Psalm 86 17

Psalm 86:17 kjv

Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me.

Psalm 86:17 nkjv

Show me a sign for good, That those who hate me may see it and be ashamed, Because You, LORD, have helped me and comforted me.

Psalm 86:17 niv

Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, LORD, have helped me and comforted me.

Psalm 86:17 esv

Show me a sign of your favor, that those who hate me may see and be put to shame because you, LORD, have helped me and comforted me.

Psalm 86:17 nlt

Send me a sign of your favor.
Then those who hate me will be put to shame,
for you, O LORD, help and comfort me.

Psalm 86 verses

Psalm 86 17 Meaning

Psalm 86:17 is a fervent prayer from the psalmist, likely David, asking God for a visible manifestation of His divine favor and help. This "sign for good" is not merely for the psalmist's personal assurance but also serves as a public demonstration to his adversaries. The desired outcome is that those who harbor animosity towards him would witness God's clear intervention on his behalf, leading them to feel shame and confusion as their opposition is proved futile. The basis of this petition is the psalmist's confident trust in God, remembering and acknowledging His past faithfulness in providing help and comfort. It underscores the believer's reliance on God for vindication and the powerful testimony that comes from divine intervention in the face of hostility.

Psalm 86 17 Context

Psalm 86 is one of the individual laments attributed to David, a common type of psalm expressing a worshiper's cry for help in a time of distress. The broader chapter showcases a personal plea to God based on His character and past acts. Throughout the psalm, David alternates between expressing his dire situation and affirming God's unique nature, unfailing love, and readiness to forgive and hear prayer. Verses 1-7 emphasize God's compassion and David's humility and reliance. Verses 8-10 extol God as incomparable among the gods, highlighting His sole worthiness of worship and the future submission of all nations to Him. Verses 11-13 continue the plea for guidance and a grateful recognition of God's great love and deliverance from Sheol. Verse 17 thus climaxes David's petition by requesting a tangible sign of divine intervention that would both confirm God's presence to him and silence his enemies, acknowledging God's consistent role as helper and comforter. Historically, David frequently faced adversaries (Saul, Philistines, Absalom) who sought his downfall, making his plea for visible vindication highly personal and culturally significant in a time where a king's perceived divine favor directly impacted his authority and stability. The polemic against other deities in earlier verses (86:8-10) reinforces that the requested sign must come from the One True God, whose power far surpasses any rival claims or idolatrous worship, demonstrating His exclusive omnipotence and faithfulness.

Psalm 86 17 Word analysis

• "Show me": From the Hebrew root ʻāsâ (עָשָׂה), meaning "to make," "to do," "to perform," or "to bring about." It signifies active divine work, a tangible demonstration rather than a mere theoretical understanding. It implies a visible, undeniable display of God's hand.
• "a sign": From the Hebrew word ʼōwṯ (אוֹת), meaning "a mark," "token," "pledge," "omen," or "miracle." It refers to something that is perceived, a verifiable indication of a supernatural or divine act, confirming God's presence and purpose. It is often a wonder that commands attention and points to a greater reality or truth.
• "for good": From the Hebrew phrase le-ṭôvāh (לְטוֹבָה), meaning "for welfare," "for benefit," "for good purpose," or "to confirm blessing." This indicates the purpose of the sign is ultimately benevolent, aimed at bringing about a positive outcome for the psalmist and God's glory. It means the sign will clearly validate God's beneficial intentions and action on behalf of His servant.
• "that those who hate me": Refers to the psalmist's human adversaries who are actively hostile. Their animosity is direct and personal. This highlights the interpersonal conflict David was enduring.
• "may see": From the Hebrew raʼah (רָאָה), meaning "to see," "to perceive," "to discern." It's not just a physical viewing but also an understanding and acknowledgment of what is transpiring, forcing a recognition of God's intervention.
• "and be ashamed": From the Hebrew bōwš (בּוֹשׁ), meaning "to be ashamed," "disappointed," "confounded," or "disgraced." This outcome signifies the public humiliation and disgrace of the enemies when their efforts fail and God's favor is openly displayed upon His servant. Their boastful confidence is shattered.
• "because You, O LORD": "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHVH, or Yahweh) refers to the covenant God of Israel, the self-existent and personal God who keeps His promises. This phrase is a powerful declaration of God as the sole and sovereign agent behind the requested help and comfort, recognizing His unique divine nature, as highlighted in previous verses of this psalm.
• "have helped me": From the Hebrew ʻāzar (עָזַר) with a suffix, indicating "You have assisted me," "aided me," "succored me." It points to God's past, concrete, and active intervention in times of need. The psalmist remembers specific instances of divine aid.
• "and comforted me": From the Hebrew nāḥam (נָחַם) with a suffix, meaning "You have consoled me," "compassionated me," "given me relief from distress." This speaks of God's tender, compassionate care, providing solace and strengthening the psalmist emotionally and spiritually through trials. It is both a past and an ongoing act of divine solace.
• Words-group by words-group analysis:
  • "Show me a sign for good": This is a direct appeal for a definitive, observable act of God's benevolent power. It's not merely for internal conviction but for external verification, meant to resolve doubt and demonstrate divine favor.
  • "that those who hate me may see and be ashamed": This phrase reveals a key motive for the petition – vindication. The public humiliation of adversaries through God's clear intervention validates the psalmist's trust and invalidates their opposition. It's a desire for the Lord's reputation to be upheld among the nations.
  • "because You, O LORD, have helped me and comforted me": This clause serves as the foundation of the psalmist's request. It reflects a theology of "argument from prior grace." Because God has consistently demonstrated His character as Helper and Comforter in the past, the psalmist is confident in asking for further intervention. It ties God's past faithfulness to present and future petitions, building a robust faith.

Psalm 86 17 Bonus section

The concept of "a sign for good" implies a miraculous or clearly providential event that aligns with God's benevolent character, contrasting with negative omens or false wonders associated with pagan deities. The psalmist’s desire for the enemies to "be ashamed" isn't primarily vengeful, but rather reflects a longing for divine justice to prevail and for God’s righteousness to be publicly acknowledged, thereby turning human hearts back to the one true God, as acknowledged in verse 9. This plea connects the individual’s suffering to God's universal glory, showing how personal vindication serves a broader theological purpose in the demonstration of His unique power and faithfulness in the world. It sets the stage for the kind of public displays of divine power seen throughout the biblical narrative, from the Exodus to the resurrection of Christ, all of which served as definitive signs.

Psalm 86 17 Commentary

Psalm 86:17 distills the core plea of the psalmist: a petition for manifest divine vindication. David, besieged by enemies, craves a visible token of God's favor that leaves no room for doubt, especially for his detractors. This requested "sign for good" is designed not only to assure the psalmist's heart but crucially to silence and shame his persecutors, exposing the futility of their hatred in the face of God's omnipotent love. The foundation for this bold request is a confident remembrance of God's steadfast character, expressed through His consistent history as David's helper and comforter. It is a powerful articulation of a faith that leverages past experiences of grace into a hope for future, public demonstrations of God's unwavering support, proving His sovereignty over all human opposition. This verse underscores that God's intervention serves not just personal needs but also His greater glory, showing the world that He is indeed the Helper of His people. For instance, believers might experience a clear, positive resolution to a challenging situation at work despite malicious colleagues, where the outcome demonstrates God's favor so plainly that even the critics are taken aback. Or, someone enduring illness may experience unexpected recovery, prompting antagonists who mocked their faith to rethink their skepticism.