O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.

PSALMS 25:2KJV
Know the Bible

Psalms 25:2 (KJV)

What does Psalms 25:2 mean?

Psalms 25:2 is a personal prayer where the writer, speaking to God, declares trust in God and asks not to be put to shame or let enemies win over him. The verse highlights both the psalmist’s dependence on God and his fear of disgrace or defeat at the hands of those opposed to him.

King David is the speaker in Psalms 25:2, addressing God directly in a time of trouble or uncertainty. David openly expresses his reliance on God (not on his own strength) and his concern about being shamed or humiliated if his enemies succeed. The verse is both a statement of faith and a plea for God’s protection and vindication.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 25:2

  • God (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): This is a common Hebrew word for God, emphasizing God’s power and majesty. David’s use of this name underlines his appeal to the highest authority for help.
  • trust (בָּטַח, batach): This word means to place confidence or security in someone. Here, it shows David’s active choice to rely on God rather than himself or others.
  • ashamed (בּוֹשׁ, bosh): This word carries the sense of being disgraced or disappointed, especially in public. David’s prayer is not just about personal feelings but also about public honor and reputation.
  • enemies (אוֹיֵב, oyev): This word refers to those who are hostile or opposed. David’s concern is real opposition, not just inner struggles.
  • triumph (עָלַץ, alats): This word means to exult or rejoice over someone’s downfall. David is asking that his enemies not have the satisfaction of seeing him fail.

Why Psalms 25:2 matters

  • Psalms 25:2 clarifies that trusting God does not mean the absence of fear or trouble, but rather turning to God in the midst of it.
  • The verse shows that the fear of shame or defeat is a real concern, even for a faithful person like David, and that it is appropriate to bring such concerns honestly to God.
  • This verse connects to the wider psalm, which is a prayer for guidance and deliverance, showing that faith involves both trust and honest requests for help.

Where else these words appear

“triumph” Hebrew H5970 · used in 8 verses

  • 1 Samuel 2:1 And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.
  • Psalms 5:11 But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.
  • Psalms 68:3 But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice.

“ashamed” Hebrew H954 · used in 100 verses

  • Genesis 2:25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
  • Psalms 119:6 Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.
  • Isaiah 66:5 Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.

“trust” Hebrew H982 · used in 117 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:52 And he shall besiege thee in all thy gates, until thy high and fenced walls come down, wherein thou trustedst, throughout all thy land: and he shall besiege thee in all thy gates throughout all thy land, which the LORD thy God hath given thee.
  • Psalms 44:6 For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me.
  • Isaiah 30:12 Wherefore thus saith the Holy One of Israel, Because ye despise this word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and stay thereon: