Let not them that wait on thee, O Lord GOD of hosts, be ashamed for my sake: let not those that seek thee be confounded for my sake, O God of Israel.

PSALMS 69:6KJV
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Psalms 69:6 (KJV)

What does Psalms 69:6 mean?

Psalms 69:6 is a prayer asking God not to let those who trust and seek Him be put to shame or confused because of the psalmist’s own troubles. The writer is concerned that his suffering might discourage others who are faithful to God.

King David is speaking to God, calling Him “Lord GOD of hosts” and “God of Israel,” showing deep respect and trust. David is in distress and feels that if his situation leads others to lose confidence in God, it would be an even greater burden. The verse shows David’s care for the faith of others, not just his own problems.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 69:6

  • “Wait” (קָוָה, qavah): This word means to hope or look eagerly for something. Here, it describes people who are patiently trusting in God, not just passively waiting.
  • “Ashamed” (בּוּשׁ, bosh): This word often means to be disappointed or disgraced. David is asking that those who trust God not end up feeling let down or embarrassed because of what happens to him.
  • “Confounded” (חָתַת, chathath): This word can mean to be confused, discouraged, or broken in spirit. David is concerned that his suffering might shake the confidence of those who are seeking God.

Why Psalms 69:6 matters

  • This verse shows that David is thinking beyond himself; he is worried that his hardships might harm the faith of others who look up to him or trust in God.
  • The verse highlights the idea that personal struggles can have a wider impact on a community’s faith, especially when a leader or public figure is involved.
  • Psalms 69:6 connects to the larger theme of the psalm, where David’s suffering is not just personal but also has spiritual consequences for others who are watching his life.

Where else these words appear

“confounded” Hebrew H3637 · used in 38 verses

  • Numbers 12:14 And the LORD said unto Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in again.
  • Job 19:3 These ten times have ye reproached me: ye are not ashamed that ye make yourselves strange to me.
  • Isaiah 54:4 Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.

“wait” Hebrew H6960 · used in 45 verses

  • Genesis 1:9 And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so.
  • Psalms 40:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
  • Isaiah 49:23 And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with their face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.

“ashamed” Hebrew H954 · used in 100 verses

  • Genesis 2:25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
  • Psalms 119:6 Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.
  • Isaiah 66:5 Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.