Psalms 31:1
In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָ֣ה
In thee O LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
In thee O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
חָ֭סִיתִי
do I put my trust
H2620
חָ֭סִיתִי
do I put my trust
Strong's:
H2620
Word #:
3 of 8
to flee for protection; figuratively, to confide in
אַל
let me never
H408
אַל
let me never
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
4 of 8
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
אֵב֣וֹשָׁה
be ashamed
H954
אֵב֣וֹשָׁה
be ashamed
Strong's:
H954
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
לְעוֹלָ֑ם
H5769
לְעוֹלָ֑ם
Strong's:
H5769
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
Cross References
Psalms 25:2O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.Romans 10:11For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.Psalms 143:1Hear my prayer, O LORD, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness.Isaiah 49:23And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with their face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.Psalms 43:1Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man.Daniel 9:16O Lord, according to all thy righteousness, I beseech thee, let thine anger and thy fury be turned away from thy city Jerusalem, thy holy mountain: because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and thy people are become a reproach to all that are about us.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.
Historical Context
David's trust in God sustained him through decades of persecution and uncertainty. His confidence rested on God's character (righteousness), not circumstances. This became a model prayer for all who face opposition.
Questions for Reflection
- How does trusting God protect you from ultimate shame?
- What does appealing to God's 'righteousness' teach about the basis of answered prayer?
Analysis & Commentary
The declaration 'In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness' expresses covenant confidence. Trust in God provides security against ultimate shame. The petition for deliverance appeals to God's 'righteousness'—His covenant faithfulness and moral perfection. Reformed theology emphasizes that God's righteousness guarantees believers' security—He cannot break His promises. Those who trust Him will not be ultimately disappointed (Rom. 10:11).