Psalms 138:8 (KJV)

What does Psalms 138:8 mean?

Psalms 138:8 expresses confidence that the LORD will bring to completion everything that concerns the psalmist, relying on God’s enduring mercy and asking God not to abandon the work He has begun. The verse is a prayer of trust that God’s faithful love will see the psalmist through every need and unfinished matter.

King David is speaking directly to the LORD, reflecting on God’s ongoing involvement in his life. David acknowledges that God’s mercy (His loyal, steadfast love) lasts forever and pleads that God will not leave unfinished what He has started. This verse sits at the end of a psalm celebrating God’s help and faithfulness, showing David’s dependence on God for both present and future needs.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 138:8

• LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name for God, emphasizing a close, covenant relationship. David is addressing God directly and personally.
• perfect (גָּמַר, gamar): This word means to bring to completion or finish. The sense is that God will not leave things half-done but will fully accomplish what concerns the psalmist.
• mercy (חֶסֶד, chesed): This word refers to God’s loyal, steadfast love or kindness. It highlights that God’s actions are motivated by His faithful commitment to His people, not just momentary kindness.
• forsake (רָפָה, raphah): This means to abandon, let go, or leave alone. David is asking God not to give up or withdraw His involvement from the “works of [His] hands”—meaning David himself and God’s purposes in his life.

Why Psalms 138:8 matters

• Psalms 138:8 clarifies that God’s work in a person’s life is ongoing and that God is faithful to complete what He starts, not leaving His people unfinished or abandoned.
• The verse emphasizes that God’s mercy (chesed) is not temporary but lasts forever, which is a key theme throughout the Psalms and central to understanding God’s character.
• This verse ties the psalm’s earlier praise for God’s help to a future hope, showing that trust in God is not just for past or present troubles but for all that is yet to come.