Bible Commentaries
Psalms 130

Verses 1-8

Psalms 130:0

Psalms 130:1 (A Song of degrees.) Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD.

Psalms 130:1 Word Study on “degrees” - Strong says the Hebrew word “ma’alah” ( מַעֲלָה ) (H4609) literally means, “elevations,” and in book of Psalms it means, “a climatic progression.” Strong says this word is derived from the Hebrew verb “‘alah” ( עָלָה ) (H5927), which means “to ascend.” This noun occurs 45 times in the Old Testament Scriptures and is often translated “steps,” as in 1 Kings 10:19. In 2 Kings 20:9-11 “ma’alah” ( מַעֲלָה ) is translated “degrees,” referring to the ten steps the shadow regressed on the king’s sundial.

Psalms 130:8 And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

Psalms 130:8 Comments - The Hebrew phrase “and he shall redeem” ( וְ֭הוּא יִפְדֶּ֣ה ) is literally translated, “He Himself shall redeem.” Therefore, the emphasis is on “He,” a prophecy that Jesus, and only Jesus, will redeem man from their sins. The LXX reads, “ καὶ αὐτὸς λυτρώσεται τὸν Ισραηλ ἐκ πασῶν τῶν ἀνομιῶν αὐτοῦ .”