Psalms 31:23 (KJV)

What does Psalms 31:23 mean?

Psalms 31:23 calls on all of God’s faithful people to love the LORD, because the LORD protects those who are loyal to Him and gives a strong response to those who act with pride. The verse encourages devotion to God and highlights the difference between how God treats the faithful and the proud.

In this psalm, David is speaking to the community of believers, urging them to remain devoted to the LORD (the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible). The situation is one of trust in God’s care during trouble; David has experienced God’s protection and wants others to know that God preserves those who are trustworthy and loyal, while those who act arrogantly receive a fitting reward for their actions.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 31:23

• "love" (אָהַב, ’ahav): This word means more than just affection; it often carries the sense of loyalty and commitment. David is urging a deep, committed relationship with the LORD.
• "saints" (חָסִיד, chasid): This term refers to those who are faithful, loyal, and devoted to God, not just morally upright but those in a covenant relationship with Him.
• "preserveth" (נָצַר, natsar): This verb means to guard, watch over, or protect. The idea is of active, ongoing protection for those who are faithful.
• "faithful" (אֱמוּנָה, emunah): This word means trustworthy or reliable, describing people who are steady in their faith and actions toward God.
• "plentifully" (יַתֵּר, yater): This word means in abundance or fully, emphasizing that God’s response to the proud is not half-hearted but complete.
• "rewardeth" (שָׁלַם, shalam): This verb means to repay or give back what is due, whether good or bad. Here, it refers to God giving the proud exactly what they deserve.
• "proud" (גֵּאֶה, ge’eh): This word describes those who are arrogant or self-important, standing in contrast to the humble faithful.
• "doer" (עָשָׂה, asah): This simply means someone who acts or does, here referring to the person who acts with pride.

Why Psalms 31:23 matters

• Psalms 31:23 clarifies that God’s protection is not random but directed toward those who are faithful and loyal to Him, encouraging trust in God’s character.
• The verse draws a sharp line between the humble, faithful person and the proud, showing that God responds differently to each, which helps explain the moral order seen throughout the Psalms.
• By addressing the “saints,” David connects individual experience to the wider community, making this a call for all believers to remain committed to God, especially in difficult times.