Psalms 31:19 Meaning and Explanation
“Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist marvels at God's abundant goodness stored for those who fear and trust Him, revealed before all.
The Context of Psalms 31:19
A confident assertion that God's goodness is great and visibly demonstrated for the faithful.
What Does Psalms 31:19 Mean?
The exclamation 'Oh how great' marks a shift from petition to praise and adoration. The psalmist reflects on the goodness God has 'laid up'—treasured, stored, and prepared—for those who fear Him. This language suggests abundance beyond immediate perception. God's goodness is not merely responsive but proactive; He has prepared blessing before the need arises. To fear God means to respect, reverence, and submit to Him; this is the posture that positions a person to receive His goodness.
The phrase 'wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men' indicates that God's faithful care is not hidden but demonstrated publicly. The works of God done for His people become visible and impressive to observers. The psalmist anticipates that his own deliverance, when it comes, will be such a visible demonstration. This verse thus expresses confidence that God will act in such a way that His faithfulness becomes evident to all who witness it.
Psalms 31:19 in the Original Language
yareh (יָרֵא), 'fear' — to reverence, respect, or stand in awe of; in biblical usage, refers to the proper human response to divine greatness and goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 31:19
What does Psalms 31:19 mean?
The psalmist marvels at God's abundant goodness stored for those who fear and trust Him, revealed before all.
What is the context of Psalms 31:19?
A confident assertion that God's goodness is great and visibly demonstrated for the faithful.