Psalms 63:3
Psalms 63:3 in Multiple Translations
Because Your loving devotion is better than life, my lips will glorify You.
Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.
Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise thee.
Because your mercy is better than life, my lips will give you praise.
Your trustworthy love is better than life itself; I will praise you.
For thy louing kindnesse is better then life: therefore my lippes shall prayse thee.
Because better [is] Thy kindness than life, My lips do praise Thee.
Because your loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise you.
Because thy loving-kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.
Thou hast protected me from the assembly of the malignant; from the multitude of the workers of iniquity.
Your constantly loving me is ◄worth more/more precious► than my life, so I [MTY] will always praise you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 63:3
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 63:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כֵּ֭ן
בַּ/קֹּ֣דֶשׁ
חֲזִיתִ֑י/ךָ
לִ/רְא֥וֹת
עֻ֝זְּ/ךָ֗
וּ/כְבוֹדֶֽ/ךָ
כֵּ֭ן
kên
H3651
right
Part
בַּ/קֹּ֣דֶשׁ
qôdesh
H6944
Holy Place
Prep | N-ms
חֲזִיתִ֑י/ךָ
châzâh
H2372
to see
V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff
לִ/רְא֥וֹת
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
עֻ֝זְּ/ךָ֗
ʻôz
H5797
strength
N-ms | Suff
וּ/כְבוֹדֶֽ/ךָ
kâbôwd
H3519
glory
Conj | N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 63:3
כֵּ֭ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
בַּ/קֹּ֣דֶשׁ
qôdesh
H6944
"Holy Place"
Prep | N-ms
The Holy Place refers to a sacred or set-apart area, like the temple in Jerusalem. It is a place of sanctity and holiness, where God is worshipped. The Bible describes it as a place of reverence and awe.
Definition: This name means apartness, holiness, sacredness Also named: hagion (ἅγιον "Holy Place" G0039)
Usage: Occurs in 380 OT verses. KJV: consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed (thing), holiness, ([idiom] most) holy ([idiom] day, portion, thing), saint, sanctuary. See also: Exodus 3:5; Leviticus 23:4; 1 Chronicles 26:26.
חֲזִיתִ֑י/ךָ
châzâh
H2372
"to see"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff
Chazah means to see or perceive, and can also mean to have a vision or prophesy. It is used to describe seeing something with your eyes or in your mind.
Definition: 1) to see, perceive, look, behold, prophesy, provide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to see, behold 1a2) to see as a seer in the ecstatic state 1a3) to see, perceive 1a3a) with the intelligence 1a3b) to see (by experience) 1a3c) to provide Aramaic equivalent: cha.zah (חֲזָה "to see" H2370)
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: behold, look, prophesy, provide, see. See also: Exodus 18:21; Proverbs 24:32; Psalms 11:4.
לִ/רְא֥וֹת
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
עֻ֝זְּ/ךָ֗
ʻôz
H5797
"strength"
N-ms | Suff
Describes strength or might, including physical power, social status, or boldness, like the strength of God or a strong leader.
Definition: 1) might, strength 1a) material or physical 1b) personal or social or political
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: boldness, loud, might, power, strength, strong. See also: Exodus 15:2; Psalms 84:6; Psalms 8:3.
וּ/כְבוֹדֶֽ/ךָ
kâbôwd
H3519
"glory"
Conj | N-cs | Suff
Glory refers to great honor or splendor, often used to describe God's majesty, as in Psalm 138:5 where David praises God's glorious name. It can also refer to wealth or abundance, like in Genesis 31:1 where Jacob's wealth is described.
Definition: 1) glory, honour, glorious, abundance 1a) abundance, riches 1b) honour, splendour, glory 1c) honour, dignity 1d) honour, reputation 1e) honour, reverence, glory 1f) glory
Usage: Occurs in 189 OT verses. KJV: glorious(-ly), glory, honour(-able). See also: Genesis 31:1; Psalms 113:4; Psalms 3:4.
Study Notes — Psalms 63:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 63:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 63:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 63:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 63:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 63:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 63:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 63:3
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 63:3
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 63:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 63:3
- Sermons on Psalms 63:3
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. 5My soul is satisfied as with the richest of foods; with joyful lips my mouth will praise You.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 69:16 | Answer me, O LORD, for Your loving devotion is good; turn to me in keeping with Your great compassion. |
| 2 | Psalms 51:15 | O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise. |
| 3 | Philippians 1:23 | I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better indeed. |
| 4 | Psalms 30:5 | For His anger is fleeting, but His favor lasts a lifetime. Weeping may stay the night, but joy comes in the morning. |
| 5 | Hebrews 13:15 | Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that confess His name. |
| 6 | 1 Corinthians 6:20 | you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body. |
| 7 | Romans 12:1 | Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. |
| 8 | Psalms 30:12 | that my heart may sing Your praises and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks forever. |
| 9 | Romans 6:19 | I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to escalating wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness. |
| 10 | James 3:5–10 | In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be! |
Psalms 63:3 Summary
[This verse means that the psalmist loves God's love and care for him more than anything else in life, and he wants to use his words to praise and honor God. He's saying that God's love is the most valuable thing he knows, and he wants to tell everyone about it (as seen in Psalms 63:3). This is similar to what we're encouraged to do in Hebrews 13:15, where we're told to continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God. By prioritizing God's love and care, we can experience His presence and joy in our lives, just like the psalmist did.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God's loving devotion is better than life?
