Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail.

PSALMS 89:33KJV
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What does Psalms 89:33 mean?

Psalms 89:33 says that even if God’s chosen one faces consequences or discipline, God will not completely withdraw His loyal love or let His faithfulness come to an end. God’s commitment to His promises remains steady, no matter what happens.

In this verse, the psalmist is quoting God’s words about His relationship with David and David’s descendants. The situation is about God’s covenant with David, where God promises steadfast love and faithfulness, even if David’s line fails or sins. The verse reassures that God’s loyalty and reliability are not dependent on human actions.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 89:33

  • The word “lovingkindness” is חֶסֶד (chesed), which often means steadfast love or loyal kindness. This word highlights a deep, committed love that goes beyond simple affection or kindness.
  • The word “faithfulness” is אֱמוּנָה (emunah), meaning reliability or trustworthiness. Here, it emphasizes that God can always be counted on to keep His word.
  • The word “fail” is שָׁקַר (shaqar), which means to lie or prove false. The verse is saying God’s faithfulness will not be shown to be false or unreliable.

Why Psalms 89:33 matters

  • This verse clarifies that God’s promises are not canceled by human failure; His loyalty and trustworthiness are not fragile or easily lost.
  • The emphasis on both “lovingkindness” and “faithfulness” shows that God’s relationship with David’s line is built on more than just a contract—it is a deep, lasting commitment.
  • In the wider context of Psalm 89, this verse is a turning point that reassures the reader of God’s unbreakable promise, even when circumstances look bleak or uncertain.

Where else these words appear

“take” Hebrew H6331 · used in 3 verses

  • Psalms 33:10 The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect.
  • Ezekiel 17:19 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; As I live, surely mine oath that he hath despised, and my covenant that he hath broken, even it will I recompense upon his own head.

“fail” Hebrew H8266 · used in 6 verses

  • Genesis 21:23 Now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son's son: but according to the kindness that I have done unto thee, thou shalt do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned.
  • Leviticus 19:11 Ye shall not steal, neither deal falsely, neither lie one to another.
  • Psalms 44:17 All this is come upon us; yet have we not forgotten thee, neither have we dealt falsely in thy covenant.

“faithfulness” Hebrew H530 · used in 49 verses

  • Exodus 17:12 But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.
  • Psalms 40:10 I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.
  • Psalms 119:138 Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.