Psalms 61:6
Thou wilt prolong the king's life: and his years as many generations.
Original Language Analysis
יְמֵי
life
H3117
יְמֵי
life
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
1 of 9
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יְמֵי
life
H3117
יְמֵי
life
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
3 of 9
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
תּוֹסִ֑יף
Thou wilt prolong
H3254
תּוֹסִ֑יף
Thou wilt prolong
Strong's:
H3254
Word #:
5 of 9
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
Cross References
Psalms 21:4He asked life of thee, and thou gavest it him, even length of days for ever and ever.Psalms 21:6For thou hast made him most blessed for ever: thou hast made him exceeding glad with thy countenance.Isaiah 53:10Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern royal ideology included prayers for the king's long life and dynasty. In David's case, these prayers connect to specific covenant promises about his seed reigning forever, fulfilled in Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- How do temporal fulfillments of God's promises point toward eternal realities in Christ?
- What does Christ's eternal kingship mean for your current relationship to earthly authority?
Analysis & Commentary
The prayer for the king's prolonged life ('years as many generations') anticipates the eternal dynasty promised to David (2 Samuel 7:16). While David's physical reign was temporal, this prophetically points to the Messiah's eternal reign. Each earthly king's reign is shadow, with Christ the substance—His years truly are 'as many generations' (Hebrews 7:24).