To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.

PSALMS 31:1KJV
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Psalms 31:1 (KJV)

What does Psalms 31:1 mean?

Psalms 31:1 expresses David’s trust in the LORD and his plea not to be put to shame, asking God to rescue him because of God’s righteousness. The verse is a personal prayer for protection and honor, grounded in confidence that God acts rightly and faithfully.

David is speaking directly to the LORD (the personal name for God, יְהוָה / YHWH), likely during a time of trouble or danger. He identifies himself as someone who puts his trust in God and asks not to be disgraced or let down. The verse sets the tone for the whole psalm, showing that David’s hope for deliverance rests not on his own merit but on God’s character.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 31:1

  • יְהוָה (YHWH, “LORD”): This is the personal, covenant name of God in the Hebrew Bible, highlighting a close, committed relationship rather than a distant deity.
  • חָסָה (chasah, “trust”): This word often means to seek refuge or shelter, like taking cover during a storm. David is not just believing in God but actively seeking safety in Him.
  • בּוֹשׁ (bosh, “ashamed”): In Hebrew thought, being “ashamed” is more about public disgrace or defeat than about inner embarrassment. David is asking not to be humiliated or proven wrong for trusting God.
  • צֶדֶק (tsedeq, “righteousness”): This word means more than just moral goodness; it includes God’s faithfulness to do what is right and to keep His promises. David appeals to God’s character as the basis for his rescue.

Why Psalms 31:1 matters

  • The verse clarifies that trusting God is not just a feeling but an act of seeking refuge, especially when facing real threats or shame.
  • David’s appeal to God’s righteousness shows that he expects help not because he deserves it, but because God is faithful and just.
  • This verse introduces a major theme of the psalm: honest dependence on God in distress, setting an example for how to approach God with both confidence and humility.

Where else these words appear

“never” Hebrew H408 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 13:8 And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren.
  • Joshua 22:19 Notwithstanding, if the land of your possession be unclean, then pass ye over unto the land of the possession of the LORD, wherein the LORD'S tabernacle dwelleth, and take possession among us: but rebel not against the LORD, nor rebel against us, in building you an altar beside the altar of the LORD our God.
  • Job 24:25 And if it be not so now, who will make me a liar, and make my speech nothing worth?

“deliver” Hebrew H6403 · used in 23 verses

  • 2 Samuel 22:2 And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer;
  • Psalms 18:48 He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.
  • Psalms 71:2 Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me.

“trust” Hebrew H2620 · used in 36 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:37 And he shall say, Where are their gods, their rock in whom they trusted,
  • Psalms 18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
  • Psalms 91:4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

“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.