O deliver not the soul of thy turtledove unto the multitude of the wicked: forget not the congregation of thy poor for ever.

PSALMS 74:19KJV
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Psalms 74:19 (KJV)

What does Psalms 74:19 mean?

Psalms 74:19 is a plea asking God not to hand over the life of His people, described as a "turtledove," to the violent or wicked, and not to forget the community of those who are poor or oppressed. The verse uses gentle and vulnerable imagery to express a deep sense of dependence on God's protection and remembrance.

The psalm is spoken by someone representing the people of Israel during a time of crisis, likely after their land or temple was attacked. The "turtledove" is a symbol for Israel, highlighting innocence and vulnerability. The speaker asks God to remember and care for the poor and faithful community, even when they are surrounded by enemies or hardship.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 74:19

  • תּוֹר (tor, "turtledove"): This word refers to a gentle, harmless bird, often used in the Bible to symbolize innocence and vulnerability. Calling Israel God's "turtledove" emphasizes their defenselessness and need for God's care.
  • נֶפֶשׁ (nefesh, "soul"): This word often means "life" or "person," not just an inner spirit. Here, it refers to the very life or being of the people, stressing the plea for their survival.
  • עֲנִי (ani, "poor"): This word describes those who are afflicted, humble, or oppressed. The verse highlights that God's people are not only vulnerable but also marginalized, deepening the urgency of the prayer.
  • חַיָּה (chayyah, "multitude" or "beast"): While the KJV translates this as "multitude," the Hebrew word can also mean "wild beast," suggesting the danger and violence of the enemies threatening God's people.

Why Psalms 74:19 matters

  • The verse corrects a common misunderstanding by showing that "soul" (נֶפֶשׁ, nefesh) here means the whole life or person, not just a spiritual part.
  • The use of "turtledove" (תּוֹר, tor) as a symbol for Israel draws attention to the nation's innocence and helplessness, making the plea for protection more poignant.
  • By calling the enemies a "multitude" or even "wild beasts" (חַיָּה, chayyah), the verse paints a vivid picture of the threat faced by God's people, connecting this prayer to the larger psalm's theme of distress and longing for God's intervention.

Where else these words appear

“turtledove” Hebrew H8449 · used in 14 verses

  • Genesis 15:9 And he said unto him, Take me an heifer of three years old, and a she goat of three years old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.
  • Leviticus 12:6 And when the days of her purifying are fulfilled, for a son, or for a daughter, she shall bring a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon, or a turtledove, for a sin offering, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest:
  • Leviticus 15:14 And on the eighth day he shall take to him two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, and come before the LORD unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and give them unto the priest:

“ever” Hebrew H5331 · used in 42 verses

  • 1 Samuel 15:29 And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent.
  • Psalms 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
  • Isaiah 13:20 It shall never be inhabited, neither shall it be dwelt in from generation to generation: neither shall the Arabian pitch tent there; neither shall the shepherds make their fold there.

“poor” Hebrew H6041 · used in 78 verses

  • Exodus 22:25 If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury.
  • Psalms 34:6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
  • Ecclesiastes 6:8 For what hath the wise more than the fool? what hath the poor, that knoweth to walk before the living?

“forget” Hebrew H7911 · used in 95 verses

  • Genesis 27:45 Until thy brother's anger turn away from thee, and he forget that which thou hast done to him: then I will send, and fetch thee from thence: why should I be deprived also of you both in one day?
  • Psalms 13:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?
  • Proverbs 31:7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.