Psalm 69 6

Psalm 69:6 kjv

Let not them that wait on thee, O Lord GOD of hosts, be ashamed for my sake: let not those that seek thee be confounded for my sake, O God of Israel.

Psalm 69:6 nkjv

Let not those who wait for You, O Lord GOD of hosts, be ashamed because of me; Let not those who seek You be confounded because of me, O God of Israel.

Psalm 69:6 niv

Lord, the LORD Almighty, may those who hope in you not be disgraced because of me; God of Israel, may those who seek you not be put to shame because of me.

Psalm 69:6 esv

Let not those who hope in you be put to shame through me, O Lord GOD of hosts; let not those who seek you be brought to dishonor through me, O God of Israel.

Psalm 69:6 nlt

Don't let those who trust in you be ashamed because of me,
O Sovereign LORD of Heaven's Armies.
Don't let me cause them to be humiliated,
O God of Israel.

Psalm 69 verses

Psalm 69 6 Meaning

Psalm 69:6 is a fervent plea by the psalmist, likely David, to God. In the midst of profound suffering and disgrace, he appeals to God, not just for his own deliverance, but primarily for the sake of other faithful believers. He implores God that his dire circumstances and apparent failure would not cause those who earnestly trust in the Lord and diligently seek Him to lose hope, waver in their faith, or be publicly discredited for their commitment to God. It highlights a selfless concern for God's reputation and the steadfastness of His people.

Psalm 69 6 Context

Psalm 69 is a deeply personal and fervent lament of David, marked by intense suffering and cries for divine intervention against powerful adversaries. The psalm opens with David feeling overwhelmed, "sinking in deep mire," and his enemies are numerous and deceitful (vv. 1-4). He admits to knowing his folly (v. 5) but attributes much of his affliction to his zeal for God and the reproach he bears for His sake (v. 9). Amidst this profound personal anguish and sense of betrayal, verse 6 reveals a selfless heart: David's concern extends beyond his own deliverance to the potential impact his suffering might have on the broader community of faith. He recognizes that his predicament, if unchecked, could lead others to doubt God's power or faithfulness, thus bringing disgrace upon those who faithfully trust in God and, by extension, upon God Himself. Historically, David faced many challenges, including plots by Saul, rebellion by Absalom, and various enemies, any of which could be the backdrop for such a desperate and prayerful lament.

Psalm 69 6 Word analysis

• Let not those who wait for You:
  • `קוֹוֶיךָ (qōweykā)`: from the root `קוה (qāwāh)`, meaning to wait, hope, look for, expect. This is not passive waiting but an active, hopeful expectation, a patient trust in God's timing and fulfillment of promises. It signifies a profound reliance on the Lord. The psalmist expresses concern for those who actively anticipate God's righteous acts and rely on His faithfulness.
• be put to shame:
  • `יֵבֹשׁוּ (yēḇōšū)`: from the root `בוש (bôsh)`, meaning to be ashamed, confounded, disappointed, disgraced. In the biblical context, shame often implies public disgrace, failed expectations, or the exposure of weakness/failure, especially in relation to one's trust in God. If the psalmist's suffering made it appear God was absent or unfaithful, it would cause public embarrassment or disillusionment for other believers.
• because of me:
  • `בִּי (bî)`: literally "in me" or "through me," meaning "on my account," "because of my situation/sufferings," or "by my apparent downfall." The psalmist recognizes that his plight is not isolated but can have ripple effects, potentially causing others to stumble or lose faith in God's justice or power. This reveals a profound understanding of corporate witness.
• O Lord GOD of hosts;
  • `אֲדֹנָי יְהוִה צְבָאוֹת (ʾăḏōnāy YHWH ṣəḇāʾôt)`: A compound divine title emphasizing God's supreme authority and power.
  • `אֲדֹנָי (ʾăḏōnāy)`: "My Lord," denotes sovereignty and mastership.
  • `יְהוִה (YHWH)`: The personal, covenantal name of God (Yahweh/LORD), emphasizing His faithfulness and eternal, self-existent nature.
  • `צְבָאוֹת (ṣəḇāʾôt)`: "of hosts," refers to God's dominion over all spiritual and earthly armies/powers. This title underscores His omnipotence and capacity to deliver, making the psalmist's plea even more poignant – "the powerful, covenant-keeping God, surely You will act!"
• Let not those who seek You:
  • `מְבַקְשֶׁיךָ (məḇaqšeyḵā)`: from the root `בקש (bāqash)`, meaning to seek, search for, demand, desire, inquire. This implies a diligent, earnest, and often prayerful pursuit of God, His will, His presence, and His righteousness.
• be dishonored:
  • `יִכָּלְמוּ (yikkāləmū)`: from the root `כלם (kālām)`, meaning to be ashamed, disgraced, humiliated, disappointed, confounded. Similar to `בוש (bôsh)` but can emphasize public ignominy or utter disappointment due to failed expectations.
• O God of Israel.
  • `אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל (ʾĕlōhê yiśrāʾēl)`: "God of Israel," a specific title that grounds God's power and faithfulness in His unique covenant relationship with His chosen people. It implies that His actions toward His servants directly reflect upon His reputation among those with whom He has made promises and identified Himself. This name reinforces the communal aspect of faith.

• Words-group analysis:
  • "Let not those who wait for You...be put to shame because of me": This phrase highlights the interconnectedness of believers. The psalmist's personal trial is seen not just as individual suffering but as a potential source of stumbling or discouragement for others whose faith might be fragile or observing. It's a prayer that his trial would not bring public reproach upon God's loyal followers.
  • "O Lord GOD of hosts; O God of Israel": The invocation of these dual, powerful divine names underscores the psalmist's deep conviction in God's sovereignty, covenant faithfulness, and unlimited power. He is calling upon the most powerful, covenant-keeping God, implying that such a God cannot allow His faithful ones to be shamed or dishonored ultimately.
  • "Let not those who seek You be dishonored because of me": Reinforces the previous line with a parallel plea, broadening the scope from "waiting" to actively "seeking" God. It stresses the active pursuit of God as a core aspect of true faith, which should never lead to disgrace or disappointment.

Psalm 69 6 Bonus section

This verse hints at a foundational biblical truth: God's reputation is often tied to the well-being and steadfastness of His people. When believers endure suffering with faithfulness, it testifies to God's power and goodness; conversely, if their suffering leads to despair or public failure without redemptive action, it could cause unbelievers (or even other believers) to question God's character. The phrase "Lord GOD of hosts" links to God's divine warrior aspect, indicating He has the capacity and right to fight for His people and defend His name. "God of Israel" points to the covenant commitment; He has explicitly bound Himself to this people. The psalmist appeals to this very commitment and power. This echoes numerous instances in the Old Testament where prophets and leaders (like Moses and Ezekiel) appeal to God's honor and name when interceding for Israel, lest the nations say that God was unable to save His people. Ultimately, in the New Covenant, Jesus Christ embodies this selfless concern fully, taking upon Himself the ultimate reproach so that those who believe in Him might never be put to shame (Rom 9:33).

Psalm 69 6 Commentary

Psalm 69:6 encapsulates a profound, selfless dimension of faith where an individual's spiritual welfare is inextricably linked to the testimony of the broader believing community and the honor of God's name. The psalmist, engulfed in distress and experiencing public reproach, understands that his suffering could lead to doubt or discouragement among others who also hope in the Lord. This prayer is thus an appeal to God's character – His unwavering faithfulness to those who trust Him, and His supreme power as "Lord GOD of hosts." It is a fervent plea that God would act for the sake of His own reputation and to prevent the stumbling of His people. The verse teaches us that our struggles are not entirely private; our endurance, or lack thereof, can reflect on God and impact the faith of others. It urges believers, especially in times of severe trial, to maintain a focus on God's glory and the corporate witness of the Church, ensuring that their perseverance ultimately vindicates God's honor rather than casting a shadow upon Him or His people.Practical usage examples:

• A leader in the church facing severe personal or professional challenges might pray that their apparent difficulties do not cause younger believers to lose faith or become cynical about God's provision.
• Someone suffering unjustly might ask God to turn their suffering into a testimony of His enduring faithfulness, so that others watching them are encouraged to deepen their trust in God, rather than question Him.