Psalm 27 14

Psalm 27:14 kjv

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Psalm 27:14 nkjv

Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!

Psalm 27:14 niv

Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

Psalm 27:14 esv

Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!

Psalm 27:14 nlt

Wait patiently for the LORD.
Be brave and courageous.
Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.

Psalm 27 verses

Psalm 27 14 Meaning

Psalm 27:14 is an urgent call to trust, patience, and resolve in the LORD. It commands the believer to actively wait for God's intervention, promising divine strength to the heart of those who do so. The repetition emphasizes the critical importance of persistent hope and reliance on the Sovereign One, even in times of adversity and uncertainty, reinforcing that true courage and fortitude are rooted in confident expectation of the LORD.

Psalm 27 14 Context

Psalm 27 is a powerful declaration of trust and hope in the LORD, attributed to David. The psalm opens with an exclamatory statement of unwavering confidence in God's protection and deliverance, even amidst the threat of enemies and war (vv. 1-3). The psalmist expresses a deep longing for communion with God, desiring to dwell in His house and behold His beauty (vv. 4-6). This is followed by a heartfelt prayer for God's continued presence, guidance, and help when abandoned by human relationships (vv. 7-12). Verse 13 reveals a momentary struggle, a nearly faltering faith, where the psalmist states, "Unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living, I would have lost heart." This serves as the direct immediate context, leading into the conclusive exhortation of verse 14. Thus, Psalm 27:14 is not merely a detached command but a self-admonition and an instruction born out of personal experience, intense struggle, and ultimate conviction in God's faithfulness, concluding the psalm with a call to steadfast, expectant faith.

Psalm 27 14 Word analysis

• Wait (קַוֵּה - qavveh): This Hebrew word is derived from the root `qavah`, which literally means "to bind together," "to collect," or "to stretch out." In its spiritual sense, it denotes an active, patient, and persistent expectation or hopeful waiting upon God. It is not passive idleness but an alert, anticipatory stance, like one eagerly straining to see someone appear on the horizon, or like one bound to another by covenant trust. It implies hopeful dependence and steady endurance. The repetition of this imperative (`qavveh`) twice in the verse, with the second occurrence introduced by "I say" or "and," intensely emphasizes the command.
• on the LORD (אֶל־יְהוָה - el-YHWH): `YHWH` (Yahweh) is the Tetragrammaton, the personal, covenant name of God revealed to Israel. It signifies God's self-existence, His eternal nature, and His absolute faithfulness to His promises. The psalmist specifically commands waiting on the LORD, not on circumstances, human strength, or any other god. This emphasizes the divine, trustworthy object of our wait and hope, highlighting His character as the one who keeps covenant.
• be of good courage (חֲזַק - chazaq): An imperative verb meaning "be strong," "be firm," "take courage," or "hold fast." This command calls for an act of the human will. Even while waiting, a person is required to exhibit strength and resolve. It speaks to inner fortitude, often required in military or difficult circumstances, translated here into spiritual tenacity in relying on God. This inner strength is necessary for active waiting, contrasting with despondency or yielding to fear.
• and He shall strengthen (וְיַאֲמֵץ - v'ya'ametse): This is a verb from the root `amats`, closely related in meaning to `chazaq` ("to be strong," "to be firm," "to show courage"). However, significantly, this verb is in the future tense and is a promise from God ("He shall strengthen"), in contrast to the imperative chazaq which is a command to humanity. This indicates that human strength (`chazaq`) is met and supernaturally empowered by divine strengthening (`ya'ametse`). It assures that God is actively involved in sustaining and invigorating the heart of those who wait.
• your heart (לִבֶּךָ - libbecha): In Hebrew thought, the `lev` (heart) is not merely the seat of emotions but the very core of a person's being – encompassing intellect, will, reason, moral choices, and inner vitality. Strengthening the heart means fortifying one's entire inner person against fear, despair, and wavering faith. It refers to a deep spiritual and psychological renewal that equips one to persevere.

• "Wait on the LORD; be of good courage...": This phrase initiates a dual action and outcome. The command to "wait" requires patience and expectation, while "be of good courage" demands internal fortitude and resolve. This combination implies that active, faithful waiting is not passive; it involves a resolute posture of heart and mind, leaning into God's power while exercising personal endurance.
• "...and He shall strengthen your heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.": This segment presents God's responsive action to the believer's obedient waiting and courage. The divine strengthening of the heart (`v'ya'ametse libbecha`) is a direct consequence and promised benefit for those who "wait on the LORD." The repeated command to "wait" (qavveh) at the end powerfully reiterates the core instruction, emphasizing its crucial importance. This emphatic repetition acts as a summary and an anchor, driving home the psalmist's central message and urging constant reliance on God's unwavering character.

Psalm 27 14 Bonus section

• Theological Nuance of Qavah: The concept of qavah is distinct from simply 'sitting still.' It carries the connotation of a cable or cord being twisted or bound together, increasing its strength and tension. Thus, waiting on the LORD implies an intense spiritual focus and bonding with God, building resilience as time goes on, not just passively passing time. This qavah tension suggests the straining of an expectant posture, akin to watching the eastern sky for dawn.
• The Psalmist's Inner Dialogue: Many scholars view verse 14 as a powerful instance of self-exhortation. Having poured out his fears and renewed his faith in previous verses, the psalmist turns to his own soul or to fellow believers, delivering this crucial command. It shows that faith is often a struggle requiring conscious decision and resolve, and that encouragement often begins from within.
• Waiting as a Virtue: In an immediate gratification culture, "waiting on the LORD" highlights a counter-cultural spiritual virtue. It fosters humility, dependence, patience, and strengthens one's relationship with God as the sole provider and deliverer, rather than relying on quick fixes or human capabilities.
• From "Trust" to "Triumph": Psalm 27:14 functions as the culmination of the psalm's journey from bold declaration of trust (v.1-3) through deep longing (v.4-6) and fervent plea (v.7-12) to moments of near despair (v.13), finally arriving at an empowered resolve rooted in confident, active expectation of the LORD. It provides a blueprint for how believers can navigate their own seasons of difficulty, moving from potential collapse to assured spiritual fortitude.

Psalm 27 14 Commentary

Psalm 27:14 serves as a profound capstone to David's journey through trials, despair, and ultimate trust, providing an timeless principle for believers. It transcends mere advice, functioning as a divine imperative interwoven with a promise. The call to "wait on the LORD" is an active spiritual discipline, urging persistent, hopeful expectation in the midst of life's uncertainties. It counters the natural inclination to rush, fear, or despair, insisting instead on orienting one's entire being towards God. This waiting is paired with the command to "be of good courage," demonstrating that spiritual fortitude is both an act of will and a gift. It signifies standing firm, refusing to yield to overwhelming pressure or doubt. The crucial promise is that God Himself will "strengthen your heart," touching the very core of one's being – mind, will, and emotions. This strengthening is not a human effort but a divine impartation, empowering perseverance when human strength falters. The verse is cyclical: human obedience in waiting and courage unleashes God’s supernatural reinforcement, enabling one to continue the active wait. It reveals that our perseverance is intrinsically linked to God's sustaining grace.Practical examples include a believer waiting on God for healing while exercising faith, a student awaiting exam results trusting God's plan, or someone facing chronic hardship choosing active hope in God's faithfulness instead of giving in to despair.