To the chief Musician upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David. Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.

PSALMS 12:1KJV
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Psalms 12:1 (KJV)

What does Psalms 12:1 mean?

Psalms 12:1 is a cry for help from David to the LORD, expressing distress that faithful and godly people seem to have disappeared from society. David is urgently asking God to intervene because he feels that trustworthy and upright people are vanishing from among humanity.

David is the speaker in this psalm, addressing God directly. The verse sets a tone of alarm and sorrow, suggesting a time when honesty and loyalty are rare. The heading mentions "Sheminith," likely a musical term, and shows that this was meant to be sung or played in worship. The verse reflects a sense of isolation and concern for the moral state of the community.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 12:1

  • "Help" (יָשַׁע, yashaʿ): This word means to save or deliver. David is not just asking for general assistance but is pleading for rescue in a desperate situation.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, showing David’s direct and personal appeal to the God of Israel.
  • "Godly man" (חָסִיד, chasid): This word refers to someone loyal, faithful, or devoted to God. David is lamenting the loss of people who live by covenant faithfulness.
  • "Ceaseth" (גָּמַר, gamar): This word means to come to an end or vanish. David feels that the presence of godly people has ended.
  • "Faithful" (אֱמוּנָה, emunah): This word points to people who are trustworthy and reliable. David sees that such people are failing or disappearing from among the "children of men" (בְּנֵי אָדָם, bnei adam), meaning all people.

Why Psalms 12:1 matters

  • Psalms 12:1 clarifies that David’s concern is not just personal but about the moral decline of the whole community, highlighting the importance of faithfulness and integrity.
  • The verse shows that it is appropriate to bring deep concerns about society directly to God, not just private troubles.
  • This verse sets the stage for the rest of the psalm, which contrasts the words and actions of the wicked with the faithfulness of God, making the opening plea especially urgent and heartfelt.