King James Version

What Does Psalms 27:8 Mean?

Psalms 27:8 in the King James Version says “When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek. When: or, My heart said unto th...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek. When: or, My heart said unto thee, Let my face seek thy face, etc”

Psalms 27:8 · KJV

Context

6

And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD. joy: Heb. shouting

7

Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.

8

When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek. When: or, My heart said unto thee, Let my face seek thy face, etc

9

Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.

10

When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up. take: Heb. gather me

Read Psalms 27 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The dialogue 'When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek' depicts divine initiative and human response. God first commands 'Seek my face'; the heart responds in obedience. Reformed theology emphasizes that seeking God is both commanded and enabled—God's effectual call produces the desire and ability to seek Him. The repetition of 'face' emphasizes personal relationship, not just doctrinal knowledge. True seeking is responsive, not autonomous.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In Israel's worship, 'seeking God's face' meant coming into His presence at the tabernacle/temple. This required ritual preparation and obedient living. Spiritually, it meant whole-hearted devotion to knowing and obeying God.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's command to 'seek My face' empower your seeking?
  2. What does 'seeking God's face' mean beyond formal religious activities?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
לְךָ֤׀1 of 9
H0
אָמַ֣ר2 of 9

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לִ֭בִּי3 of 9

“my heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

אֲבַקֵּֽשׁ׃4 of 9

“When thou saidst Seek”

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

פָּנֶ֖יךָ5 of 9

“unto thee Thy face”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

אֶת6 of 9
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

פָּנֶ֖יךָ7 of 9

“unto thee Thy face”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

יְהוָ֣ה8 of 9

“LORD”

H3068

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

אֲבַקֵּֽשׁ׃9 of 9

“When thou saidst Seek”

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

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 27:8 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 27:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 105:4Jeremiah 29:12-13Isaiah 55:6-7Psalms 119:58Psalms 24:6Psalms 63:1-2

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 27 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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