Psalms 31:5 (KJV)

What does Psalms 31:5 mean?

Psalms 31:5 is a prayer in which the speaker places his life in God’s care. He addresses God as someone who has already rescued him and whom he can rely on. The verse joins a present act of trust to the speaker’s memory of God’s help.

The image of God’s “hand” pictures the speaker’s life as being in God’s keeping. Coming after the plea to be pulled from a hidden net in verse 4, the words express trust amid danger.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 31:5

• “commit” — פָּקַד (paqad): This word can mean to entrust something to another’s care. Here it pictures the speaker placing his spirit in God’s keeping.
• “spirit” — רוּחַ (ruach): This word can mean breath, wind, or spirit. Here it refers to the speaker’s own life or inner being.
• “redeemed” — פָּדָה (padah): This word can mean to free or rescue someone. The speaker uses it to speak of God’s action as a rescue.

Why Psalms 31:5 matters

• The prayer combines a request for safety with praise for rescue already received. “I commit” expresses what the speaker is doing, while “thou hast redeemed me” looks back to God’s help.
• “God of truth” describes the LORD as trustworthy, not merely as someone who speaks accurately. The phrase gives a reason for the confidence expressed in the prayer.
• The psalm continues to hold distress and trust together. In verses 9–10 the speaker describes grief and weakness, showing that his confidence in God does not mean his troubles have ended.