Psalms 63:9

9 But those who seek to destroy my life 1shall go down into 2the depths of the earth;

Psalms 63:9 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 63:9

But those [that] seek my soul to destroy it
Meaning his life; for as for his soul, that was immaterial and immortal, and could never be destroyed by man: but as for his natural life, his enemies laid snares for that, and sought to take it away, and nothing less would satisfy them;

shall go into the lower parts of the earth;
not the grave, whither the righteous go as well as the wicked; besides, by their being the portion of foxes, as follows, it seems that they should have no burial; but hell is meant, the bottomless pit. Some take it to be a prayer, as Kimchi and Ben Melech; "may they go", or "let them go" see ( Psalms 55:15 ) . The allusion may be thought to be to the death of Korah and his company.

Psalms 63:9 In-Context

7 for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.
8 My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.
9 But those who seek to destroy my life shall go down into the depths of the earth;
10 they shall be given over to the power of the sword; they shall be a portion for jackals.
11 But the king shall rejoice in God; all who swear by him shall exult, for the mouths of liars will be stopped.

Cross References 2

  • 1. Psalms 9:17; Psalms 55:15
  • 2. Ezekiel 26:20; Ezekiel 31:14; Ephesians 4:9
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.