Psalms 39:7 Meaning and Explanation
“And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The speaker's only hope is in God, not in human accomplishment
The Context of Psalms 39:7
After naming the emptiness of human striving, the speaker turns expectantly to God
What Does Psalms 39:7 Mean?
This single verse marks the emotional and theological center of the psalm. Having acknowledged life's brevity, the vanity of human effort, and the uncertainty of inheritance, the speaker asks a pivotal question: What wait I for? The answer comes immediately and clearly—his hope rests not in the pursuit of riches or status, but in God himself. This is not resignation but active trust.
The shift from observing human vanity to declaring personal reliance on God transforms the entire meditation. Where verses 1-6 explored the emptiness of autonomous human effort, verse 7 demonstrates the alternative: directing all hope toward God. This redirection doesn't deny life's fragility or life's demands, but it locates meaning not in self-achievement but in relationship with the Divine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 39:7
What does Psalms 39:7 mean?
The speaker's only hope is in God, not in human accomplishment
What is the context of Psalms 39:7?
After naming the emptiness of human striving, the speaker turns expectantly to God