Psalms 31:17

Authorized King James Version

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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.

Original Language Analysis

יְֽהוָ֗ה O LORD H3068
יְֽהוָ֗ה O LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 1 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אַל H408
אַל
Strong's: H408
Word #: 2 of 9
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
יֵבֹ֥שׁוּ Let me not be ashamed H954
יֵבֹ֥שׁוּ Let me not be ashamed
Strong's: H954
Word #: 3 of 9
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
כִּ֣י H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 4 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
קְרָאתִ֑יךָ for I have called H7121
קְרָאתִ֑יךָ for I have called
Strong's: H7121
Word #: 5 of 9
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
יֵבֹ֥שׁוּ Let me not be ashamed H954
יֵבֹ֥שׁוּ Let me not be ashamed
Strong's: H954
Word #: 6 of 9
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים upon thee let the wicked H7563
רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים upon thee let the wicked
Strong's: H7563
Word #: 7 of 9
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
יִדְּמ֥וּ and let them be silent H1826
יִדְּמ֥וּ and let them be silent
Strong's: H1826
Word #: 8 of 9
to be dumb; by implication, to be astonished, to stop; also to perish
לִשְׁאֽוֹל׃ in the grave H7585
לִשְׁאֽוֹל׃ in the grave
Strong's: H7585
Word #: 9 of 9
hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates

Analysis & Commentary

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. Prayer for vindication through contrast between righteous who call upon God and wicked who will be silenced. This addresses theodicy—God's justice in distinguishing between His people and enemies.

Let me not be ashamed (Hebrew bosh—put to shame, disappointed, confounded) asks that trust not be proven foolish. Petition assumes shame is natural outcome if God doesn't intervene—David will appear to have trusted God who doesn't deliver. Prayer appeals to God's reputation: if His servants are shamed, His name is dishonored.

For I have called upon thee provides basis. David hasn't trusted false gods or relied on own strength; he's called upon YHWH. Hebrew qara means to call, proclaim, summon. Calling on God's name is covenant language—invoking relationship, appealing to promises. Reformed theology identifies calling on Lord's name as mark of true faith (Joel 2:32, Romans 10:13).

Let the wicked be ashamed creates contrast. Theodicy requires distinguishing outcomes. David doesn't pray from vindictiveness but from desire for God's justice to be manifest. Let them be silent in the grave (Hebrew damam—be silent, still, cease) provides ultimate silencing. This anticipates final judgment when all God's enemies will be silenced, accusations answered, rebellion crushed.

Historical Context

Prayer to not be ashamed echoes other psalms (25:2-3, 69:6, 71:1). This repeated theme addresses Israel's oppression by more powerful nations. If God's people are conquered, observers conclude their God is weak. David's prayer concerns God's reputation—let Your people not be shamed, lest Your name be blasphemed.

Jesus experienced shame David feared. Mocked on cross: He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now (Matthew 27:43). Trust appeared foolish. But resurrection vindicated faith and shamed enemies. Every knee will bow—those who mocked will be silenced.

Questions for Reflection