King James Version

What Does Psalms 9:10 Mean?

Psalms 9:10 in the King James Version says “And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.”

Psalms 9:10 · KJV

Context

8

And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness.

9

The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. a refuge: Heb. an high place

10

And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.

11

Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings.

12

When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them: he forgetteth not the cry of the humble . humble: or, afflicted

Read Psalms 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. This verse reveals the relationship between knowing God and trusting God. David establishes a causal connection: those who know God's name will trust Him, because His track record demonstrates faithfulness to those who seek Him.

"They that know thy name" (veyivtechu vekha yode'ei shemekha, וְיִבְטְחוּ בְךָ יוֹדְעֵי שְׁמֶךָ) employs yada (to know) in the intimate, experiential sense—not mere intellectual awareness but personal relationship and deep familiarity. God's "name" represents His revealed character, His reputation, His self-disclosure. To know God's name means to understand who He truly is—His attributes, His ways, His covenant commitments. This knowledge comes through revelation, experience, and relationship.

"Will put their trust" (yivtechu, יִבְטְחוּ) uses batach, meaning to trust, be confident, feel secure. This is not wishful thinking or blind faith but confidence grounded in knowledge. The future tense suggests inevitable result: knowledge of God's character necessarily produces trust. Those who truly know Him cannot help but trust Him—His character compels confidence.

"Thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee" (ki lo-azavta dorsheikha Yahweh, כִּי לֹא־עָזַבְתָּ דֹרְשֶׁיךָ יְהוָה) provides the theological foundation for trust. Azav means to leave, abandon, forsake, or desert. God has never abandoned those who seek Him. "Them that seek thee" (dorsheikha, דֹּרְשֶׁיךָ) uses darash, meaning to seek, inquire, require, or pursue. Those who actively pursue God, who seek His face and His will, discover that He never forsakes them. His perfect track record justifies complete trust.

The verse establishes a profound principle: knowledge precedes trust, and God's faithfulness warrants both. This is not circular reasoning but the logic of relationship—those who know God through experience testify to His faithfulness, which encourages others to trust Him.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The concept of "knowing God's name" was central to Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh. At the burning bush, Moses asked God's name (Exodus 3:13-14), and God revealed Himself as "I AM THAT I AM"—the self-existent, covenant-keeping God. Later, God proclaimed His name to Moses: "The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth" (Exodus 34:6-7). This self-revelation became foundational to Israel's knowledge of God.

Throughout Israel's history, God demonstrated that He does not forsake those who seek Him. He preserved Noah through the flood, called Abraham and fulfilled His promises, delivered Israel from Egypt, sustained them in the wilderness, gave them the land, and raised up deliverers when they cried out. This consistent pattern of faithfulness validated trust in Him.

The prophets continually called Israel back to seeking God, promising that those who seek will find (Jeremiah 29:13). Jesus later affirmed this principle: "seek, and ye shall find" (Matthew 7:7). The New Testament expands the promise: God will never leave nor forsake His people (Hebrews 13:5), and nothing can separate believers from His love (Romans 8:38-39).

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the difference between knowing about God and knowing God's name in the biblical sense?
  2. How does experiential knowledge of God's character produce trust rather than mere intellectual assent?
  3. What does it mean to 'seek' God, and how is this different from passive belief?
  4. How does God's track record of never forsaking those who seek Him function as the foundation for trust?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וְיִבְטְח֣וּ1 of 9

“will put their trust”

H982

properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure

בְ֭ךָ2 of 9
H0
יוֹדְעֵ֣י3 of 9

“And they that know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

שְׁמֶ֑ךָ4 of 9

“thy name”

H8034

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

כִּ֤י5 of 9
H3588

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

לֹֽא6 of 9
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

עָזַ֖בְתָּ7 of 9

“hast not forsaken”

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

דֹרְשֶׁ֣יךָ8 of 9

“them that seek”

H1875

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

יְהוָֽה׃9 of 9

“in thee for thou LORD”

H3068

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

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 9:10 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 9:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 91:14Proverbs 18:10Isaiah 26:3-4Psalms 105:3-42 Corinthians 1:9-10Psalms 5:11

Test Your Knowledge

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