Psalms 88:13 Meaning and Explanation
“But unto thee have I cried, O LORD; and in the morning shall my prayer prevent thee.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist cries to the Lord with morning prayer that goes before him.
The Context of Psalms 88:13
A turn toward hope: despite suffering, prayer continues and reaches God each morning.
What Does Psalms 88:13 Mean?
The 'but' marks a turn: despite all the darkness and death imagery, the psalmist affirms his prayer is still directed to God. The morning is the time of prayer, perhaps the first moment of consciousness when the cry goes out. 'Prevent' here means to go before or precede—the prayer reaches God early, meets him as the day begins.
This verse shows hope breaking through despair. The psalmist's prayer is not abandoned but actively reaches toward God. Morning suggests renewal and suggests the prayer goes out at the beginning of the day, before worse troubles come, seeking God's intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 88:13
What does Psalms 88:13 mean?
The psalmist cries to the Lord with morning prayer that goes before him.
What is the context of Psalms 88:13?
A turn toward hope: despite suffering, prayer continues and reaches God each morning.