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Psalms 63:3

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 63:3 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise thee.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise thee.
Psalms 63:3 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 63

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1O God, thou art my God; earnestly will I seek thee: My soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee, In a dry and weary land, where no water is.
2So have I looked upon thee in the sanctuary, To see thy power and thy glory.
3Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise thee.
4So will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.
5My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; And my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips;
6When I remember thee upon my bed, [And] meditate on thee in the night-watches.
← Psalms 63:2Psalms 63:4 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Experiencing God's mercy, which exceeds all the blessings of life, his lips will be opened for his praise (Psa 51:15).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Because thy loving-kindness is better than life - Thy favor; thy mercy. This is of more value than life; more to be desired than life. Life is the most valued and valuable thing pertaining to this world which we can possess. See the notes at Job 2:4. But, above this, David valued the favor and friendship of God. If one or the other was to be sacrificed, he preferred that it should be his life; he would be willing to exchange that for the favor of God. Life was not desirable, life furnished no comforts - no joys - without the divine favor. “My life itself, without Thy love, No taste of pleasure could afford; ‘Twould but a tiresome burden prove, If I were banished from the Lord.” My lips shall…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“63:3 better than life itself: The highest quality of life is found in relationship with God (see 4:7; 63:5; Prov 16:8).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Because: Psa 4:6, Psa 21:6, Psa 30:5; Phi 1:23; Jo1 3:2 lips: Psa 30:12, Psa 51:15, Psa 66:17; Hos 14:2; Rom 6:19, Rom 12:1; Co1 6:20; Heb 13:15; Jam 3:5-10 Psalms 63:4”
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Related study paths

Read Psalms 63 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification