Devine Scripture

Psalms 27:13

What does Psalms 27:13 mean?

A plain-English look at Psalms 27:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Psalms 27:13 means

This verse expresses a strong statement of belief, or the dire consequence of its absence. The psalmist confesses that he 'had fainted,' or utterly despaired and given up, if not for his fundamental conviction. His belief is 'to see the goodness of Jehovah in the land of the living.' This means he trusted that God's benevolent actions and faithful provision would be evident in his present life, not just in some distant future or afterlife. This faith sustains him against complete surrender to hopelessness.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of Jehovah In the land of the living.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of Jehovah In the land of the living.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

I had almost given up my hope of seeing the blessing of the Lord in the land of the living.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

I had not believed to look on the goodness of Jehovah In the land of the living!

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Not available in this translation

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Unless I had believed to see the goodness of Jehovah in the land of the living...!

Context

Following the vivid description of his cruel and deceptive enemies in verse 12, this verse provides a powerful counterpoint: the internal resolve needed to endure. It explains *what sustains him* amidst such threats, revealing that his faith in God's active goodness is the anchor preventing despair. This serves as a personal testimony of the power of his belief, foundational to his ability to persevere.

v.12Deliver me not over unto the will of mine adversaries: For false witnesses are risen up against me, And such as breathe out cruelty.

v.13This passage

v.14Wait for Jehovah: Be strong, and let thy heart take courage; Yea, wait thou for Jehovah.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Job 33:30

    To bring back his soul from the pit, That he may be enlightened with the light of the living.

  • Psalms 116:9

    I will walk before Jehovah In the land of the living.

  • Ephesians 2:8

    for by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;

  • Psalms 142:5

    I cried unto thee, O Jehovah; I said, Thou art my refuge, My portion in the land of the living.

  • Jeremiah 11:19

    But I was like a gentle lamb that is led to the slaughter; and I knew not that they had devised devices against me, saying, Let us destroy the tree with the fruit thereof, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be no more remembered.

  • Isaiah 38:11

    I said, I shall not see Jehovah, even Jehovah in the land of the living: I shall behold man no more with the inhabitants of the world.

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