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.

Where else these words appear

“Sheminith” Hebrew H8067 · used in 3 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 15:21 And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith to excel.
  • Psalms 6:1 To the chief Musician on Neginoth upon Sheminith, A Psalm of David. O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.

“ceaseth” Hebrew H1584 · used in 5 verses

  • Psalms 7:9 Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.
  • Psalms 57:2 I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.
  • Psalms 77:8 Is his mercy clean gone for ever? doth his promise fail for evermore?

“man” Hebrew H2623 · used in 32 verses

  • Deuteronomy 33:8 And of Levi he said, Let thy Thummim and thy Urim be with thy holy one, whom thou didst prove at Massah, and with whom thou didst strive at the waters of Meribah;
  • Psalms 37:28 For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.
  • Psalms 132:9 Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.

“Psalm” Hebrew H4210 · used in 57 verses

  • Psalms 3:1 A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
  • Psalms 39:1 To the chief Musician, even to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David. I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.
  • Psalms 79:1 A Psalm of Asaph. O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps.