Old Testament
Psalms 9:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Have mercy on me, O LORD; consider my trouble which I suffer from those who hate me, you who lift me up from the gates of death,
Compare translations
Have mercy upon me, O LORD; consider my trouble which I suffer of them that hate me, thou that liftest me up from the gates of death:
What Psalms 9:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the psalmist is crying out to God for mercy during a time of great distress. He feels overwhelmed by his enemies who wish him harm. The psalmist acknowledges his suffering and pleads for God's attention to his plight. He recognizes God as the one who has the power to save him from death and despair. The phrase 'lift me up from the gates of death' suggests a deep sense of hopelessness, as if he is on the brink of death, yet he trusts in God's ability to rescue him. This verse reflects a common theme in the Psalms where the faithful seek God's help in times of trouble, emphasizing the importance of turning to God in moments of fear and vulnerability. It serves as a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we can call upon God for support and deliverance, trusting in His mercy and power to save us from our adversities.
How to apply Psalms 9:13 to your life
When facing challenges or feeling overwhelmed by negativity from others, we can follow the psalmist's example by seeking God's mercy. We should pray earnestly, asking for His help and trusting that He can lift us from our troubles, no matter how dire they seem.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Psalms 9:13
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Psalms 9:13
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Psalms
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 9:13 mean by 'lift me up from the gates of death'?
In Psalms 9:13, the phrase 'lift me up from the gates of death' symbolizes a plea for rescue from a dire situation, where the psalmist feels close to death or despair. It reflects a deep sense of vulnerability and hopelessness, indicating that the psalmist is at a critical point in life. This expression emphasizes the psalmist's trust in God's power to save and deliver him from his enemies and the threats he faces.
How can I apply Psalms 9:13 in my life when facing enemies?
When dealing with adversaries or negative influences, you can apply Psalms 9:13 by turning to God in prayer, just as the psalmist did. Acknowledge your struggles and ask for God's mercy and intervention. Trust that He can provide you with strength and deliverance from your troubles. This verse encourages you to seek divine help and maintain faith that God will support you through difficult times.
What is the significance of asking for mercy in Psalms 9:13?
Asking for mercy in Psalms 9:13 highlights the psalmist's recognition of his own limitations and the need for God's compassion. It signifies humility and an understanding that human strength is insufficient in the face of adversity. By seeking mercy, the psalmist demonstrates reliance on God's grace and power, which is essential for overcoming challenges and finding hope amidst suffering.
Why does the psalmist mention suffering from those who hate him?
The mention of suffering from those who hate him in Psalms 9:13 underscores the reality of conflict and persecution that many face. It reflects the psalmist's personal experience of being targeted by enemies, which can resonate with anyone who feels unjustly treated or attacked. This acknowledgment of suffering serves to validate the pain of those in similar situations and emphasizes the importance of seeking God's help in times of distress.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.