Psalms 130:5
I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.
Original Language Analysis
קִוְּתָ֣ה
I wait
H6960
קִוְּתָ֣ה
I wait
Strong's:
H6960
Word #:
1 of 6
to bind together (perhaps by twisting), i.e., collect; (figuratively) to expect
יְ֭הוָה
for the LORD
H3068
יְ֭הוָה
for the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 6
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
קִוְּתָ֣ה
I wait
H6960
קִוְּתָ֣ה
I wait
Strong's:
H6960
Word #:
3 of 6
to bind together (perhaps by twisting), i.e., collect; (figuratively) to expect
נַפְשִׁ֑י
my soul
H5315
נַפְשִׁ֑י
my soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
4 of 6
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
Cross References
Psalms 33:20Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield.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 119:81My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.Psalms 62:5My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.Psalms 27:14Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.Psalms 40:1I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.Psalms 62:1Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.Isaiah 8:17And I will wait upon the LORD, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him.Psalms 119:74They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.Psalms 119:114Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.
Historical Context
Israel's history required extended waiting - Egyptian slavery (400 years), Babylonian exile (70 years), Messianic expectation (centuries). God's word sustained faith during long periods without visible deliverance. The pattern of promise-waiting-fulfillment forms biblical narrative structure, teaching God's people to trust His timing.
Questions for Reflection
- How does waiting for the LORD differ from merely waiting for circumstances to change?
- What does it mean that 'my soul' waits - how is this more than intellectual agreement?
- How does God's 'word' sustain hope during extended waiting?
- What is the relationship between forgiveness (v. 4) and waiting (v. 5)?
- How do believers cultivate patient, confident waiting rather than anxious or passive waiting?
Analysis & Commentary
The response to forgiveness is patient waiting: 'I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.' The verb 'wait' (Hebrew 'qavah') means to look for, hope, expect with confident anticipation - not passive resignation but active expectation. The repetition 'I wait...my soul doth wait' emphasizes comprehensive waiting - whole-person expectation. 'My soul' (nephesh) represents the entire being - mind, will, emotions. The parallel phrase 'in his word do I hope' specifies the basis for waiting - God's revealed promises. Hope (Hebrew 'yachal') means to wait expectantly, trust. The verse models proper response to assurance of forgiveness (v. 4) - patient trust in God's character and promises. Waiting acknowledges that timing is God's prerogative; hoping demonstrates confidence that He will act. This verse balances present reality (still in depths) with future confidence (God will deliver).