A Song of degrees of David. LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me.

PSALMS 131:1KJV
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Psalms 131:1 (KJV)

What does Psalms 131:1 mean?

Psalms 131:1 describes David’s humble attitude before God, saying that he does not have a proud heart or look down on others, and he does not concern himself with things that are beyond his understanding or position. The verse expresses a spirit of humility and contentment, refusing to chase after greatness or matters too lofty for him.

David is speaking directly to the LORD, sharing a personal reflection on his own attitude. The setting is one of quiet trust, where David chooses not to be proud or to seek things that are out of his reach. Instead, he acknowledges his limitations and shows a willingness to accept his place, which sets the tone for the rest of this short psalm.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 131:1

  • "haughty" (גָּבַהּ, gavah): This word means "to be high" or "exalted." Here, David says his heart is not "haughty," meaning he does not see himself as above others or more important than he is.
  • "lofty" (רָמוּ, ramu): This word describes something lifted up or raised high. David says his eyes are not "lofty," suggesting he does not look down on others or have an arrogant gaze.
  • "exercise" (הָלַךְ, halakh): This verb often means "to walk" or "to go about." In this context, it means David does not "walk in" or involve himself with matters that are too great or difficult for him, showing restraint and humility.
  • "matters" (גָּדוֹל, gadol): This word means "great" or "important." David is saying he does not seek out or meddle in things that are too significant or beyond his role.

Why Psalms 131:1 matters

  • Psalms 131:1 clears up the idea that humility is not just about actions, but also about the attitude of the heart and mind, especially in relation to God.
  • The verse emphasizes that it is wise to recognize our limits and not to be preoccupied with things that are beyond our understanding or control.
  • In the context of the whole psalm, this verse introduces a theme of quiet trust and contentment, which stands in contrast to ambition or pride.

Where else these words appear

“haughty” Hebrew H1361 · used in 33 verses

  • 1 Samuel 10:23 And they ran and fetched him thence: and when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people from his shoulders and upward.
  • Psalms 113:5 Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high,
  • Ezekiel 17:24 And all the trees of the field shall know that I the LORD have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish: I the LORD have spoken and have done it.

“degrees” Hebrew H4609 · used in 39 verses

  • Exodus 20:26 Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon.
  • Nehemiah 12:37 And at the fountain gate, which was over against them, they went up by the stairs of the city of David, at the going up of the wall, above the house of David, even unto the water gate eastward.
  • Psalms 133:1 A Song of degrees of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

“high” Hebrew H6381 · used in 69 verses

  • Genesis 18:14 Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.
  • Job 5:9 Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number:
  • Psalms 107:8 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

“Song” Hebrew H7892 · used in 87 verses

  • Genesis 31:27 Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp?
  • Psalms 18:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, the servant of the LORD, who spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day that the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul: And he said, I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.
  • Psalms 126:1 A Song of degrees. When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.