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    Psalms 138 (KJV)

    Read Psalms chapter 138 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

    Psalms 138

    Deep Verse Commentaries in This Chapter

    Psalm 138:8

    "The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O…"

    Psalm 138:7

    "Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: …"

    Psalm 138:6

    "Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly:…"

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    Psalms 138 Summary

    Psalm 138 is David's exuberant thanksgiving for answered prayer. He praises God with his whole heart, bowing toward the temple and giving thanks for God's lovingkindness and truth. David declares that God has 'magnified thy word above all thy name' — exalting His promises to the highest possible position.

    David testifies that 'in the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.' He envisions all kings of the earth praising God when they hear His words. Despite God's transcendence, He regards the lowly but knows the proud from afar. The psalm closes with confident assurance: 'The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me' — God will complete what He has started.

    Key Themes

    Wholehearted PraiseGod's Word ExaltedAnswered PrayerGod Completes His Work

    Key Verses in Psalms 138

    "Thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name."

    — Psalms 138:2

    God places the highest value on His promises — His Word is His bond, elevated above even His reputation.

    "In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul."

    — Psalms 138:3

    God's answer to prayer sometimes isn't changed circumstances but increased inner strength.

    "The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands."

    — Psalms 138:8

    A declaration of confidence — God finishes what He starts in your life.

    Life Application

    Psalm 138:8 assures you that God completes what He begins. The work He started in your life — He won't abandon it (Philippians 1:6). And notice: God sometimes answers prayer not by changing your situation but by strengthening your soul within it. Inner strength is a valid answer to prayer.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does 'magnified thy word above thy name' mean?

    It means God values His promises so highly that He stakes His very reputation on fulfilling them. His Word is the ultimate guarantee — He will never fail to deliver on what He has spoken. Some translations render it 'exalted above all things your name and your word.'

    What does 'the LORD will perfect that which concerns me' mean?

    It means God will bring to completion everything He has purposed for your life. He doesn't start projects He won't finish. Paul echoes this in Philippians 1:6: 'He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.'

    Psalm 138 Commentary & Reflection

    Thanksgiving
    Wholehearted, confident

    Best read for: Grateful praise, trusting God's completion

    Overview of Psalm 138: I Will Praise You with My Whole Heart

    Psalm 138 is David's wholehearted thanksgiving. He praises God before the gods, worships toward the holy temple, and praises God's name for lovingkindness and truth. When David called, God answered and strengthened him. Though the Lord is high, He has regard for the lowly. Even in the midst of trouble, God stretches forth His hand and perfects what concerns David.

    Key Themes

    Wholehearted Praise
    God Regards the Lowly
    Answered Prayer
    Perfection

    Key Verses to Remember

    “In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.”
    — Psalm 138:3 (KJV)
    “The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.”
    — Psalm 138:8 (KJV)

    Reflection

    God 'will perfect that which concerneth me.' He doesn't start things He won't finish. Whatever concerns you — He is working on it. Praise Him with your whole heart, not half.

    Historical Context

    David praises God 'before the gods'—boldly declaring Yahweh's supremacy in the presence of rival deities. 'Though the Lord is on high, yet He regards the lowly' captures the paradox of divine transcendence and immanence. The God above all gods stoops to walk with the humble.

    How to Apply Psalm 138 Today

    God's attention is inversely proportional to human pride: 'the proud He knows from afar.' If you want God's intimate presence, cultivate lowliness. If you want distance, cultivate pride. This isn't punishment—it's physics. Humility creates proximity to God; pride creates distance.

    A Prayer from Psalm 138

    I will praise You with my whole heart; before the gods I will sing praises to You. In the day when I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul. Though the Lord is on high, yet He regards the lowly; but the proud He knows from afar. The Lord will perfect that which concerns me. Amen.

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