Psalms – Chapter 83

Old Testament13 Verses

1Unto the end, for the winepresses, a psalm for the sons of Core.

2How lovely are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts!

3my soul longeth and fainteth for the courts of the Lord. My heart and my flesh have rejoiced in the living God.

4For the sparrow hath found herself a house, and the turtle a nest for herself where she may lay her young ones: Thy altars, O Lord of hosts, my king and my God.

5Blessed are they that dwell in thy house, O Lord: they shall praise thee for ever and ever.

6Blessed is the man whose help is from thee: in his heart he hath disposed to ascend by steps,

7In the vale of tears, in the place which he hath set.

8For the lawgiver shall give a blessing, they shall go from virtue to virtue: the God of gods shall be seen in Sion.

9O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob.

10Behold, O God our protector: and look on the face of thy Christ.

11For better is one day in thy courts above thousands. I have chosen to be an abject in the house of my God, rather than to dwell in the tabernacles of sinners.

12For God loveth mercy and truth: the Lord will give grace and glory.

13He will not deprive of good things them that walk in innocence: O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.

Reflection for Today

Psalms Chapter 83, containing 13 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation, offers a distinct passage for prayer and meditation.

The Magisterium teaches that every biblical passage must be read in light of Christ, the center of Scripture (CIC 1362). Here the emphasis falls on living the Gospel in daily work, which shapes how the Church understands prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God.

If this passage raises questions, seek the Church's teaching through the Catechism, a faithful priest, or sound Catholic commentaries. Private interpretation must remain in harmony with the Magisterium (CIC 1700).

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Deepen your understanding with these related articles