Psalms 86:17 Meaning and Explanation
“Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist asks for a visible sign of God's favor that will shame his enemies and confirm divine comfort.
The Context of Psalms 86:17
The psalm closes with a request for visible proof that will vindicate both God and the faithful petitioner.
What Does Psalms 86:17 Mean?
A token for good is a sign or proof—something visible and undeniable that demonstrates God's approval and care. The token serves a dual purpose: it reassures the petitioner and it witnesses to enemies. When they see God's intervention, they are put to shame, not by insult but by the revelation of their own blindness and opposition to God's cause.
The final clause summarizes the prayer's deepest conviction: God has already helped and comforted. The petition is not for distant possibility but for continuation and manifestation of what is already true. The prayer ends not in doubt but in confident memory of God's faithfulness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 86:17
What does Psalms 86:17 mean?
The psalmist asks for a visible sign of God's favor that will shame his enemies and confirm divine comfort.
What is the context of Psalms 86:17?
The psalm closes with a request for visible proof that will vindicate both God and the faithful petitioner.