King James Version

What Does Psalms 109:21 Mean?

Psalms 109:21 in the King James Version says “But do thou for me, O GOD the Lord, for thy name's sake: because thy mercy is good, deliver thou me.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 109 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But do thou for me, O GOD the Lord, for thy name's sake: because thy mercy is good, deliver thou me.”

Psalms 109:21 · KJV

Context

19

Let it be unto him as the garment which covereth him, and for a girdle wherewith he is girded continually.

20

Let this be the reward of mine adversaries from the LORD, and of them that speak evil against my soul.

21

But do thou for me, O GOD the Lord, for thy name's sake: because thy mercy is good, deliver thou me.

22

For I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me.

23

I am gone like the shadow when it declineth: I am tossed up and down as the locust.

Read Psalms 109 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"But do thou for me, O GOD the Lord, for thy name's sake: because thy mercy is good, deliver thou me." This verse shifts from imprecation against enemies to petition for personal deliverance. Ve'atah Adonai YHWH aseh itti l'ma'an shemekha (But you, Lord YHWH, do for me for your name's sake) grounds the appeal in God's reputation and character, not the psalmist's merit. L'ma'an shemekha (for your name's sake) indicates concern for divine honor—God's reputation is at stake when His servants suffer unjustly. Ki tov chasdekha (because good is your mercy/lovingkindness) affirms God's character. Tov (good) means beneficial, pleasant, agreeable, morally right. Chesed (mercy/lovingkindness/covenant loyalty) is God's faithful love. The plea hatsileini (deliver me) requests rescue. The basis: God's name/reputation and His good mercy—not human worthiness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Appeals to God's name appear frequently in Scripture when God's reputation is threatened by His people's suffering. Moses interceded after golden calf: "Why should Egyptians say, 'He brought them out to harm them'?" (Exodus 32:11-14). Joshua prayed similarly after Ai's defeat (Joshua 7:9). The prophets appealed to God's name (Jeremiah 14:7, Ezekiel 20:9). The logic: if God's covenant people are destroyed or permanently oppressed, God's power and faithfulness are questioned by watching nations. This isn't manipulative but theologically sound—God is jealous for His glory (Isaiah 48:9-11), and His reputation is bound to His people's welfare. The New Testament similarly appeals to God's name and character (Romans 2:24, James 2:7).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does praying "for your name's sake" shift focus from personal benefit to divine glory?
  2. What is the connection between God's mercy being "good" and His willingness to deliver?
  3. In what situations is appealing to God's reputation (rather than our merit) the most appropriate basis for petition?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וְאַתָּ֤ה׀1 of 11
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

יְה֘וִ֤ה2 of 11

“thou for me O GOD”

H3069

god

אֲדֹנָ֗י3 of 11

“the Lord”

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

עֲֽשֵׂה4 of 11

“But do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אִ֭תִּי5 of 11
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

לְמַ֣עַן6 of 11
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

שְׁמֶ֑ךָ7 of 11

“for thy name's”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

כִּי8 of 11
H3588

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

ט֥וֹב9 of 11

“is good”

H2896

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

חַ֝סְדְּךָ֗10 of 11

“sake because thy mercy”

H2617

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

הַצִּילֵֽנִי׃11 of 11

“deliver”

H5337

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 109:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 109:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 31:3Psalms 69:16Psalms 79:9-10Psalms 63:3Psalms 25:11Philippians 2:8-11

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 109 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Psalms 109 with CommentaryAll Psalms ChaptersComplete Psalms QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes