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:

PSALMS 9:13KJV
Know the Bible

Psalms 9:13 (KJV)

What does Psalms 9:13 mean?

Psalms 9:13 is a prayer where the psalmist asks the LORD to show mercy and pay attention to the suffering he endures from those who hate him, recognizing that it is God who rescues him from the brink of death. The verse expresses both distress over enemies and trust in God’s power to save.

King David is speaking directly to the LORD, using personal language to describe his trouble and the hostility he faces. The phrase “thou that liftest me up from the gates of death” paints a vivid picture of being rescued from a place of extreme danger or near death, highlighting God’s role as a deliverer in desperate situations.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 9:13

  • The word for “mercy” is חָנַן (ḥānan), which often means to show favor or graciousness, emphasizing a heartfelt plea for undeserved kindness.
  • “LORD” is יְהוָה (YHWH), the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible, underscoring the close, covenant relationship between David and God.
  • “Trouble” comes from עָנִי (ʿānî), which refers to affliction or misery, giving weight to the depth of suffering David feels.
  • The phrase “gates of death” uses שַׁעַר (shaʿar) for “gates” and מָוֶת (māwet) for “death,” a poetic way to describe being close to dying or destruction, not just physical death but a place of utter hopelessness.

Why Psalms 9:13 matters

  • This verse clarifies that seeking God’s mercy is not just about forgiveness but also about asking for help in times of real, personal danger or distress.
  • The vivid language about the “gates of death” connects to a larger biblical theme of God rescuing people from situations that seem beyond hope.
  • Understanding the original words deepens the sense of urgency and dependence on God, showing that the psalmist’s faith is rooted in real-life struggles, not just abstract beliefs.

Where else these words appear

“trouble” Hebrew H6040 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 16:11 And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction.
  • 1 Chronicles 22:14 Now, behold, in my trouble I have prepared for the house of the LORD an hundred thousand talents of gold, and a thousand thousand talents of silver; and of brass and iron without weight; for it is in abundance: timber also and stone have I prepared; and thou mayest add thereto.
  • Psalms 107:10 Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron;

“mercy” Hebrew H2603 · used in 72 verses

  • Genesis 33:5 And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant.
  • Job 19:16 I called my servant, and he gave me no answer; I intreated him with my mouth.
  • Psalms 109:12 Let there be none to extend mercy unto him: neither let there be any to favour his fatherless children.

“hate” Hebrew H8130 · used in 139 verses

  • Genesis 24:60 And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them.
  • Esther 9:1 Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them,(though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;)
  • Proverbs 1:29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: