King James Version

What Does Psalms 80:19 Mean?

Psalms 80:19 in the King James Version says “Turn us again, O LORD God of hosts, cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 80 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Turn us again, O LORD God of hosts, cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.”

Psalms 80:19 · KJV

Salvation

Context

17

Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand, upon the son of man whom thou madest strong for thyself.

18

So will not we go back from thee: quicken us, and we will call upon thy name.

19

Turn us again, O LORD God of hosts, cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Turn us again, O LORD God of hosts, cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved. The final refrain brings the psalm to its climactic conclusion, now using the fullest divine title: "LORD God of hosts" (Yahweh Elohim Tseva'ot, יְהוָה אֱלֹהִים צְבָאוֹת). The progression from "God" (verse 3) to "God of hosts" (verse 7) to "LORD God of hosts" (verse 19) represents intensifying appeal.

"LORD" (Yahweh) is God's covenant name, the personal name revealed to Moses at the burning bush. By concluding with this name, the psalm appeals to covenant relationship and faithfulness. The God who said "I AM THAT I AM" (Exodus 3:14) and who delivered Israel from Egypt is being called upon.

"God of hosts" (Elohim Tseva'ot) means God of armies—heavenly armies of angels, cosmic forces under divine command. The title emphasizes God's warrior nature and military power. Against the enemies devastating Israel (symbolized in the destroyed vine), the psalm invokes the Commander of heaven's armies.

The combination "LORD God of hosts" brings together covenant intimacy (Yahweh), sovereign power (Elohim), and military might (Tseva'ot). The people need all these aspects of God's character: faithfulness to promises, creative power over all creation, and warrior strength to defeat enemies. The refrain's content remains constant—turn us, shine forth, save us—but the increasingly full divine name intensifies the urgency and hope.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The title "LORD of hosts" appears nearly 250 times in the Old Testament, frequently in the prophets (especially Isaiah, Jeremiah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi). It emphasizes God's command over all powers—angelic hosts, stars, and all creation. The title was particularly appropriate in military contexts: when Israel faced overwhelming enemies, they needed the Commander of heaven's armies.

The threefold refrain structure gave the congregation repeated opportunity to voice their central plea. Liturgically, this may have been sung or chanted antiphonally, with different groups or leaders performing different sections. The final refrain, with its fullest divine name, represented the culminating cry of the assembled people.

This psalm's use in later Jewish and Christian worship continued its function as communal lament seeking divine intervention. The Church has applied it to Christ's coming (advent) and second coming (eschatology)—the ultimate shining forth of God's face in salvation.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does the divine title intensify with each repetition of the refrain?
  2. What aspects of God's character does 'LORD God of hosts' encompass?
  3. How does the psalm model persistent, repeated prayer for the same request?
  4. What does this psalm teach about communal lament and the movement from distress to hope?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
יְה֘וָ֤ה1 of 7

“O LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהִ֣ים2 of 7

“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

צְבָא֣וֹת3 of 7

“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

הֲשִׁיבֵ֑נוּ4 of 7

“Turn us again”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

הָאֵ֥ר5 of 7

“to shine”

H215

to be (causative, make) luminous (literally and metaphorically)

פָּ֝נֶ֗יךָ6 of 7

“cause 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

וְנִוָּשֵֽׁעָה׃7 of 7

“and we shall be saved”

H3467

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

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 80:19 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 80:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 3:22-23Psalms 27:4Psalms 80:3Psalms 80:1Psalms 31:16Psalms 27:9

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