Psalm 130 Meaning Explained

De Profundis—'Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD!' A penitential psalm centered on forgiveness. 'If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, who could stand?' But with God there is steadfast love, plenteous redemption. The soul waits for the LORD 'more than watchmen for the morning.' It moves from the depths of guilt to the hopeful waiting for universal redemption.

A clear explanation of Psalm 130, its meaning, context, and message for believers today

Psalms Chapter 130 | KJV

1. A Song of degrees. Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD.
2. Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.
3. If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?
4. But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.
5. I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.
6. My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.
7. Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.
8. And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

Historical Context

Psalm 130, a Song of Ascents, is a penitential psalm expressing trust in God’s mercy and redemption.