Psalm 71 1

Psalm 71:1 kjv

In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.

Psalm 71:1 nkjv

In You, O LORD, I put my trust; Let me never be put to shame.

Psalm 71:1 niv

In you, LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame.

Psalm 71:1 esv

In you, O LORD, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame!

Psalm 71:1 nlt

O LORD, I have come to you for protection;
don't let me be disgraced.

Psalm 71 verses

Psalm 71 1 Meaning

Psalm 71:1 expresses a deeply personal declaration of faith and an urgent petition for divine preservation. It is a foundational statement of absolute reliance on the Lord Yahweh, emphasizing that the psalmist has taken refuge solely in Him. The plea "let me never be put to shame" articulates the hope that God will vindicate this trust, ensuring that the psalmist's hope in the Lord is not disappointed, and that no public disgrace will come upon them as a result of trusting in God.

Psalm 71 1 Context

Psalm 71 is a heartfelt prayer of an older individual, expressing reliance on God from youth through old age and a fervent request for deliverance from enemies. It lacks a superscription but is often seen as a continuation of themes found in Psalm 70 (a prayer for speedier deliverance) or even Psalm 31. The psalmist faces opposition and slander, yet recalls God's faithfulness throughout his long life. This opening verse, "In You, O LORD, I put my trust; let me never be put to shame!", sets the tone for the entire psalm, establishing a declaration of foundational faith and deep dependency on God in a time of distress and vulnerability, which the psalm will elaborate upon by detailing the past and present experiences of God's sustaining hand. The psalmist is not questioning God's faithfulness but rather earnestly appealing to God to act in accordance with His character and the trust placed in Him.

Psalm 71 1 Word analysis

• In You (בְּךָ - Bəḵā): This emphatic prepositional phrase ("in You") immediately places the entire focus and basis of trust exclusively on God. It indicates a deep, intimate, and singular reliance. This is not a partial trust, but trust found entirely within the divine Person.
• O LORD (יהוה - Yahweh): Refers to the covenant God of Israel, the personal name of the self-existent God who revealed Himself to Moses. This implies not just any deity, but the faithful, unchanging, powerful God who keeps His promises and has a personal relationship with His people. Calling on Yahweh is an appeal to His covenant character and faithfulness.
• I put my trust (חָסִיתִי - ḥāsîṯî): Derived from the Hebrew root ḥāsâ, meaning "to seek refuge," "to take shelter," "to flee for protection," or "to confide in." It implies a complete giving over of one's security and hope to another. It is a powerful image of one seeking safety under the wings of a protective entity (e.g., Ps 36:7). This word signifies not just belief or intellectual assent, but an active, decisive commitment to finding ultimate safety and provision in God. It often conveys desperation, highlighting the psalmist's vulnerability and dire need for God's protection.
• Let me never be put to shame (אַל־אֵב֫וֹשׁ - ʾal-ʾēḇôš): This is a strong negative plea. The verb bôš ("to be ashamed," "to be confounded," "to be disgraced") implies not only inward disappointment but also public humiliation and discredit. In ancient cultures, shame was a severe consequence, indicating a failure of hope or a disgrace before one's adversaries and the community. The petition here is that God's integrity and the psalmist's trust in Him be publicly vindicated, demonstrating that reliance on Yahweh is never in vain. If the psalmist were to be "put to shame," it would suggest that God was unable or unwilling to protect, thus bringing discredit to God's name as well.
• Words-group Analysis:
  • "In You, O LORD": This pairing establishes the object of faith as the personal, covenant-keeping God. It sets the direction of the psalmist's spiritual gaze and grounds the subsequent trust. The initial Bəḵā creates a sense of immediate, direct address and surrender.
  • "I put my trust; let me never be put to shame!": This clause-pair connects profound reliance with an expectation of divine vindication. The action of trusting God is directly linked to the desired outcome of being delivered from disgrace. It signifies a spiritual contract: "I entrust myself fully to You, therefore, prove Your faithfulness by delivering me and validating my trust before all." The request implies that a failure to be delivered would, by extension, cast doubt on the trustworthiness of the one in whom trust was placed.

Psalm 71 1 Bonus section

• The prayer against shame in Ps 71:1, being almost identical to Ps 31:1, suggests a strong thematic connection between these psalms, emphasizing trust and protection amidst life's struggles, particularly as one ages. Many psalms open with such declarations and prayers (e.g., Ps 25:2, 31:1, 141:8).
• The language of "trusting" or "taking refuge" (root ḥāsâ) is a covenantal term, implying a relationship where one seeks loyalty and protection from a higher power who is bound by a covenant to provide it. This reinforces the psalmist's confidence based not merely on wishful thinking but on God's character and past faithfulness within His covenant with Israel.
• The absence of a specific historical superscription for Psalm 71 broadens its applicability. It allows the psalm to resonate with any individual in a state of distress and old age, reflecting universally felt fears and desires for divine sustenance throughout life's journey.

Psalm 71 1 Commentary

Psalm 71:1 functions as the thesis statement for the entire psalm. It encapsulates a profound spiritual truth: authentic faith in Yahweh involves both radical dependency and a confident expectation of His saving intervention. The psalmist's plea not to be "put to shame" is deeply personal, yet also carries theological weight; it is a request for God to uphold His own reputation as the reliable protector of His devoted ones. This verse acknowledges the reality of present distress or potential ridicule ("shame"), yet anchors the soul firmly in the unwavering character of the Lord. It serves as a model prayer for any believer facing hardship, declaring trust even when circumstances seem to challenge it, and boldly asking God to validate that trust by His deliverance. Practically, this verse teaches believers to articulate their complete reliance on God and to pray with conviction for His visible deliverance in their lives, knowing that His honor is often intertwined with their vindication. For instance, in times of job loss or severe illness, one might pray this verse, not just for personal relief, but also for God's name to be glorified through His provision or healing, thus preventing a perception of their faith being unfounded.