King James Version

What Does Psalms 62:1 Mean?

Psalms 62:1 in the King James Version says “To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David. Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation. Trul...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 62 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David. Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation. Truly: or, Only waiteth: Heb. is silent”

Psalms 62:1 · KJV

Salvation

Context

1

To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David. Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation. Truly: or, Only waiteth: Heb. is silent

2

He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved. defence: Heb. high place

3

How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall shall ye be, and as a tottering fence.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Hebrew 'dumiyyah' (silence/waiting/stillness) before God demonstrates restful trust, not anxious striving. 'My salvation cometh from him' identifies God as source, not circumstances or human allies. This waiting in silence contrasts with the noise of enemies (vv. 3-4), demonstrating that faith's posture is receptive stillness before God's sovereign action.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Written during another of David's experiences of persecution, this psalm reflects mature faith developed through repeated trials. The silence before God indicates confidence in His timing, not passivity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does silent waiting before God differ from resigned passivity?
  2. What role does stillness play in cultivating faith amid crisis?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
אַ֣ךְ1 of 7
H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

אֶל2 of 7
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֱ֭לֹהִים3 of 7

“upon God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

דּֽוּמִיָּ֣ה4 of 7

“waiteth”

H1747

stillness; adverbially, silently; abstractly quiet, trust

נַפְשִׁ֑י5 of 7

“Truly my soul”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

מִ֝מֶּ֗נּוּ6 of 7
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

יְשׁוּעָתִֽי׃7 of 7

“from him cometh my salvation”

H3444

something saved, i.e., (abstractly) deliverance; hence, aid, victory, prosperity

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 62:1 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 62:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Lamentations 3:25Psalms 62:2Psalms 33:20Psalms 37:7Isaiah 40:31James 5:7

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