Psalms 27:14
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
וְ֝קַוֵּ֗ה
Wait
H6960
וְ֝קַוֵּ֗ה
Wait
Strong's:
H6960
Word #:
1 of 9
to bind together (perhaps by twisting), i.e., collect; (figuratively) to expect
יְהוָֽה׃
I say on the LORD
H3068
יְהוָֽה׃
I say on the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
חֲ֭זַק
be of good courage
H2388
חֲ֭זַק
be of good courage
Strong's:
H2388
Word #:
4 of 9
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
וְיַאֲמֵ֣ץ
and he shall strengthen
H553
וְיַאֲמֵ֣ץ
and he shall strengthen
Strong's:
H553
Word #:
5 of 9
to be alert, physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage)
לִבֶּ֑ךָ
thine heart
H3820
לִבֶּ֑ךָ
thine heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
6 of 9
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
Cross References
Isaiah 40:31But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.Psalms 31:24Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.Isaiah 30:18And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.Psalms 37:34Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.Psalms 130:5I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.Habakkuk 2:3For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.Philippians 4:13I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.Colossians 1:11Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;Psalms 62:5My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.Psalms 138:3In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.
Historical Context
David likely wrote this during persecution, possibly fleeing Saul or during Absalom's rebellion. The psalm references seeking God's face in His temple, suggesting it may date to his reign when Jerusalem's tabernacle was established. Ancient Israelite worship emphasized patient trust in God's timing—waiting for His deliverance rather than taking vengeance or control. This ethic contrasted with surrounding nations where might made right and immediate action was valued over patient faith.
Questions for Reflection
- In what current situation do you need to practice waiting on the LORD rather than forcing your own solution?
- How does the promise that God will strengthen your heart while you wait change your perspective on difficult waiting periods?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The doubled command "wait on the LORD...wait, I say" (קַוֵּה אֶל-יְהוָה קַוֵּה/qavveh el-YHWH qavveh) emphasizes urgency through repetition. "Wait" (קָוָה/qavah) means hope, expect, look eagerly for—active anticipation, not passive resignation. This isn't merely waiting for something to happen but trusting God's character and timing. "Be of good courage" (חֲזַק/chazaq) means be strong, resolute, determined—internal fortitude sustained by faith. The promise "he shall strengthen thine heart" uses the same root word (חָזַק/chazaq), creating wordplay: be strong, and He will make you strong. Strength comes from waiting on God, not striving independently. This concludes a psalm expressing confidence amid danger, desire for God's presence, and trust in His deliverance.