But the king shall rejoice in God; all who swear by him shall exult, for the mouths of liars will be stopped.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse doesn't just promise joy for the faithful and silence for liars; it points to a deeper truth about identity. The "king" and those who "swear by him" aren't just loyal subjects; they are those whose true allegiance is to God, revealing that ultimate rejoicing comes from aligning our deepest selves with divine truth.
But the king shall rejoice in God; all who swear by him shall exult, for the mouths of liars will be stopped.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Psalm concludes with David, likely in exile and facing betrayal, shifting from personal anguish to unwavering confidence in God's ultimate justice. He foresees his own vindication and the silencing of his deceitful enemies, asserting that loyalty to God and the righteous king will lead to rejoicing. This declaration sets the stage for a future where truth prevails and liars are put to shame.
Who is this 'king' that finds such profound joy? Is it just about earthly power, or something more divine?
The verse speaks of "the king" rejoicing in God. This isn't just about any ruler; it points to someone with a unique relationship with the divine.
A Title of Faith
David, the likely author, was king, but he also faced immense challenges and periods of exile. Calling himself "the king" here, even when his position was precarious, shows a deep faith. He's not just speaking of his current status, but of his God-given destiny and the ultimate authority he holds through God.
The Ultimate King
This passage also points forward to Jesus Christ, the ultimate King. His joy isn't found in worldly success but in His perfect obedience to the Father and His victory over sin and death. All who belong to Him share in this divine reign.
What does it mean to 'swear by' God, and why does it lead to glory?
The phrase 'every one that sweareth by him shall glory' speaks to a deep and committed allegiance.
More Than a Promise
To 'swear by God' in this context isn't just a casual promise; it's a solemn oath, an act of devotion and recognition of God's supreme authority. It means entrusting your life and future to Him, acknowledging Him as the ultimate judge and sovereign.
Sharing in God's Triumph
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Those who make such oaths—those who are genuinely devoted to God—will 'glory.' This glory is a shared victory. They rejoice because their King is triumphant, and they are part of His victorious kingdom. Their faithfulness is vindicated, and they find their ultimate praise and honor in God Himself.
Why are liars specifically targeted in this declaration of divine justice?
The verse culminates with a powerful declaration: 'for the mouths of liars will be stopped.' This isn't just about petty gossip; it addresses deceit that undermines truth and justice.
The Power of Deceit
Lying and slander can cause immense damage, twisting reality and hurting reputations. In the context of David's struggles, these lies likely served to undermine his God-given authority and sow discord among the people.
Divine Vindication
The ultimate stopping of liars' mouths signifies divine justice. God will not allow falsehood to triumph. In the end, truth prevails, and those who spread deceit will be silenced, their claims exposed and rendered powerless. This brings about the king's rejoicing and the glory of his faithful followers.
Understand the original words
melek · Hebrew Noun
An anointed sovereign leader, often representing God's authority on earth, pointing forward to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ.
samach · Hebrew Verb
To feel or show great joy, often associated with religious celebration or triumph in God's faithfulness.
shaba · Hebrew Verb
To take an oath or make a solemn promise, frequently used in the Old Testament to describe allegiance to the Lord as the ultimate judge and witness of truth.
halal · Hebrew Verb
To triumph, rejoice, or glory; often used in the context of victory and the public expression of joy in God's salvation.
sheqer · Hebrew Noun
A person who speaks falsehoods; in Scripture, this is frequently tied to covenant unfaithfulness, deceit, and opposition to God’s truth.
sakar · Hebrew Verb
To silence or close off; biblically, it suggests the divine judgment or removal of the ability to cause harm or spread falsehoods against the righteous.
This psalm likely arose during David's time on the run from King Saul. The 'king' rejoicing is David himself, confident in God's promise of his future reign, even while facing treachery and danger in the wilderness. The contrast is stark: those loyal to God and His chosen king will triumph, while the deceitful plotters will be silenced.
c. 1025-1015 BC
David Anointed King
Samuel anoints David as king, setting him apart as God's chosen successor, though Saul remains on the throne. This sets up David's future reign and the context for his persecution.
c. 1015-1010 BC— this verse
David Flees Saul
David is relentlessly pursued by a jealous King Saul, forcing him into hiding in the wilderness. This period is marked by danger, betrayal, and reliance on God for deliverance.
c. 1010 BC
Saul's Death at Mount Gilboa
King Saul and his son Jonathan are killed in battle against the Philistines, removing the immediate threat to David's life and kingship.
c. 1010 BC
David Crowned King of Judah
Following Saul's death, David is crowned king over the tribe of Judah in Hebron. This marks a significant step towards his eventual rule over all Israel.
c. 1003 BC
David Crowned King of All Israel
David finally unites all the tribes and is crowned king over all Israel, establishing Jerusalem as his capital and ushering in a golden age.
This passage speaks of prayer for the king, asking that he would live and receive gold, and that prayers would be made for him continually, connecting to the idea of the king's reign and the prosperity it brings to the people.
Isaiah 11:4This verse describes Christ's reign of righteousness, 'rebuking with equity for the meek of the earth,' which parallels the silencing of liars and the establishment of truth under the king mentioned in Psalms 63:11.
Revelation 19:11-16This passage depicts Christ, the Word of God, returning as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, conquering his enemies with a sword from his mouth, directly fulfilling the idea of liars being silenced by divine authority.
2 Samuel 22:41David, in his song of praise, expresses confidence in God's deliverance from his enemies, stating, 'You will give me the necks of my enemies, that I may destroy those who hate me,' which echoes the sentiment of enemies being overcome and silenced.
Matthew 12:36-37Jesus states that people will have to give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they speak, and by their words they will be justified, and by their words they will be condemned. This directly connects to the idea that liars' mouths will be stopped, as their words will lead to their condemnation.
poolePsalms 63:11: "But the king shall rejoice in God; every one that sweareth by him shall glory: but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped."
The king; I, who am already anointed king, and who shall be actually king, when these mine enemies are fallen by the sword. He speaks of himself in the third person, either out of modesty or out of prudence, because it was ambiguous, and might be understood either of himself or of Saul, whereby, he might avoid the envy of the expression, if this…
barnesPsalms 63:11: "But the king shall rejoice in God; every one that sweareth by him shall glory: but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped."
But the king shall rejoice in God - This passage, as was remarked in the Introduction to the psalm, shows that this psalm could not have been composed in the time of Saul, since the title king was not then given to David. The use of the term here in the third person does not prove that the psalm could not have been written by David himself, for h…
This verse doesn't just promise joy for the faithful and silence for liars; it points to a deeper truth about identity. The "king" and those who "swear by him" aren't just loyal subjects; they are those whose true allegiance is to God, revealing that ultimate rejoicing comes from aligning our deepest selves with divine truth.
The Psalm concludes with David, likely in exile and facing betrayal, shifting from personal anguish to unwavering confidence in God's ultimate justice. He foresees his own vindication and the silencing of his deceitful enemies, asserting that loyalty to God and the righteous king will lead to rejoicing. This declaration sets the stage for a future where truth prevails and liars are put to shame.
The Psalm concludes with David, likely in exile and facing betrayal, shifting from personal anguish to unwavering confidence in God's ultimate justice. He foresees his own vindication and the silencing of his deceitful enemies, asserting that loyalty to God and the righteous king will lead to rejoicing. This declaration sets the stage for a future where truth prevails and liars are put to shame.
"But the king shall rejoice in God; all who swear by him shall exult, for the mouths of liars will be stopped." — This verse doesn't just promise joy for the faithful and silence for liars; it points to a deeper truth about identity. The "king" and those who "swear by him" aren't just loyal subjects; they are th…
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Last reviewed October 2026