Psalms 61:6

Increase the days of the king’s life; may his years span many generations.

Berean Standard Bible

Study note

Setting — The psalmist petitions God on behalf of the king, immediately after affirming that God has heard vows and secured an inheritance for those who fear His name. This prayer functions as a royal intercession seeking prolonged reign and divine protection.

The words — The verb תּוֹסִ֑יף (to.Sif) translates literally as "you will add," directing God to extend the יָמִים (days) and שְׁנוֹתָיו (his years) of the מֶלֶךְ (king). The comparative phrase כְּמוֹ דֹר (ke-mōr dor) means "like a generation," specifying the scope of the requested longevity.

The thread — The request for extended royal days parallels Psalms 21:4, where God grants length of days, and Psalms 89:36, which ties enduring offspring to an unbroken throne. The connection to Psalms 21:6 further links this petition to God's permanent blessings and joy in the king's presence.

Why it lands — The text explicitly states that the king's lifespan and dynastic continuity are subject to divine addition rather than human control. It requires the reader to place political stability and future hope under God's sovereign timing and covenant faithfulness.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Hebrew words

יָמִ֣יםya.Mimdays עַל־'al-to יְמֵי־ye.mei-[the] days of מֶ֣לֶךְMe.lekh[the] king תּוֹסִ֑יףto.Sifyou will add שְׁ֝נוֹתָ֗יוShe.no.Ta/vyears/ his כְּמוֹ־ke.mov-[be] like דֹ֥רdora generation וָדֹֽר׃va./Dorand/ a generation

King James Version

Thou wilt prolong the king’s life: and his years as many generations.

Cross-references

Psalms 21:4 He asked You for life, and You granted it—length of days, forever and ever.
Psalms 89:36 his offspring shall endure forever, and his throne before Me like the sun,
Psalms 21:6 For You grant him blessings forever; You cheer him with joy in Your presence.
Psalms 72:15 Long may he live! May gold from Sheba be given him. May people ever pray for him; may they bless him all day long.
Isaiah 53:10 Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush Him and to cause Him to suffer; and when His soul is made a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, and the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand.