King James Version

What Does Psalms 79:9 Mean?

Psalms 79:9 in the King James Version says “Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name's sake...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 79 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name's sake.”

Psalms 79:9 · KJV

Salvation

Context

7

For they have devoured Jacob, and laid waste his dwelling place.

8

O remember not against us former iniquities: let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us: for we are brought very low. former: or, the iniquities of them that were before us

9

Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name's sake.

10

Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is their God? let him be known among the heathen in our sight by the revenging of the blood of thy servants which is shed. revenging: Heb. vengeance

11

Let the sighing of the prisoner come before thee; according to the greatness of thy power preserve thou those that are appointed to die; thy: Heb. thine arm preserve: Heb. reserve the children of death

Read Psalms 79 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name's sake. This verse represents the psalm's central petition, combining appeal for help with confession of sin. The prayer is grounded not in Israel's merit but in God's reputation and character.

"O God of our salvation" (Elohey yish'enu, אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׁעֵנוּ) invokes God by His saving character. Yesha (salvation, deliverance) defines who God is to His people. This title reminds God of His own nature: He is the saving God. To fail to save would contradict His identity.

"For the glory of thy name" (al-devar kevod-shemekha, עַל־דְּבַר כְּבוֹד־שְׁמֶךָ) provides the first motivation for God to act. Kavod (glory, weight, honor) and shem (name, reputation) together appeal to God's concern for His own honor. When His people suffer, His reputation suffers. The nations mock, asking, "Where is their God?" (verse 10).

"Deliver us, and purge away our sins" (hatzilenu vekapper al-chattotenu, הַצִּילֵנוּ וְכַפֵּר עַל־חַטֹּאתֵינוּ) combines deliverance from enemies with forgiveness of sins. The verb kaphar (to cover, atone, purge) is central to Israel's sacrificial system. The psalmist acknowledges that Israel's suffering is not undeserved—sin contributed to the catastrophe. Yet he appeals for both physical deliverance and spiritual restoration.

"For thy name's sake" (lema'an shemekha, לְמַעַן שְׁמֶךָ) repeats the motivation. God's name—His reputation, His revealed character, His honor among the nations—provides grounds for mercy.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The appeal to God's name rather than Israel's merit appears frequently in biblical prayer. Moses interceded on this basis after the golden calf incident: "Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out?" (Exodus 32:12). Joshua used similar reasoning after the defeat at Ai (Joshua 7:9). Daniel prayed: "O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God" (Daniel 9:19).

This theology recognizes that human sin forfeits any claim on God's favor. Israel deserved the judgment they received. Yet God's character provides hope beyond human merit. He is gracious, merciful, slow to anger (Exodus 34:6-7). He is faithful to His covenant promises. His name—His reputation for steadfast love—becomes the basis for appeal.

The connection between forgiveness and deliverance reflects the prophetic understanding that exile was punishment for sin. Return from exile would require both forgiveness (dealing with the cause) and deliverance (reversing the effect). Both flow from divine mercy, not human deserving.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does appealing to God's 'name' and 'glory' differ from appealing to human merit or need?
  2. What is the relationship between physical deliverance and spiritual forgiveness in this prayer?
  3. Why is confession of sin important even when praying for relief from enemy oppression?
  4. How does understanding God's concern for His own name inform the way we pray?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
עָזְרֵ֤נוּ׀1 of 13

“Help”

H5826

to surround, i.e., protect or aid

אֱלֹ֘הֵ֤י2 of 13

“us 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

יִשְׁעֵ֗נוּ3 of 13

“of our salvation”

H3468

liberty, deliverance, prosperity

עַל4 of 13
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

דְּבַ֥ר5 of 13

“for”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

כְּבֽוֹד6 of 13

“the glory”

H3519

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

שְׁמֶֽךָ׃7 of 13

“for thy name's”

H8034

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

וְהַצִּילֵ֥נוּ8 of 13

“and deliver”

H5337

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

וְכַפֵּ֥ר9 of 13

“us and purge away”

H3722

to cover (specifically with bitumen)

עַל10 of 13
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

חַ֝טֹּאתֵ֗ינוּ11 of 13

“our sins”

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

לְמַ֣עַן12 of 13
H4616

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

שְׁמֶֽךָ׃13 of 13

“for thy name's”

H8034

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

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 79:9 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 79:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 14:7Psalms 25:112 Chronicles 14:11Isaiah 48:9Jeremiah 14:21Ezekiel 20:14

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