Psalms 31:17

Authorized King James Version

Let me not be ashamed, O LORD; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave.

Word-by-Word Analysis

יְֽהוָ֗ה

H3068

O LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

יֵבֹ֥שׁוּ

H954

Let me not be ashamed

properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed

כִּ֣י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

קְרָאתִ֑יךָ

H7121

for I have called

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

יֵבֹ֥שׁוּ

H954

Let me not be ashamed

properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed

רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים

H7563

upon thee let the wicked

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

יִדְּמ֥וּ

H1826

and let them be silent

to be dumb; by implication, to be astonished, to stop; also to perish

לִשְׁאֽוֹל׃

H7585

in the grave

hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The divine name or title here functions within worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the monarchic period, particularly David's reign (c. 1000-970 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The Israelite monarchy with its temple worship, court life, and constant military threats created the liturgical and emotional context for these prayers and praises. The ancient Israelite worship practices and court culture would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Temple archaeology and ancient musical instruments illuminate the liturgical context of Israelite worship.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?