Psalms 86:17

Authorized King James Version

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Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me.

Original Language Analysis

עֲשֵֽׂה Shew H6213
עֲשֵֽׂה Shew
Strong's: H6213
Word #: 1 of 12
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
עִמִּ֥י H5973
עִמִּ֥י
Strong's: H5973
Word #: 2 of 12
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
א֗וֹת me a token H226
א֗וֹת me a token
Strong's: H226
Word #: 3 of 12
a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc
לְט֫וֹבָ֥ה for good H2896
לְט֫וֹבָ֥ה for good
Strong's: H2896
Word #: 4 of 12
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
וְיִרְא֣וּ me may see H7200
וְיִרְא֣וּ me may see
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 5 of 12
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
שֹׂנְאַ֣י that they which hate H8130
שֹׂנְאַ֣י that they which hate
Strong's: H8130
Word #: 6 of 12
to hate (personally)
וְיֵבֹ֑שׁוּ it and be ashamed H954
וְיֵבֹ֑שׁוּ it and be ashamed
Strong's: H954
Word #: 7 of 12
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 8 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אַתָּ֥ה H859
אַתָּ֥ה
Strong's: H859
Word #: 9 of 12
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
יְ֝הוָ֗ה because thou LORD H3068
יְ֝הוָ֗ה because thou LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 10 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עֲזַרְתַּ֥נִי hast holpen H5826
עֲזַרְתַּ֥נִי hast holpen
Strong's: H5826
Word #: 11 of 12
to surround, i.e., protect or aid
וְנִחַמְתָּֽנִי׃ me and comforted H5162
וְנִחַמְתָּֽנִי׃ me and comforted
Strong's: H5162
Word #: 12 of 12
properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo

Analysis & Commentary

Shew me a token for good (עֲשֵׂה־עִמִּי אוֹת לְטוֹבָה, aseh-immi ot le-tovah)—Ot means sign, token, evidence; tovah means for good, for favor. That they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed (וְיִרְאוּ שֹׂנְאַי וְיֵבֹשׁוּ, ve-yir'u son'ai ve-yevoshu)—Bosh means be ashamed, embarrassed, put to shame. Because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me (כִּי־אַתָּה יְהוָה עֲזַרְתַּנִי וְנִחַמְתָּנִי, ki-attah YHWH azartani ve-nichamtani)—Azar means help, aid; nacham means comfort, console.

David asks for visible evidence of God's favor so his enemies will see and be ashamed. This isn't vindictiveness but longing for God's name to be vindicated. When God helps his people publicly, it silences mockers and glorifies his name. The psalm ends with confident past tense: "thou hast holpen me and comforted me"—anticipating the answer before it arrives.

Historical Context

Throughout Scripture, God gave visible signs to vindicate his servants: fire from heaven for Elijah (1 Kings 18), Daniel unharmed in the lions' den (Daniel 6), Peter freed from prison (Acts 12). These tokens silenced enemies and strengthened faith.

Questions for Reflection