King James Version

What Does Psalms 86:17 Mean?

Psalms 86:17 in the King James Version says “Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and co... — study this verse from Psalms chapter 86 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me.

Psalms 86:17 · KJV


Context

15

But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering , and plenteous in mercy and truth.

16

O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; give thy strength unto thy servant, and save the son of thine handmaid.

17

Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Shew me a token for good (עֲשֵׂה־עִמִּי אוֹת לְטוֹבָה, aseh-immi ot le-tovah)—Ot means sign, token, evidence; tovah means for good, for favor. That they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed (וְיִרְאוּ שֹׂנְאַי וְיֵבֹשׁוּ, ve-yir'u son'ai ve-yevoshu)—Bosh means be ashamed, embarrassed, put to shame. Because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me (כִּי־אַתָּה יְהוָה עֲזַרְתַּנִי וְנִחַמְתָּנִי, ki-attah YHWH azartani ve-nichamtani)—Azar means help, aid; nacham means comfort, console.

David asks for visible evidence of God's favor so his enemies will see and be ashamed. This isn't vindictiveness but longing for God's name to be vindicated. When God helps his people publicly, it silences mockers and glorifies his name. The psalm ends with confident past tense: "thou hast holpen me and comforted me"—anticipating the answer before it arrives.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Throughout Scripture, God gave visible signs to vindicate his servants: fire from heaven for Elijah (1 Kings 18), Daniel unharmed in the lions' den (Daniel 6), Peter freed from prison (Acts 12). These tokens silenced enemies and strengthened faith.

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you wished for visible evidence of God's favor to silence critics?
  2. How does this verse balance legitimate desire for vindication with potential pride or vengeance?
  3. What does it mean to end a lament prayer with past-tense confidence: "thou hast helped me"?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
עֲשֵֽׂה1 of 12

Shew

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

עִמִּ֥י2 of 12
H5973

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

א֗וֹת3 of 12

me a token

H226

a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc

לְט֫וֹבָ֥ה4 of 12

for good

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

וְיִרְא֣וּ5 of 12

me may see

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

שֹׂנְאַ֣י6 of 12

that they which hate

H8130

to hate (personally)

וְיֵבֹ֑שׁוּ7 of 12

it and be ashamed

H954

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

כִּֽי8 of 12
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אַתָּ֥ה9 of 12
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

יְ֝הוָ֗ה10 of 12

because thou LORD

H3068

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

עֲזַרְתַּ֥נִי11 of 12

hast holpen

H5826

to surround, i.e., protect or aid

וְנִחַמְתָּֽנִי׃12 of 12

me and comforted

H5162

properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo


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 86:17 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 86:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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