Psalms 25:2
O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.
Original Language Analysis
אֱֽלֹהַ֗י
O my God
H430
אֱֽלֹהַ֗י
O my God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
1 of 9
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
בָ֭טַחְתִּי
I trust
H982
בָ֭טַחְתִּי
I trust
Strong's:
H982
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
4 of 9
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
אֵב֑וֹשָׁה
in thee let me not be ashamed
H954
אֵב֑וֹשָׁה
in thee let me not be ashamed
Strong's:
H954
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
6 of 9
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
Cross References
Romans 10:11For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.Psalms 41:11By this I know that thou favourest me, because mine enemy doth not triumph over me.Psalms 71:1In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.Psalms 22:5They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded.Romans 5:5And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.Isaiah 37:35For I will defend this city to save it for mine own sake, and for my servant David's sake.Psalms 142:6Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.Psalms 31:1In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.Psalms 34:8O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.Isaiah 26:3Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Historical Context
In honor-shame cultures, public disgrace was worse than death. David, anointed yet persecuted, faced constant threats to his reputation and life. This prayer for preservation of honor anticipates Christ, who endured shame to remove our shame (Heb. 12:2).
Questions for Reflection
- How does trusting God protect you from ultimate shame despite temporary disgrace?
- What 'enemies' threaten to triumph over you that only God can defeat?
Analysis & Commentary
The prayer 'O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed' expresses covenant confidence. The fear of being 'ashamed' (Hebrew: bosh) means being put to shame, disappointed, or abandoned. Trusting God's character, the psalmist pleads for vindication. Reformed theology emphasizes that those who genuinely trust God will never ultimately be put to shame (Rom. 10:11). Temporary trials may bring temporary shame, but final vindication awaits all believers. The plea that 'mine enemies triumph not over me' recognizes spiritual warfare requiring divine intervention.