Psalms 85:8 Meaning and Explanation
“I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist listens expectantly for God's message of peace and warns against returning to sin.
The Context of Psalms 85:8
The psalmist expresses confidence that God will speak peace but with a call to faithfulness.
What Does Psalms 85:8 Mean?
The first-person 'I will hear' marks a shift from collective petition to personal readiness. The psalmist positions himself as one who listens attentively for God's response, expressing confidence that God will indeed speak. The message expected is 'peace unto his people'—restoration, wholeness, and divine favor extended specifically to those who are His and devoted to Him.
The warning 'let them not turn again to folly' reveals the condition underlying God's peace. Restoration is not unconditional; it carries an implicit call to faithfulness. The people's responsibility is to remain loyal and not revert to the unfaithfulness that drew judgment in the first place. Peace is promised, but only to those who walk rightly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 85:8
What does Psalms 85:8 mean?
The psalmist listens expectantly for God's message of peace and warns against returning to sin.
What is the context of Psalms 85:8?
The psalmist expresses confidence that God will speak peace but with a call to faithfulness.