What Does Psalm 13:6 Mean in the King James?

I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.

Psalm 13:6 · KJV

The analysis reads the King James wording.

King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.

THE KEY

The song begins when you recognize that the LORD has already dealt fully with you.

THE MEANING

You can sing to the LORD because his generous care is something you can recognize now, not only something you are waiting for. The song answers what he has already done without denying the ache you have known.

WHAT THIS UNDOES

The verse undoes the belief that sorrow makes gratitude dishonest: song can coexist with ache because it answers the LORD’s goodness.

THE ROOT

גָּמַל

gāmal

GROWS FROM

גמל

To deal fully with someone, including benefiting or recompensing them.

The word translated “dealt bountifully” is ⁨גָּמַל⁩ (gāmal), a verb for how one deals with another. The same root is used for a child being weaned, a process brought to completion; here, the LORD’s dealing with you is presented as something already done.

ALSO GROWS

gemul: What is rendered in return; recompense or a dealing received.

גְּמוּל

This related noun keeps the focus on what has been done for someone, illuminating the verse’s reason for singing.

gāmal: To wean; to bring nursing to its completion.

גָּמַל

In Genesis 21:8 the same verb describes Isaac being weaned, adding the sense of care reaching a completed stage.

THE PATTERN

Remembered goodness turns recognition of the LORD into song that carries trust outward.

And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

Psalm 40:3 · KJVThe song that follows the LORD’s action becomes visible to others and opens a path to trust.

Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.

Isaiah 12:2 · KJVTrust and song rise from recognizing the LORD as strength and deliverance.

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

Ephesians 5:19 · KJVSong directed to the Lord gives voice to what the heart holds.

THE THREAD

Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.

Psalm 116:7 · KJV

“Hath dealt bountifully” repeats the same Hebrew verb, ⁨גָּמַל⁩ (gāmal), as Psalm 13:6. Here that recognition leads the living soul toward rest, opening the song’s gratitude as a return to settled trust.

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