Psalms 31:17 Meaning and Explanation
“Let me not be ashamed, O LORD; for I have called upon thee: let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist asks that his faith not be vindicated by God's failure to act, while the wicked are brought to judgment.
The Context of Psalms 31:17
Appealing for vindication and the silencing of the wicked who oppose the psalmist.
What Does Psalms 31:17 Mean?
The fear of being ashamed—of having called on God only to be abandoned—exposes the speaker's vulnerability. To call on God and receive no answer would be the ultimate humiliation, proof that trust was misplaced and the speaker is foolish. The plea for vindication is inseparable from the petition for rescue; to be saved is to be shown right in his trust. This reveals how closely tied the psalmist's sense of truth is to the experience of God's presence and care.
The contrast between the speaker's hoped-for vindication and the wicked being brought to silence in the grave is striking. The psalmist desires not only his own salvation but also the defeat of those who oppose him. The wicked are to be shamed in death, silenced eternally. This element of justice—that evil will not have the final word—is important to the speaker's confidence. God's character includes not only mercy toward the faithful but also judgment against wickedness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 31:17
What does Psalms 31:17 mean?
The psalmist asks that his faith not be vindicated by God's failure to act, while the wicked are brought to judgment.
What is the context of Psalms 31:17?
Appealing for vindication and the silencing of the wicked who oppose the psalmist.