Psalms 54:6

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 54:6 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “With a freewill-offering will I sacrifice unto thee: I will give thanks unto thy name, O Jehovah, for it is good.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

With a freewill-offering will I sacrifice unto thee: I will give thanks unto thy name, O Jehovah, for it is good.
Psalms 54:6 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 54

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
6With a freewill-offering will I sacrifice unto thee: I will give thanks unto thy name, O Jehovah, for it is good.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“I will freely sacrifice unto thee, etc.] Not legal sacrifices; no, nor freewill offerings the law gives directions about, though the allusion is to them; but the freewill offerings of his mouth, (<19B9108>Psalm 119:108); the sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving, on account of help, salvation, and deliverance, as appears from the following clause; which he determines to offer, not by constraint, but willingly; not by force, but of a ready mind; freely, and with all his heart. The sacrifice of his antitype is himself, his soul and body, as in union with his divine Person; and this was offered up to God, against whom man has sinned, and whose justice must be satisfied; and this was done freely…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“I will freely, &c.--or, present a freewill offering (Lev 7:16; Num 15:3).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“I will freely sacrifice unto thee - The Hebrew words rendered “freely,” mean with “willingness, voluntariness, spontaneousness.” The idea is, that he would do it of a free or willing mind; without constraint or compulsion; voluntarily. The reference is to a free-will or voluntary offering, as distinguished from one, that was prescribed by law. See Exodus 35:29; Exodus 36:3; Leviticus 7:16; Leviticus 22:18; Numbers 15:3; Numbers 29:39. The idea is, that as the result of the divine interposition which he prayed for, he would bring voluntary offerings to God in acknowledgment of his goodness and mercy. I will praise thy name, O Lord - I will praise thee. See Psalms 52:9. For it is good - That…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“54:6-7 In anticipation of God’s response, the mood of the psalm changes from gloom to thanksgiving. 54:6 A voluntary offering is a sacrifice of praise. Sacrifices of praise are the kind of offering God most desires (see Ps 50:14-15, 23).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“freely: Psa 66:13-16, Psa 107:22, Psa 116:17; Deu 12:6, Deu 12:7 praise: Psa 7:17, Psa 21:13, Psa 140:13 for it: Psa 52:9, Psa 92:1, Psa 147:1 Psalms 54:7”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification