So I will bless You as long as I live;This phrase reflects a commitment to lifelong worship and devotion to God. The psalmist, traditionally understood to be David, expresses a vow to continually praise God. This is significant in the context of David's life, often marked by trials and tribulations, yet he remains steadfast in his worship. The act of blessing God is a form of acknowledging His sovereignty and goodness. This mirrors the biblical theme of enduring faithfulness, as seen in other scriptures like
Psalm 34:1, where David declares he will bless the Lord at all times. The phrase also implies a personal relationship with God, emphasizing the psalmist's dedication to worship throughout his life, regardless of circumstances.
in Your name I will lift my hands.
Lifting hands in prayer and worship is a gesture of surrender and reverence, common in ancient Near Eastern cultures and throughout the Bible. This physical act symbolizes an appeal to God and an expression of dependence on Him. The "name" of God represents His character and authority, and invoking it signifies trust in His power and presence. This practice is echoed in1 Timothy 2:8, where believers are encouraged to pray with uplifted hands, symbolizing purity and devotion. The lifting of hands can also be seen as a type of Christ, who, in His earthly ministry, often lifted His hands in blessing and prayer, embodying perfect submission to the Father.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
DavidThe author of
Psalm 63, traditionally believed to be King David, who wrote this psalm during a time of distress, possibly while in the wilderness of Judah.
2.
Wilderness of JudahA barren and desolate region where David sought refuge, symbolizing a place of both physical and spiritual longing.
3.
GodThe central focus of David's worship and devotion, whom he seeks earnestly even in times of hardship.
Teaching Points
The Act of Blessing GodBlessing God is an expression of gratitude and reverence. It is a conscious decision to honor Him with our words and actions, regardless of our circumstances.
Lifting Hands as WorshipThe physical act of lifting hands is a biblical expression of surrender, praise, and supplication. It symbolizes an open heart and a willingness to receive from God.
Lifelong Commitment to WorshipDavid's declaration to bless God "as long as I live" challenges believers to maintain a lifelong commitment to worship, recognizing that our relationship with God is not confined to specific moments but is a continuous journey.
The Power of God's NameInvoking God's name in worship signifies trust in His character and promises. It is a reminder of His faithfulness and power in our lives.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Psalm 63:4?
2.How can you "bless You as long as I live" in daily life?
3.What does "lifting up my hands" symbolize in worship and prayer?
4.How does Psalm 63:4 connect with New Testament teachings on worship?
5.In what ways can you incorporate Psalm 63:4 into your prayer routine?
6.Why is it important to express worship physically, as in Psalm 63:4?
7.How does Psalm 63:4 influence the practice of worship in Christianity today?
8.What historical context surrounds the writing of Psalm 63:4?
9.How does Psalm 63:4 reflect the theme of devotion in the Psalms?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 63?
11.What does the Bible say about raising hands in worship?
12.What defines a psalm?
13.Psalm 112:4 refers to light dawning in darkness for the upright; can this be confirmed scientifically, or is it purely metaphorical language with no empirical validation?
14.How do we reconcile Zophar's rigid cause-and-effect theology in Job 20 with other biblical passages (like Psalm 73) that acknowledge the prosperity of the wicked without immediate judgment?What Does Psalm 63:4 Mean
So I will bless YouDavid begins, “So I will bless You.” To bless the Lord is to speak well of Him, praise Him, and declare His greatness. Scripture presents this as a deliberate act of the will, not a reaction to circumstance.
•Psalm 34:1, “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips,” shows that blessing God is a continual confession of His worth.
•Psalm 103:1-2 calls worshipers to “Bless the Lord, O my soul,” reminding us that blessing God flows from remembering His benefits.
•Ephesians 1:3 identifies God as “the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us…,” revealing that our blessing of Him mirrors His prior blessing toward us.
as long as I liveDavid commits to praise “as long as I live,” making worship a lifelong pledge rather than a momentary feeling.
•Psalm 146:2 echoes, “I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.”
•Psalm 104:33 shows the same resolve: “I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.”
•Philippians 1:20-21 presents Paul’s parallel desire: “Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ.”
These references underline that true worship is tethered to the entirety of one’s earthly journey.
in Your name“In Your name” points to the revealed character, authority, and covenant faithfulness of God.
•Proverbs 18:10 affirms, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe,” highlighting security found in His name.
•Psalm 20:7 contrasts worldly trust with covenant trust: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”
•John 14:13 records Jesus promising, “Whatever you ask in My name, I will do it,” showing that God’s name grants access and assurance.
Therefore, blessing God “in Your name” means praising Him on the basis of His revealed identity and promises.
I will lift my handsThe verse concludes, “I will lift my hands,” describing an outward posture that mirrors inward surrender and adoration.
•Psalm 141:2 links lifted hands with prayer: “May the lifting of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.”
•Lamentations 3:41 urges, “Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven,” tying the gesture to heartfelt repentance and dependence.
•1 Timothy 2:8 teaches, “I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or dissension,” confirming that this expression carries forward into New Testament worship.
Lifting hands testifies physically to honor, openness, and reliance on the Lord.
summaryPsalm 63:4 reveals a four-fold pattern of devoted worship: actively blessing God, doing so through the span of life, grounding praise in His covenant name, and expressing it with wholehearted bodily surrender. The verse invites believers to make praise a deliberate, lifelong, God-centered, and fully expressive response to His steadfast love.
Verse 4. -
Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy Name (comp.
Psalm 104:33;
Psalm 146:2). The purpose of man's creation, the end of his being, his main employment throughout eternity, is the praise of God.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Soכֵּ֣ן(kên)Adverb
Strong's 3651:So -- thusI will bless Youאֲבָרֶכְךָ֣(’ă·ḇā·reḵ·ḵā)Verb - Piel - Imperfect - first person common singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 1288:To kneel, to bless God, man, to curseas long as I live;בְחַיָּ֑י(ḇə·ḥay·yāy)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 2416:Alive, raw, fresh, strong, lifein Your nameבְּ֝שִׁמְךָ(bə·šim·ḵā)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 8034:A nameI will liftאֶשָּׂ֥א(’eś·śā)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5375:To lift, carry, takemy hands.כַפָּֽי׃(ḵap·pāy)Noun - fdc | first person common singular
Strong's 3709:Hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot), a pan
Links
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OT Poetry: Psalm 63:4 So I will bless you while (Psalm Ps Psa.) 
