Psalms 63:8

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 63:8 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “My soul followeth hard after thee: Thy right hand upholdeth me.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

My soul followeth hard after thee: Thy right hand upholdeth me.
Psalms 63:8 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 63

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
8My soul followeth hard after thee: Thy right hand upholdeth me.

What do historical commentaries say?

Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“My soul followeth hard after thee - The word used here - דבק dâbaq - means properly to cleave to; to adhere; to be glued to; to stick fast. Then it means to attach oneself to anything; and then, to pursue or follow after. The idea here is that of adhering to, or cleaving to; and the meaning is, that the psalmist adhered firmly to God, as pieces of wood glued together adhere to each other; that he, as it were, stuck fast to him; that he would not leave him or be separated from him. The language represents the feelings of true piety in adhering firmly and constantly to God, whatever there may be that tends to separate us from him. The adhesion of bodies by glue is a striking but not an…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“My soul: etc. "My soul cleaveth davekah after Thee;" which not only shews the diligence of the pursuit, and the nearness of the attainment, but the fast hold he had of the mercy of God. followeth: Psa 73:25, Psa 143:6, Psa 143:7; Gen 32:26-28; Ch2 31:21; Sol 3:2; Isa 26:9; Mat 11:12; Luk 13:24, Luk 18:5-7 thy: Psa 18:35, Psa 37:24, Psa 73:23, Psa 94:18; Sol 2:6; Isa 41:10, Isa 42:1; Phi 2:12, Phi 2:13; Col 1:29 Psalms 63:9”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification