Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!

PSALMS 31:19KJV
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Psalms 31:19 (KJV)

What does Psalms 31:19 mean?

Psalms 31:19 describes how abundant and remarkable God’s goodness is, especially for those who respect and trust Him. The verse says that God has stored up this goodness for people who hold Him in reverence and rely on Him, showing it openly before others.

King David is speaking to God in this psalm, expressing amazement at how God cares for those who honor Him. David highlights that God’s kindness is not just a private matter but is something God has prepared and demonstrated for all to see, especially for those who put their trust in Him even when others are watching.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 31:19

  • "great" (רַב, rav; H7227): This word points to something vast or numerous, emphasizing that God’s goodness is not small or limited, but overflowing.
  • "goodness" (טוּב, tuv; H2898): This term refers to God’s kindness, generosity, and all the good things He provides, underlining the quality and richness of what God gives.
  • "up" (צָפַן, tsafan; H6845): The idea here is of something hidden or stored away for safekeeping, suggesting that God’s goodness is carefully reserved for those who respect Him.
  • "fear" (יָרֵא, yare; H3373): This word means a deep respect or reverence, not just being afraid, showing that God’s goodness is for those who honor Him with awe.
  • "trust" (חָסָה, chasah; H2620): This word carries the sense of seeking refuge or safety, painting a picture of people who rely on God for protection and help.

Why Psalms 31:19 matters

  • Psalms 31:19 clears up the idea that God’s goodness is random or limited; instead, it is abundant and intentionally set aside for those who honor and trust Him.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s care is not hidden away but is meant to be seen and recognized by others, showing that faith in God is not just private but can be witnessed by the wider community.
  • In the context of the whole psalm, this verse reassures readers that even in times of trouble or when feeling surrounded by enemies, God has already prepared goodness for those who remain faithful to Him.

Where else these words appear

“up” Hebrew H6845 · used in 30 verses

  • Exodus 2:2 And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months.
  • Job 23:12 Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
  • Proverbs 2:1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;

“goodness” Hebrew H2898 · used in 31 verses

  • Genesis 24:10 And the servant took ten camels of the camels of his master, and departed; for all the goods of his master were in his hand: and he arose, and went to Mesopotamia, unto the city of Nahor.
  • Nehemiah 9:35 For they have not served thee in their kingdom, and in thy great goodness that thou gavest them, and in the large and fat land which thou gavest before them, neither turned they from their wicked works.
  • Proverbs 11:10 When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.

“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.

“wrought” Hebrew H6466 · used in 55 verses

  • Exodus 15:17 Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, in the place, O LORD, which thou hast made for thee to dwell in, in the Sanctuary, O Lord, which thy hands have established.
  • Psalms 11:3 If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?
  • Psalms 125:5 As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: but peace shall be upon Israel.