Psalms 9:13
Psalms 9:13 in Multiple Translations
Be merciful to me, O LORD; see how my enemies afflict me! Lift me up from the gates of death,
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:
Have mercy upon me, O Jehovah; Behold my affliction which I suffer of them that hate me, Thou that liftest me up from the gates of death;
Have mercy on me, O Lord, and see how I am troubled by my haters; let me be lifted up from the doors of death;
Be gracious to me, Lord! Look at how my enemies are persecuting me! Grab me back from the gates of death,
Haue mercie vpon mee, O Lord: consider my trouble which I suffer of them that hate mee, thou that liftest me vp from the gates of death,
Favour me, O Jehovah, See mine affliction by those hating me, Thou who liftest me up from the gates of death,
Have mercy on me, LORD. See my affliction by those who hate me, and lift me up from the gates of death,
Have mercy upon me, O LORD; consider my trouble which I suffer from them that hate me, thou that liftest me up from the gates of death:
For requiring their blood he hath remembered the: he hath not forgotten the cry of the poor.
Yahweh, be merciful to me! Look at the ways that my enemies have injured me. Do not allow me to die because of these injuries.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 9:13
BAB
Word Study
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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 9:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
דֹרֵ֣שׁ
דָּ֭מִים
אוֹתָ֣/ם
זָכָ֑ר
לֹֽא
שָׁ֝כַ֗ח
צַעֲקַ֥ת
עניים
עֲנָוִֽים
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
דֹרֵ֣שׁ
dârash
H1875
to seek
V-Qal
דָּ֭מִים
dâm
H1818
blood
N-mp
אוֹתָ֣/ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
זָכָ֑ר
zâkar
H2142
to remember
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
שָׁ֝כַ֗ח
shâkach
H7911
to forget
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
צַעֲקַ֥ת
tsaʻăqâh
H6818
cry
N-fs
עניים
ʻânîy
H6041
afflicted
Adj
עֲנָוִֽים
ʻânâv
H6035
poor
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 9:13
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
דֹרֵ֣שׁ
dârash
H1875
"to seek"
V-Qal
To seek or ask is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe seeking God or worshiping him. It can also mean to investigate or enquire about something.
Definition: 1) to resort to, seek, seek with care, enquire, require 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to resort to, frequent (a place), (tread a place) 1a2) to consult, enquire of, seek 1a2a) of God 1a2b) of heathen gods, necromancers 1a3) to seek deity in prayer and worship 1a3a) God 1a3b) heathen deities 1a4) to seek (with a demand), demand, require 1a5) to investigate, enquire 1a6) to ask for, require, demand 1a7) to practice, study, follow, seek with application 1a8) to seek with care, care for 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to allow oneself to be enquired of, consulted (only of God) 1b2) to be sought, be sought out 1b3) to be required (of blood)
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: ask, [idiom] at all, care for, [idiom] diligently, inquire, make inquisition, (necro-) mancer, question, require, search, seek (for, out), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 9:5; Ezra 10:16; Psalms 9:11.
דָּ֭מִים
dâm
H1818
"blood"
N-mp
Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.
Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.
אוֹתָ֣/ם
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
זָכָ֑ר
zâkar
H2142
"to remember"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To remember means to recall or mark something, like God remembering his covenant with Abraham in Genesis 9:1 and Exodus 2:24.
Definition: 1) to remember, recall, call to mind 1a) (Qal) to remember, recall 1b) (Niphal) to be brought to remembrance, be remembered, be thought of, be brought to mind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to remember, remind 1c2) to cause to be remembered, keep in remembrance 1c3) to mention 1c4) to record 1c5) to make a memorial, make remembrance
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] burn (incense), [idiom] earnestly, be male, (make) mention (of), be mindful, recount, record(-er), remember, make to be remembered, bring (call, come, keep, put) to (in) remembrance, [idiom] still, think on, [idiom] well. See also: Genesis 8:1; Psalms 74:2; Psalms 8:5.
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
שָׁ֝כַ֗ח
shâkach
H7911
"to forget"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To forget something means to mislay it or be oblivious to it. This Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe when people forget things, like God's commands. The KJV translates it as 'to forget' or 'at all'.
Definition: 1) to forget, ignore, wither 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to forget 1a2) to cease to care 1b) (Niphal) to be forgotten 1c) (Piel) to cause to forget 1d) (Hiphil) to make or cause to forget 1e) (Hithpael) to be forgotten Aramaic equivalent: she.khach (שְׁכַח "to find" H7912)
Usage: Occurs in 95 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, (cause to) forget. See also: Genesis 27:45; Psalms 106:13; Psalms 9:13.
צַעֲקַ֥ת
tsaʻăqâh
H6818
"cry"
N-fs
A cry or outcry is what this word represents, often a cry of distress that reaches God's ears, as seen in Exodus where the Israelites cry out against slavery.
Definition: 1) cry, outcry 1a) outcry (against) 1b) cry of distress (especially as heard by God)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: cry(-ing). See also: Genesis 18:21; Nehemiah 5:1; Psalms 9:13.
עניים
ʻânîy
H6041
"afflicted"
Adj
This word describes someone who is depressed, humble, or weak, often due to difficult circumstances, as described in the Psalms and other biblical books.
Definition: 1) poor, afflicted, humble, wretched 1a) poor, needy 1b) poor and weak 1c) poor, weak, afflicted, wretched 1d) humble, lowly
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: afflicted, humble, lowly, needy, poor. See also: Exodus 22:24; Psalms 88:16; Psalms 9:13.
עֲנָוִֽים
ʻânâv
H6035
"poor"
Adj
To be poor or humble, often describing someone who is meek or weak. In the Bible, it can also mean to be afflicted or lowly, as seen in Matthew 5:5.
Definition: 1) poor, humble, afflicted, meek 1a) poor, needy 1b) poor and weak 1c) poor, weak and afflicted 1d) humble, lowly, meek
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: humble, lowly, meek, poor. Compare H6041 (עָנִי). See also: Numbers 12:3; Psalms 147:6; Psalms 9:13.
Study Notes — Psalms 9:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 9:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 9:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 9:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 9:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 9:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 9:13
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 9:13
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 9:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 9:13
- Sermons on Psalms 9:13
Context — I Will Give Thanks to the LORD
11Sing praises to the LORD, who dwells in Zion; proclaim His deeds among the nations.
12For the Avenger of bloodshed remembers; He does not ignore the cry of the afflicted.
13Be merciful to me, O LORD; see how my enemies afflict me! Lift me up from the gates of death,
14that I may declare all Your praises— that within the gates of Daughter Zion I may rejoice in Your salvation. 15The nations have fallen into a pit of their making; their feet are caught in the net they have hidden.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 86:13 | For great is Your loving devotion to me; You have delivered me from the depths of Sheol. |
| 2 | Psalms 30:3 | O LORD, You pulled me up from Sheol; You spared me from descending into the Pit. |
| 3 | Psalms 107:18 | They loathed all food and drew near to the gates of death. |
| 4 | Psalms 13:3 | Consider me and respond, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, lest I sleep in death, |
| 5 | Psalms 119:132 | Turn to me and show me mercy, as You do to those who love Your name. |
| 6 | Psalms 142:6 | Listen to my cry, for I am brought quite low. Rescue me from my pursuers, for they are too strong for me. |
| 7 | Psalms 56:13 | For You have delivered my soul from death, and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life. |
| 8 | Psalms 116:3–4 | The ropes of death entangled me; the anguish of Sheol overcame me; I was confronted by trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the LORD: “O LORD, deliver my soul!” |
| 9 | Psalms 119:153 | Look upon my affliction and rescue me, for I have not forgotten Your law. |
| 10 | Isaiah 38:10 | I said, “In the prime of my life I must go through the gates of Sheol and be deprived of the remainder of my years.” |
Psalms 9:13 Summary
[The Psalmist is asking God to have mercy on him because he is being hurt by his enemies and feels like he is near death, which is a feeling of being completely overwhelmed and in need of rescue. He wants God to save him so he can praise God and tell others about His goodness, as we are also encouraged to do in Revelation 12:11. This is a great example for us to follow when we are struggling, to bring our troubles to God and trust in His power to save us. By remembering God's past mercies, like the Psalmist does, we can have hope for our current struggles and look forward to praising God for His salvation, just as the Psalmist plans to do in the gates of Daughter Zion.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to ask God to be merciful to us?
Asking God to be merciful to us, as seen in Psalms 9:13, means to ask for His compassion, forgiveness, and kindness in our time of need, just as the Psalmist does here and as God promises in Psalms 103:8, where it says God is merciful and gracious.
Why does the Psalmist ask to be lifted up from the gates of death?
The Psalmist asks to be lifted up from the gates of death because he is overwhelmed by his enemies and feels like his life is being threatened, much like the feelings expressed in Psalms 107:18, where it talks about being at the gates of death due to distress.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the Psalm?
This verse is a cry for help from the Psalmist in the midst of praising God for His power and justice, as seen in Psalms 9:11-12, and it sets the stage for the declaration of praise in Psalms 9:14, showing a direct connection between the Psalmist's troubles and his desire to praise God.
What can we learn from the Psalmist's example in this verse?
We can learn from the Psalmist's example to be honest with God about our struggles and to trust in His mercy and power to deliver us, as encouraged in Philippians 4:6, to bring our requests to God with thanksgiving.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways you feel afflicted or overwhelmed in your life right now, and how can you bring those struggles to God in prayer like the Psalmist does here?
- How does remembering God's past mercies and deliverances, as in Psalms 9:12, help you trust in His mercy and power in your current struggles?
- In what ways can you declare God's praises and rejoice in His salvation, as the Psalmist hopes to do in Psalms 9:14, even in the midst of difficult circumstances?
- How does this verse encourage you to trust in God's sovereignty over your life and the lives of your enemies, as seen in Psalms 9:15-16?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 9:13
Have mercy upon me, O Lord,.... The psalmist proceeds to petitions on his own account in this verse: the ends he proposes by the fulfilling of them are mentioned in the next.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 9:13
Consider my trouble, to wit, compassionately and effectually, so as to bring me out of it. From the gates of death; from the brink or mouth of the grave, into which I was dropping, being as near death as a man is to the city that is come to the very gates of it. And so the phrase is used , and in other authors of whom see my Latin Synopsis. Gates elsewhere signify power and policy, because the gates of cities were places both of counsel and strength; but the gates of death are never so taken in Scripture.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 9:13
Psalms 9:13 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:Ver. 13. Have mercy upon me, O Lord, &c.] These are the words (say some) of those humble ones whom God forgetteth not; they were God’ s remembrancers, see Isaiah 62:6 : or it is a prayer of David for further deliverances, according to that, "I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised," Psalms 18:3. Between praising and praying he divided his time, and drove a holy trade between heaven and earth. Thou that liftest me up from the gates of death] i.e. Ex praesentissimo et certissimo interitu, from desperate and deadly dangers, such as threaten present destruction; and show a man the grave even gaping for him. David was oft at this pass; and God delivered Paul from so great a death, 2 Corinthians 1:10 : he commonly reserveth his hand for a dead lift, and rescueth those who were even talking of their graves.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 9:13
(13, 14) It is natural to take these verses as the cry for help just mentioned. Consider.—Literally, see my suffering from my haters.My lifter up from the gates of death.—For the gates of sheol, see Note to Psalms 6:5. (Comp. Psalms 107:18, and the Homeric phrase “the gates of Hades.”) We might perhaps paraphrase “from the verge of the grave,” if it were not for the evident antithesis to “gates of the daughter of Zion” in the next verse. We understand, therefore, “gates” in sense of “power,” “rule,” the gate being the seat of the judge or king, and so, like our “court,” synonymous for his power. (Comp. Sublime Porte.) Daughter of Zion—i.e., Zion itself (see Isaiah 37:22): a common personification of cities and their inhabitants. So of Edom (Lamentations 4:21); of Babylon (Psalms 137:8, &c).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 9:13
Verse 13. Have mercy upon me, O Lord] David, having laid down the preceding maxims, now claims his part in their truth. I also am in trouble through the unjust dealings of my enemies; I am brought to the gates of death; have mercy on me, and lift me up, that, being saved from the gates of death, I may show forth thy praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion. The gates of death-an open grave, leading to a yawning hell. The gates of the daughter of Zion-all the ordinances of God, by which the soul is helped forward to heaven.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 9:13
13, 14. Stanza of Cheth. The connexion is difficult. The preceding and succeeding verses speak of deliverance granted, of victory won. Why then this abruptly introduced prayer for relief? To regard it as the ‘cry of the afflicted’ in their past distress seems inconsistent with the vigorous directness of the Psalm; and it is best to suppose that the recollection of dangers which still threaten prompts a prayer even in the moment of triumph. But it is possible that by a simple change in the vocalisation (Introd. p. lxvii) the verbs should be read as perfects instead of imperatives:—‘Jehovah hath been gracious unto me; he hath seen my affliction … lifting me up &c.’ So the Greek version of Aquila; and so Jerome, according to the best reading (misertus est mei … vidit afflictionem meam).
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 9:13
Have mercy upon me, O Lord - The cry for mercy implies that though God had interposed and granted them surprising deliverances, yet he was still surrounded by enemies, and was still in trouble.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 9:13
13, 14. Consider my trouble—The tone of the psalm suddenly changes from that of triumphal joy to supplication. Such sudden transitions are not unfrequent in poetry of the earlier and ruder ages, but they are never without cause.
Sermons on Psalms 9:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Prayer - 1 Peter 1:3-5, Part 2 by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the abundant mercy of God as the foundation of our regeneration and lively hope in Christ, highlighting that this mercy is both general and special. He explain |
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Letter 65. by James Bourne | James Bourne preaches about the necessity of going through trials and sufferings as a means of spiritual refinement and growth. He reflects on his own struggles with sin, pride, an |
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Psalm 13 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches about the soul's journey from troubled to finding peace in God, emphasizing the need for faith to remain steadfast despite challenges and the assurance of joy th |
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A Plea for Relief Part 3 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith continues his verse-by-verse study through the Bible, focusing on Psalm 142 and 143. He begins by acknowledging his low state and pleading for de |
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Stop Running From Your Fears by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his own struggles with fully committing to God's calling. He recalls a moment when he was preaching about giving one's all for God's glory, |
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The Unspoken Cries of a Broken Heart by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson delivers a powerful message on the comfort found in Psalms 56 for those who are wounded by life's trials, whether from family, friends, or the ungodly. He emphasize |
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The Evidences of Entire Sanctification-How to Retain It by Dougan Clark | Dougan Clark preaches about the importance of being assured of the work of grace in one's soul, whether seeking Christ for pardon of sin or a clean heart for sanctification. He emp |