Psalms 131:1

Authorized King James Version

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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.

Original Language Analysis

יְהוָ֤ה׀ LORD H3068
יְהוָ֤ה׀ LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 1 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לֹא H3808
לֹא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 2 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
גָבַ֣הּ is not haughty H1361
גָבַ֣הּ is not haughty
Strong's: H1361
Word #: 3 of 12
to soar, i.e., be lofty; figuratively, to be haughty
לִ֭בִּי my heart H3820
לִ֭בִּי my heart
Strong's: H3820
Word #: 4 of 12
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
וְלֹא H3808
וְלֹא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 5 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
רָמ֣וּ lofty H7311
רָמ֣וּ lofty
Strong's: H7311
Word #: 6 of 12
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
עֵינַ֑י nor mine eyes H5869
עֵינַ֑י nor mine eyes
Strong's: H5869
Word #: 7 of 12
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
וְלֹֽא H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 8 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הִלַּ֓כְתִּי׀ neither do I exercise H1980
הִלַּ֓כְתִּי׀ neither do I exercise
Strong's: H1980
Word #: 9 of 12
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
בִּגְדֹל֖וֹת myself in great matters H1419
בִּגְדֹל֖וֹת myself in great matters
Strong's: H1419
Word #: 10 of 12
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
וּבְנִפְלָא֣וֹת or in things too high H6381
וּבְנִפְלָא֣וֹת or in things too high
Strong's: H6381
Word #: 11 of 12
properly, perhaps to separate, i.e., distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful
מִמֶּֽנִּי׃ H4480
מִמֶּֽנִּי׃
Strong's: H4480
Word #: 12 of 12
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

Analysis & Commentary

David confesses humble contentment: '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.' The address 'LORD' establishes this as prayer/testimony before God. The triple negative emphasizes what David is NOT: 'not haughty...nor lofty...neither do I exercise.' 'Heart is not haughty' addresses internal pride - haughty (Hebrew 'gabah') means elevated, proud, arrogant. 'Eyes lofty' describes outward expression of pride - looking down on others, presumptuous gaze. The phrase 'neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high' means David doesn't overreach his calling or capacity. 'Exercise' (Hebrew 'halak') means to walk or conduct oneself. 'Great matters' and 'things too high' refer to ambitions beyond proper scope - perhaps royal intrigue, theological mysteries, or presumptuous plans. This verse models humility as knowing one's place, limitations, and calling without self-exalting ambition. It's contentment with God's assignment.

Historical Context

David's life involved resisting temptation to seize power prematurely (sparing Saul repeatedly, 1 Samuel 24; 26) and accepting God's timing. His humility contrasts with Absalom's proud ambition (2 Samuel 15). The psalm may reflect David's mature perspective after experiencing both humble beginnings and royal authority, learning contentment in God's providence.

Questions for Reflection