Psalms 63:4
Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.
Original Language Analysis
כֵּ֣ן
H3651
כֵּ֣ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
אֲבָרֶכְךָ֣
Thus will I bless
H1288
אֲבָרֶכְךָ֣
Thus will I bless
Strong's:
H1288
Word #:
2 of 6
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
בְחַיָּ֑י
thee while I live
H2416
בְחַיָּ֑י
thee while I live
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
3 of 6
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
בְּ֝שִׁמְךָ
in thy name
H8034
בְּ֝שִׁמְךָ
in thy name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
4 of 6
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
Cross References
Psalms 104:33I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.Psalms 134:2Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD.Psalms 28:2Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward thy holy oracle.Habakkuk 3:10The mountains saw thee, and they trembled: the overflowing of the water passed by: the deep uttered his voice, and lifted up his hands on high.
Historical Context
Lifting hands was standard Jewish prayer posture (Exodus 9:29, 1 Timothy 2:8), signifying both appeal and openness to receive. David's commitment to this posture 'while I live' shows worship as life's defining orientation.
Questions for Reflection
- What does lifelong commitment to blessing God require practically?
- How does physical posture in worship reflect and shape spiritual disposition?
Analysis & Commentary
The vow 'Thus will I bless thee while I live' commits to lifelong praise. Lifting up hands 'in thy name' indicates both surrender and supplication. This worship posture—blessing God throughout life—demonstrates that gratitude is not circumstantial but covenantal. The permanence of praise ('while I live') reveals that worship defines the believer's existence.