To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David. Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.

PSALMS 62:1KJV
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Psalms 62:1 (KJV)

What does Psalms 62:1 mean?

Psalms 62:1 expresses David’s quiet trust that his soul finds rest by waiting for God alone, because only God is the source of his rescue and safety. The verse highlights a deep, personal reliance on God, not on any human help or other source of security.

David is speaking, addressing God in a song meant for public worship, as indicated by the note to the chief musician and the mention of Jeduthun, a leader among the temple musicians. The verse comes from a time when David likely faced trouble or opposition, and he is declaring that his inner peace and hope for salvation come from God alone, not from his own efforts or from others.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 62:1

  • נֶפֶשׁ (nephesh, "soul"): This word often means the whole self or life, not just emotions or spirit. David is saying his entire being is quietly waiting for God, not just his feelings.
  • דּוּמִיָּה (dumiyyah, "waiteth"): This word carries the sense of silent stillness or calm expectation, not just waiting in line but a restful, trusting pause. David’s waiting is marked by quiet confidence, not anxiety.
  • יְשׁוּעָה (yeshuah, "salvation"): This word means deliverance or rescue, not just spiritual salvation but any kind of help or safety. David is looking to God for practical rescue from real dangers.

Why Psalms 62:1 matters

  • Psalms 62:1 clarifies that true rest and rescue come from God alone, not from self-reliance or other people, which is a central theme in the whole psalm.
  • The verse emphasizes a quiet, trusting posture—waiting in stillness—rather than frantic activity, which can correct the common idea that faith always looks busy or loud.
  • By naming Jeduthun and the chief musician, the verse roots this trust in the context of public worship, showing that personal faith is meant to be shared and encouraged in community.

Where else these words appear

“waiteth” Hebrew H1747 · used in 4 verses

  • Psalms 22:2 O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent.
  • Psalms 39:2 I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; and my sorrow was stirred.
  • Psalms 65:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm and Song of David. Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Sion: and unto thee shall the vow be performed.

“Jeduthun” Hebrew H3038 · used in 14 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 9:16 And Obadiah the son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun, and Berechiah the son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, that dwelt in the villages of the Netophathites.
  • 1 Chronicles 25:1 Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sons of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals: and the number of the workmen according to their service was:
  • 2 Chronicles 29:14 And of the sons of Heman; Jehiel, and Shimei: and of the sons of Jeduthun; Shemaiah, and Uzziel.

“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 38:1 A Psalm of David, to bring to remembrance. O LORD, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.
  • 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.

“Musician” Hebrew H5329 · used in 65 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 15:21 And Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps on the Sheminith to excel.
  • Psalms 22:1 To the chief Musician upon Aijeleth Shahar, A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?
  • Psalms 60:1 To the chief Musician upon Shushaneduth, Michtam of David, to teach; when he strove with Aramnaharaim and with Aramzobah, when Joab returned, and smote of Edom in the valley of salt twelve thousand. O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased; O turn thyself to us again.