I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living!
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse doesn't just express a future hope; it highlights that this belief in God's goodness was the only thing preventing the psalmist from complete despair in his present crisis. It implies that without this unwavering faith, he would have "fainted" or utterly collapsed under the weight of his troubles.
I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living!
English Standard Version (ESV)
After describing the treachery and danger from his enemies, the psalmist acknowledges how desperate his situation would feel and how easily he might have given up hope. Yet, his faith in God's goodness and the promise of life in this world, not the grave, served as his ultimate support against despair.
Ever felt like you were barely holding on? This verse reveals a powerful, unspoken truth about how faith keeps us from falling apart.
The verse as we read it, "I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living," often includes the first phrase. But many scholars point out that the original Hebrew text might be missing "I had fainted," leaving the verse with a powerful, incomplete thought: 'Unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living...'
This highlights an incredible truth: the moment of deepest despair is often overcome by a sudden, powerful surge of faith. It's not that faith prevents the trouble, but that faith sustains us through it. Imagine David, surrounded by enemies, facing utter ruin. His immediate thought isn't 'I'm doomed,' but rather a reflection on what would have happened if he hadn't believed. This shows that faith isn't just an option; it's the very thing that stops us from collapsing under pressure.
What does 'the land of the living' really mean? It's not just about a future hope, but a present reality we can embrace.
When David speaks of seeing 'the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living,' he's primarily talking about this life. The 'land of the living' is contrasted with the grave, with death, with the silence of Sheol. It's the world where God's people live, breathe, and experience His presence and provision.
This isn't to diminish the hope of heaven, but to emphasize that God's goodness isn't deferred. It's meant to be experienced now. Seeing God's goodness could mean His providential care, His deliverance from enemies, His ongoing grace, or the fulfillment of His promises within this earthly life. This perspective reminds us to look for God's active hand and rich blessings right where we are, not just in the 'sweet by and by'.
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Understand the original words
tub · Hebrew Noun
God’s gracious benevolence, favor, and moral excellence; it describes both His character and the tangible blessings He provides to His people.
erets chayyim · Hebrew Noun phrase
A poetic reference to the present, earthly life where believers experience God’s intervention, in contrast to the realm of the dead (Sheol).
This psalm was likely written during David's intense struggles for survival, highlighting how faith in God's goodness in *this life* (the 'land of the living') sustained him through imminent danger and the betrayal of enemies, not just as a hope for the afterlife.
c. 1000 BC
David Anointed King
Samuel anoints David as king, signifying God's future plan for him, though he still faced significant opposition and a long wait.
c. 1000-990 BC
David Flees Saul
David spent years on the run from King Saul, facing numerous dangers, betrayals, and periods of intense hardship and despair.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
Psalms 27 Written
David likely composed Psalm 27 during a time of intense persecution, possibly while hiding from enemies or facing accusations.
c. 990 BC
David Becomes King of Israel
After Saul's death, David finally ascends to the throne, fulfilling God's promise and ushering in a period of stability.
Hezekiah echoes this sentiment when facing death, expressing a similar longing to see the LORD's goodness in this life rather than going down to the grave.
Romans 8:24Paul speaks of salvation as a present hope, aligning with the idea that faith in God's goodness is what sustains us through present troubles, looking towards a future reality.
Hebrews 11:1This verse defines faith as 'the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen,' which is the very bedrock of the Psalmist's declaration that he believes he will see God's goodness.
Jeremiah 29:13This passage promises that God will be found by those who seek Him with their whole heart, reflecting David's reliance on seeking God's face even amidst deep distress.
cambridgePsalms 27:13: "I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living."
13 . The word for unless is marked with dots in the Massoretic text as probably spurious. Omitting it, we may render; I believe that I shall see &c. If it is retained, the construction is an aposiopesis: O! had I not believed &c.; or an apodosis may be supplied, as in A.V. to see ] The construction of the Heb. verb implies the sense, to see and enjoy . in the land of the living ] Here…
jfbPsalms 27:13: "I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living."
- The strong emotion is indicated by the incomplete sentence, for which the English Version supplies a proper clause; or, omitting that, and rendering, "yet I believed," &c., the contrast of his faith and his danger is expressed.to see—is to experience (Ps 22:17).
The verse doesn't just express a future hope; it highlights that this belief in God's goodness was the only thing preventing the psalmist from complete despair in his present crisis. It implies that without this unwavering faith, he would have "fainted" or utterly collapsed under the weight of his troubles.
After describing the treachery and danger from his enemies, the psalmist acknowledges how desperate his situation would feel and how easily he might have given up hope. Yet, his faith in God's goodness and the promise of life in this world, not the grave, served as his ultimate support against despair.
After describing the treachery and danger from his enemies, the psalmist acknowledges how desperate his situation would feel and how easily he might have given up hope. Yet, his faith in God's goodness and the promise of life in this world, not the grave, served as his ultimate support against despair.
"I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living!" — The verse doesn't just express a future hope; it highlights that this belief in God's goodness was the only thing preventing the psalmist from complete despair in his present crisis. It implies tha…
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Last reviewed October 2026