King James Version

What Does Psalms 69:6 Mean?

Psalms 69:6 in the King James Version says “Let not them that wait on thee, O Lord GOD of hosts, be ashamed for my sake: let not those that seek thee be confounded ...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 69 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Let not them that wait on thee, O Lord GOD of hosts, be ashamed for my sake: let not those that seek thee be confounded for my sake, O God of Israel.”

Psalms 69:6 · KJV

Context

4

They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away.

5

O God, thou knowest my foolishness; and my sins are not hid from thee. sins: Heb. guiltiness

6

Let not them that wait on thee, O Lord GOD of hosts, be ashamed for my sake: let not those that seek thee be confounded for my sake, O God of Israel.

7

Because for thy sake I have borne reproach; shame hath covered my face.

8

I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother's children.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Let not them that wait on thee, O Lord GOD of hosts, be ashamed for my sake: let not those that seek thee be confounded for my sake, O God of Israel. This verse reveals David's concern extends beyond personal vindication to God's reputation and the faith of fellow believers. The phrase "wait on thee" (קֹוֶיךָ/qovekha) indicates expectant trust, those who look to Yahweh with patient confidence. "Lord GOD of hosts" (אֲדֹנָי יְהוִה צְבָאוֹת/Adonai Yahweh Tzeva'ot) invokes God's sovereign power over heavenly and earthly armies—the One who commands all forces.

"Be ashamed" (יֵבֹשׁוּ/yevoshu) and "confounded" (יִכָּלְמוּ/yikalmu) both express public humiliation and disappointment of hope. David's concern is profoundly pastoral: if God fails to vindicate him, other believers watching may lose faith. His suffering has become a test case for whether God protects His servants. This isn't self-centered but reflects understanding that individual believers' experiences affect the broader community's faith.

The repetition "for my sake" emphasizes David's awareness that his situation has become emblematic. If God allows His anointed to be destroyed by enemies, what hope do ordinary believers have? This anticipates Christ, whose vindication through resurrection became the guarantee of all believers' future vindication (Romans 8:11, 1 Corinthians 15:20-23).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 69 is traditionally attributed to David, though some scholars suggest exilic or post-exilic authorship. The superscription identifies it as belonging to "the chief Musician upon Shoshannim" (lilies), possibly indicating the melody. The psalm's themes of suffering, betrayal, and vindication made it one of the most frequently quoted in the New Testament, with at least six direct citations.

Historical context likely involves David's persecution—either during Saul's pursuit, Absalom's rebellion, or another crisis. The reference to "God of Israel" grounds the appeal in covenant relationship, not mere theistic belief. Israel's God had bound Himself by oath to protect His people and His anointed king.

For the early church, this psalm became profoundly messianic. Verses 4, 9, 21, and 25 were applied to Christ's passion. The concern that God's people not be shamed through the suffering of God's servant found ultimate expression in Christ's cry of abandonment (Matthew 27:46) and subsequent vindication.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your response to suffering affect other believers' faith, and are you mindful of this broader impact?
  2. What does it mean practically to 'wait on' the Lord in times of prolonged hardship?
  3. How does Christ's vindication through resurrection address the fear that God might abandon His servants?
  4. In what ways might believers today experience shame 'for Christ's sake,' and how should this shape our expectations?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
אַל1 of 13
H408

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

יֵ֘בֹ֤שׁוּ2 of 13

“be ashamed”

H954

properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed

בִ֨י׀3 of 13
H0
קוֶֹיךָ֮4 of 13

“Let not them that wait”

H6960

to bind together (perhaps by twisting), i.e., collect; (figuratively) to expect

אֲדֹנָ֥י5 of 13

“on thee O Lord”

H136

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

יְהוִ֗ה6 of 13

“GOD”

H3069

god

צְבָ֫א֥וֹת7 of 13

“of hosts”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

אַל8 of 13
H408

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

יִכָּ֣לְמוּ9 of 13

“thee be confounded”

H3637

properly, to wound; but only figuratively, to taunt or insult

בִ֣י10 of 13
H0
מְבַקְשֶׁ֑יךָ11 of 13

“for my sake let not those that seek”

H1245

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

אֱ֝לֹהֵ֗י12 of 13

“for my sake O 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

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃13 of 13

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

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 69:6 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 69:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 25:3Psalms 35:26Luke 24:19-21Psalms 72:18Psalms 7:72 Samuel 23:3

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