Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me.

PSALMS 86:17KJV
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Psalms 86:17 (KJV)

What does Psalms 86:17 mean?

Psalms 86:17 is a request from the psalmist, asking God to give a clear sign of favor or help, so that those who oppose him will see it and feel shame, recognizing that the LORD has supported and comforted him. The verse highlights a desire for God’s visible intervention as proof of His care in the face of enemies.

David, the writer of this psalm, is speaking directly to God during a time of trouble, surrounded by people who hate him. He asks for a “token for good”—a visible sign that God is on his side—so that his enemies will realize God’s support and be humbled. The verse closes by naming God as the one who has already helped and comforted David, showing trust in God’s ongoing care.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 86:17

  • “Token” (אוֹת, ’ot): This word means a sign, mark, or evidence. David is not just asking for a private reassurance but for something outward and visible that others can see, making God’s help unmistakable.
  • “Holpen” (עָזַר, ‘azar): This word means to help or support. The verse points to God’s active involvement in David’s life, not just emotional comfort but real, practical help.
  • “Comforted” (נָחַם, nacham): This word often means to console or encourage. David recognizes God as the source of his emotional strength, not just his physical rescue.

Why Psalms 86:17 matters

  • The verse clarifies that David seeks a public sign of God’s favor, not just private reassurance, showing the importance of God’s reputation among both friends and enemies.
  • By naming God as the one who has already helped and comforted him, David’s request is rooted in past experience, not just wishful thinking.
  • This verse connects to the larger theme of Psalms 86, where David repeatedly turns to God for mercy and deliverance, emphasizing trust in God’s character even when surrounded by opposition.

Where else these words appear

“token” Hebrew H226 · used in 77 verses

  • Genesis 1:14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:
  • Numbers 17:10 And the LORD said unto Moses, Bring Aaron's rod again before the testimony, to be kept for a token against the rebels; and thou shalt quite take away their murmurings from me, that they die not.
  • Job 21:29 Have ye not asked them that go by the way? and do ye not know their tokens,

“holpen” Hebrew H5826 · used in 77 verses

  • Genesis 49:25 Even by the God of thy father, who shall help thee; and by the Almighty, who shall bless thee with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb:
  • 2 Chronicles 19:2 And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him, and said to king Jehoshaphat, Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the LORD? therefore is wrath upon thee from before the LORD.
  • Psalms 107:12 Therefore he brought down their heart with labour; they fell down, and there was none to help.

“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.

“comforted” Hebrew H5162 · used in 100 verses

  • Genesis 5:29 And he called his name Noah, saying, This same shall comfort us concerning our work and toil of our hands, because of the ground which the LORD hath cursed.
  • Job 29:25 I chose out their way, and sat chief, and dwelt as a king in the army, as one that comforteth the mourners.
  • Jeremiah 18:10 If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them.