Psalms 39:13 (KJV)

What does Psalms 39:13 mean?

Psalms 39:13 is a plea from the psalmist, asking God to give him relief and renewed strength before his life ends. The verse expresses a desire for a period of restoration or peace before death comes and he is gone from this world.

In this verse, David is speaking directly to God during a time of distress, feeling the weight of his mortality and the brevity of life. He asks God to "spare" him, meaning to turn away or look away from him in judgment, so that he might regain his strength. The verse captures a moment of vulnerability, where David longs for a final chance to recover before he "goes hence"—a poetic way of saying before he dies.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 39:13

• The word "spare" (שָׁעָה, sha‘ah) often means to look away or turn aside, suggesting David is asking God to turn aside His gaze of discipline or judgment, allowing David a reprieve.
• The word "strength" (בְּלִי, beli) here is understood as vigor or vitality. David is not just asking for physical strength, but for a restoration of his whole being—his life force or energy.
• The phrase "hence" (יָלַךְ, yalakh) means to go or depart, emphasizing the idea of leaving this life or passing away, which adds to the sense of urgency and finality in David's request.

Why Psalms 39:13 matters

• This verse clarifies that David is not asking for endless life, but for a brief period of relief and restoration before his death, highlighting the reality of human frailty.
• The language shows David's awareness of God's discipline and his hope for mercy, connecting to the wider themes of humility and dependence on God found throughout the psalm.
• Understanding the original words helps reveal the depth of David's request—not just for more time, but for a meaningful, restored existence before his life ends.