glory,.... Either the ark, as the Jewish writers generally interpret it; the symbol of God's presence and glory, and which is called his strength and his glory; see Psalms
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 63:2
To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 63:2
To see, i.e. to enjoy, as seeing is oft taken. Thy power and thy glory; either, 1. The ark, which is called God’ s strength and glory, . Or rather, 2. The powerful and glorious effects and evidences of thy gracious presence there. So as I have seen thee; whereof I have formerly had great and comfortable experience; which makes me more sensible of my present loss, and more thirsty after these enjoyments.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 63:2
Psalms 63:2 To see thy power and thy glory, so [as] I have seen thee in the sanctuary.Ver. 2. To see thy power and thy glory] To feel those heart-ravishing apprehensions of thine incomparable excellencies from thyself immediately; who canst be to thy people in their banishment as a little sanctuary, Ezekiel 11:16, and supply all their wants out of thine all sufficiency, who art rich in mercy to all that call upon thy name. So as I have seen thee in the sanctuary] Where were to be seen the house of God, Exodus 25:8 Deuteronomy 12:5, the throne of glory from the beginning, Jeremiah 17:12, the ark of the covenant, Exodus 25:22, the tables of the covenant laid up in the ark, Exodus 28:21, the mercy seat, Exodus 25:21, the oracle, Exodus 25:22 Numbers 7:89, the ceremonies that showed the estate of the faithful both by nature and by grace, and indeed were their gospel, and Christ in figure. These were glorious sights and signals which, therefore David dearly desired, and more bewailed the want of them, than of all outward comforts and contentments.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 63:2
(2) To see thy power . . .—The transposition of the clauses in the Authorised Version weakens the sense. Render, So (i.e., in this state of religious fervour) in the sanctuary have I had vision of thee in seeing thy might and glory. The psalmist means, that while he saw with his eyes the outward signs of Divine glory, he had a spiritual vision (the Hebrew word is that generally used of prophetic vision) of God.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 63:2
Verse 2. To see thy power and thy glory - in the sanctuary.] In his public ordinances God had often showed his power in the judgments he executed, in the terror he impressed, and in awakening the sinful; and his glory in delivering the tempted, succouring the distressed, and diffusing peace and pardon through the hearts of his followers. God shows his power and glory in his ordinances; therefore public worship should never be neglected. We must see God, says the old Psalter, that he may see us. In his temple he dispenses his choicest blessings.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 63:2
2. The A.V. transposes the clauses of this verse in a way which cannot be justified. Render: In such wise have I gazed upon thee in the sanctuary, To see thy strength and thy glory. In such wise (‘so’) is explained to refer to Psalms 63:1 meaning ‘as my God,’ or ‘so fervently’; but this verse seems rather to give the ground and reason for the preceding verse:—I pine for communion with Thee, because I have had such glorious visions of Thy presence in the sanctuary. There he has ‘gazed’ upon God—the word is used of an intent and discerning contemplation, specially of things divine (Psalms 27:4; Psalms 11:7; Psalms 17:15), and of prophetic ‘vision’ (Isaiah 1:1)—in order to realise His Majesty as it is revealed to man. The Ark was the symbol of God’s Presence, of His strength and glory (1 Samuel 4:21; Psalms 24:7, note; Psalms 78:61; Psalms 132:8); and all the ordinances of the sanctuary possessed for him a sacramental meaning. It was thus that Isaiah ‘saw the Lord.’
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 63:2
To see thy power and thy glory - The reference here is to what was manifested of the presence and the power of God in the services of public worship; the praises, the prayers, the rejoicings, the evidences of the divine presence.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 63:2
2. Sanctuary—The holy place. A title given to the sacred tabernacle, Exodus 25:8, first settled at Shiloh, Joshua 18:1, afterwards at Nob, 1 Samuel 21:1-6, and later at Gibeon, 1 Chronicles 16:39.
Sermons on Psalms 63:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Prayer as a Way of Walking in Love: A Personal Journey by Francis Chan | Francis Chan emphasizes the transformative power of prayer as a means of walking in love, sharing his personal journey of experiencing God's love through answered prayers. He recou |
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Prayer as a Way of Walking in Love - a Personal Journey by Francis Chan | This sermon emphasizes the importance of dwelling in the presence of God, seeking His beauty, and abiding in Him as the ultimate source of strength and peace. It highlights the nee |
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Seeking the Face of God by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher encourages the audience not to be afraid because they know how it's going to end. He references the book of Revelation, where it is revealed that Jesus |
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(Hebrews - Part 25): The Holy of Holies by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker expresses his commitment to preaching about God and the Holy Trinity. He emphasizes that God reveals Himself through nature and the scriptures, using va |
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Charlotte Seminar 5-25-00 Pm by George Warnock | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of God spreading a table and inviting people to partake in a feast. He emphasizes the importance of seeking God's burden and not t |
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Abandonment by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking Jesus and surrendering oneself to Him. He criticizes those who seek attention and exhibit themselves during worshi |
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The Knowledge of God by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of bringing the message of God's word to a divided and violent world. He questions whether the revelation of God at Mount Sina |