This phrase means that the psalmist values God's love and faithfulness more than anything else in life, even life itself, as seen in Psalms 63:3. This is similar to what Jesus taught in Matthew 16:25, where He said that to gain our life, we must lose it for His sake.
How can we glorify God with our lips like the psalmist?
We can glorify God with our lips by speaking praise, thanksgiving, and worship to Him, as the psalmist does in Psalms 63:3. This is also encouraged in Ephesians 5:19-20, where we are told to speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord.
What is the relationship between seeking God and experiencing His loving devotion?
The psalmist's experience of God's loving devotion is closely tied to his earnest seeking of God, as seen in Psalms 63:1-3. This is also reflected in Jeremiah 29:13, where God promises that when we seek Him with our whole heart, we will find Him.
How does this verse relate to our daily lives?
This verse reminds us that our love and devotion to God should be the guiding principle of our lives, even in the midst of challenges and hardships, as seen in Psalms 63:3. As we prioritize our relationship with God, we can experience His loving devotion and glorify Him in all we do, as encouraged in Colossians 3:17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can prioritize God's loving devotion in my life, and how can I make it more precious to me than life itself?
- How can I use my words to glorify God, and what kind of impact can this have on those around me?
- What are some things in my life that I prioritize more than God's love, and how can I rearrange my priorities to seek Him more earnestly?
- What does it mean for me to 'glorify' God with my lips, and how can I make this a consistent practice in my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 63:3
Because thy lovingkindness [is] better than life,.... For life without the love of God is nothing else than death: a man that has no share in the love of God is dead while he lives; all the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 63:3
Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Because thy loving-kindness (is) better than life.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 63:3
This is the reason of the foregoing thirst after God. Thy loving-kindness, i.e. the discoveries and influences of thy grace and favour, which thou usually impartest to thy people in the sanctuary. Is better than life; is more durable, and comfortable, and satisfactory than the present life, with all imaginable advantages belonging to it. My lips shall praise thee, both for my former taste and experiences of this truth, and for the assurance of my restitution to the same blessed enjoyments.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 63:3
Psalms 63:3 Because thy lovingkindness [is] better than life, my lips shall praise thee.Ver. 3. Because thy lovingkindness is better than life] Mr Bradford, being threatened by Stephen Gardiner (then Lord Chancellor), answered, I know to whom I have committed my life, even into his hands which will keep it, so that no man may take it away before it be his pleasure, therefore his goodwill be done; life in his displeasure is worse than death, and death in his true favour is true life (Acts and Mon. fol. 1459). This made him and the rest of the holy martyrs that they loved not their lives unto the death, Revelation 12:11. The sight of God, though but in that dark glass of the ceremonies, would have been better to David than life with the appurtenances, those Bιωτικα, riches, honours, pleasures, &c. See Psalms 4:7-8. My lips shall praise thee] God’ s love shed abroad in the heart cause the lips of them that are asleep to speak, Son 7:9.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 63:3
(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. : Christmas Eve.Thus—i.e., in the spirit in which he now speaks. For the attitude of the uplifted hands, see Note, Psalms 28:2.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 63:3
Verse 3. Thy loving-kindness is better than life] This is the language of every regenerate soul. But O how few prefer the approbation of God to the blessings of life, or even to life itself in any circumstances! But the psalmist says, Thy loving-kindness, חסדך chasdecha, thy effusive mercy, is better מחיים mechaiyim, than LIVES: it is better than, or good beyond, countless ages of human existence. My lips shall praise thee.] Men praise, or speak well, of power, glory, honour, riches, worldly prospects and pleasures; but the truly religious speak well of GOD, in whom they find infinitely more satisfaction and happiness than worldly men can find in the possession of all earthly good.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 63:3
3–5. The joy of grateful praise.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 63:3
Because thy loving-kindness is better than life - Thy favor; thy mercy. This is of more value than life; more to be desired than life. Life is the most valued and valuable thing pertaining to this world which we can possess.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 63:3
3. Thy loving kindness is better than life—Thy mercy, by which life eternal is provided, is better than natural life with kingly honours super-added. Compare 1 John 3:1. The words, as Mrs.
Sermons on Psalms 63:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
God's Chosen People Have Forgotten Him by Bob Jones III | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of remembering and acknowledging God in our lives. He warns against becoming complacent and forgetting the source of our bless |
|
The Echo and the Insufficiency of Hell by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker explores the theme of the echo and insufficiency of hell. He explains that hell is an echo of the glory of God's infinite worth and Christ's infinite su |
|
Their Ground Is the Excellent Nature of Divine Things, Not Self-Interest by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about the primary foundation of gracious affections, emphasizing that true love for God and divine things stems from recognizing their transcendently exce |
|
Seven Scriptures to Improve Worship by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman preaches on the importance of genuine worship, emphasizing the need for humility, full surrender, emotional engagement, and holiness in our approach to God. He highli |
|
The Scholar's Knowledge by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the distinction between theoretical knowledge and experiential knowledge of God, arguing that mere intellectual understanding, like that of scholars, is in |
|
David Relying Upon the Lord's Lovingkindness by Bob Hoekstra | Bob Hoekstra preaches on David's reliance on the Lord's lovingkindness, which is better than life itself. Lovingkindness, akin to grace, encompasses God's zealous, loyal, and merci |
|
The Goodness of God Is the Highest Prayer by Julian of Norwich | Julian of Norwich emphasizes the importance of cleaving to the Goodness of God through prayer, highlighting that true worship and delight come from faithfully praying to God Himsel |