King James Version

What Does Psalms 69:28 Mean?

Psalms 69:28 in the King James Version says “Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 69 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous.”

Psalms 69:28 · KJV

Context

26

For they persecute him whom thou hast smitten; and they talk to the grief of those whom thou hast wounded. those: Heb. thy wounded

27

Add iniquity unto their iniquity: and let them not come into thy righteousness. iniquity unto: or, punishment of iniquity, etc

28

Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous.

29

But I am poor and sorrowful: let thy salvation, O God, set me up on high.

30

I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous. This final imprecation in the series invokes the "book of the living" (מִסֵּפֶר חַיִּים/missefer chayyim)—God's register of those alive before Him, those who belong to His covenant people and have eternal life. "Blotted out" (יִמָּחוּ/yimmakhu) means erased, deleted, removed from the record. David prays enemies be permanently excluded from God's people and from eternal life.

The parallel "not be written with the righteous" (עִם־צַדִּיקִים אַל־יִכָּתֵבוּ/im-tzaddikim al-yikkatevu) reinforces the exclusion—they shouldn't be enrolled among God's redeemed people, either temporally (in Israel's register) or eternally (in heaven's book). This distinguishes between merely biological descendants of Abraham and true spiritual children of God—a distinction Jesus, Paul, and John the Baptist all made (Matthew 3:9, John 8:39-44, Romans 9:6-8).

Revelation develops this imagery: the "book of life" contains names of all who are saved (Revelation 13:8, 20:12-15, 21:27). Those whose names aren't written face eternal judgment. This imprecation, therefore, prays for what Scripture elsewhere warns is the sinner's natural destiny apart from divine grace.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern kingdoms maintained citizen registers, and Israel maintained genealogical records crucial for tribal identity, inheritance, and priestly service. To be blotted from such records meant losing covenant standing and benefits. Moses interceded for Israel's sin by offering to be blotted from God's book (Exodus 32:32-33). God responded that only the guilty would be blotted, establishing that the "book" wasn't merely civic register but divine record of covenant membership.

Prophets warned that covenant-breakers would be cut off from Israel's register (Ezekiel 13:9). Paul taught that not all ethnic Israel belonged to true Israel (Romans 9:6-8). Hebrews distinguished between names enrolled in heaven versus merely earthly citizenship (Hebrews 12:23).

Revelation's consistent theme is that only those whose names are in the Lamb's book of life enter the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:27). Those not written face the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the imagery of names being written in or blotted from God's book shape your understanding of election and salvation?
  2. What assurance does Scripture provide that believers' names are permanently written in the book of life?
  3. How does this verse's distinction between ethnic Israel and true spiritual Israel inform your reading of Romans 9-11?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
יִ֭מָּחֽוּ1 of 7

“Let them be blotted”

H4229

properly, to stroke or rub; by implication, to erase; also to smooth (as if with oil), i.e., grease or make fat

מִסֵּ֣פֶר2 of 7

“out of the book”

H5612

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

חַיִּ֑ים3 of 7

“of the living”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

וְעִ֥ם4 of 7
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

צַ֝דִּיקִ֗ים5 of 7

“with the righteous”

H6662

just

אַל6 of 7
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

יִכָּתֵֽבוּ׃7 of 7

“and not be written”

H3789

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

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 69:28 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 69:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Philippians 4:3Exodus 32:32-33Luke 10:20Ezekiel 13:9Hebrews 12:23Revelation 13:8

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