Psalms 25:20

KJV

O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

O keep {H8104} my soul {H5315}, and deliver {H5337} me: let me not be ashamed {H954}; for I put my trust {H2620} in thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

Protect me and rescue me; don't let me be disgraced, for I take refuge in you.

Berean Standard Bible

Guard my soul and deliver me; let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in You.

American Standard Version

Oh keep my soul, and deliver me: Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 25:20 is a profound prayer from David, expressing his absolute dependence on God for preservation and rescue amidst distress. It encapsulates a fervent plea for divine protection over his very life and being, coupled with an earnest desire to avoid the public humiliation and spiritual defeat that would result from God's apparent abandonment. The verse powerfully articulates that the psalmist's confidence in God's faithfulness, rooted in his unwavering trust, serves as the foundational reason for his expectation of deliverance and vindication.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 25 is a deeply personal lament and prayer of David, characterized by its earnest petitions for guidance, forgiveness, and protection from enemies. Though an acrostic psalm (following the Hebrew alphabet, albeit imperfectly), its structure undergirds a passionate and often desperate appeal to God. Throughout the psalm, David is surrounded by troubles, seeking God's help against those who would harm him while simultaneously confessing his own sins and seeking divine instruction. Verse 20 specifically follows a series of poignant petitions where David asks God to "look upon my affliction and my pain" and "forgive all my sins" ([Psalms 25:18](/psalms/25-18 "Psalms 25:18 - Prayer for Affliction and Forgiveness")), immediately preceding a plea for God to "consider my enemies, for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred" ([Psalms 25:19](/psalms/25-19 "Psalms 25:19 - Prayer Against Enemies")). This immediate context intensifies the cry for preservation and deliverance in verse 20, making it a direct response to overwhelming external and internal pressures.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David, as king, often faced formidable external enemies and internal conspirators, making his life a constant target. In ancient Near Eastern societies, honor and shame were paramount. To be "ashamed" (בּוֹשׁ, *bosh*) was not merely a feeling of embarrassment but a public disgrace, a profound loss of standing, or the public demonstration that one's trust or hope had been utterly misplaced. For a king, such shame could undermine his authority and legitimacy. Conversely, God's deliverance and vindication brought honor and affirmed His faithfulness. David's plea reflects a societal reality where failure to be delivered by one's god would signify that the deity was either powerless or unfaithful, bringing profound shame upon the worshiper. His prayer is therefore a request for God to act in a way that publicly upholds His reputation and, by extension, the reputation of His trusting servant.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Psalm 25 and the broader Psalter. The theme of **Divine Protection and Preservation** is central, as David explicitly asks God to "keep my soul," a plea for God to guard and sustain his entire being amidst grave danger. This speaks to God's role as the sovereign protector of His people, a recurring motif throughout the Psalms (e.g., [Psalms 121](/psalms/121 "Psalms 121 - The Lord, My Keeper")). The theme of **Trust as the Foundation of Faith** is explicitly stated: "for I put my trust in thee." This confidence is not in David's own strength or cunning, but solely in God's character and ability to deliver, serving as the bedrock of his appeal and the reason for his expectation of divine intervention. Finally, the theme of **Deliverance from Shame** is a powerful theological and social concern. "Let me not be ashamed" is a prayer against public humiliation, defeat, or the disgrace that would come from God seemingly abandoning him. In biblical thought, being put to shame often meant that one's hope or trust was proven futile, and the psalmist desires vindication that comes from God's unwavering faithfulness to those who trust Him, a concept echoed in prophetic literature (e.g., [Isaiah 49:23](/isaiah/49-23 "Isaiah 49:23 - Those Who Wait for Me Shall Not Be Ashamed")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Soul (נֶפֶשׁ, *nephesh*):** While often translated as 'soul,' *nephesh* in Hebrew frequently refers to the entire person, the self, the life force, or even the throat/appetite. It encompasses the totality of one's being – physical, emotional, and spiritual. Thus, "keep my soul" is a comprehensive plea for God to preserve David's life, well-being, and very existence in its entirety, protecting him from all forms of harm and ensuring his flourishing.
* **Ashamed (בּוֹשׁ, *bosh*):** This verb signifies being disappointed, confused, or put to shame. In a theological context, it implies that one's trust or hope has proven futile, leading to public disgrace or a sense of having been abandoned by God. David's prayer is for God to act in such a way that his trust is publicly vindicated and shown not to be in vain, thereby preserving his honor and demonstrating God's faithfulness.
* **Trust (בָּטַח, *batach*):** This word conveys a deep sense of security, confidence, and reliance. It describes a firm leaning upon God, implying that the one who trusts can rest securely because God is reliable, faithful, and utterly dependable. It is an active, unwavering commitment of one's entire being to God's care and promises.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O keep my soul":** This is an urgent petition for divine preservation. David is asking God to guard, protect, and maintain his very life and being. It implies a recognition of vulnerability and a complete dependence on God's sovereign power to sustain him amidst threats. The "O" emphasizes the earnestness and directness of the plea.
* **"and deliver me":** This clause expands on the previous one, specifying the desired outcome of God's keeping. "Deliver" (נָצַל, *natsal*) implies rescue from danger, enemies, or any oppressive situation. It is a cry for active intervention and liberation from whatever threatens David's well-being or life.
* **"let me not be ashamed":** This expresses a profound desire for vindication and the avoidance of public disgrace. The psalmist fears that if God does not intervene, his trust will appear to have been misplaced, leading to humiliation and the mockery of his adversaries. It is a prayer that God's faithfulness would be publicly demonstrated through his deliverance.
* **"for I put my trust in thee":** This final clause provides the foundational reason and justification for David's bold request. His plea is not based on his own merit but on his unwavering confidence and reliance on God. It asserts that because he has placed his security and hope entirely in God, God is obligated by His own character and covenant faithfulness to respond and uphold His trusting servant.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. The primary device is **Petition**, as the entire verse is a direct appeal to God, marked by the imperative verbs "keep" and "deliver," and the negative imperative "let me not be ashamed." This highlights the psalmist's dependence and the directness of his relationship with God. **Parallelism** is evident in the pairing of "keep my soul" and "deliver me," where both clauses express the desire for divine preservation and rescue, reinforcing the urgency of the plea. The phrase "for I put my trust in thee" functions as a **Reason Clause**, providing the theological justification for the preceding petitions. This structure emphasizes the reciprocal nature of the covenant: God's faithfulness is activated by the believer's trust. Finally, the concept of "shame" carries significant **Symbolism** in biblical thought, representing not just personal embarrassment but public disgrace, spiritual defeat, and the apparent failure of God to uphold His promises, making deliverance from shame a profound act of divine vindication.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 25:20 powerfully articulates the biblical principle that genuine trust in God is never in vain and that God is faithful to preserve and deliver those who rely on Him. It underscores the intimate connection between human faith and divine action, portraying God as the ultimate refuge and vindicator of His people. The psalmist's plea for deliverance from shame reflects a deep understanding of God's honor being intertwined with the honor of His trusting servants, emphasizing that God's reputation is at stake when His people are in distress. This verse serves as a timeless model for believers to bring their deepest fears and vulnerabilities to God, confident that His character guarantees a response to sincere faith.

* [Psalms 121:7](/psalms/121-7 "Psalms 121:7 - The Lord Will Keep You From All Evil")
* [Proverbs 3:5](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")
* [Romans 10:11](/romans/10-11 "Romans 10:11 - No One Who Believes in Him Will Be Put to Shame")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 25:20 offers a profound blueprint for our own prayers and spiritual posture in times of distress, uncertainty, or public challenge. It reminds us that it is not only permissible but vital to bring our deepest fears—for our physical safety, emotional well-being, and even our reputation—before God. The psalmist's unwavering declaration, "for I put my trust in thee," serves as a powerful reminder that our confidence in facing life's adversities should not be rooted in our own strength, wisdom, or circumstances, but solely in the unshakeable character and proven faithfulness of God. When we genuinely lean into Him, confessing our complete reliance, we activate His promise to uphold us, ensuring that our hope in Him is never ultimately proven false. This verse encourages us to cultivate a radical trust that allows us to face potential shame or defeat with the assurance that God will ultimately vindicate those who place their hope in Him, transforming our vulnerability into a testament to His preserving power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "shames" or fears of public failure that you are currently bringing before God?**
* **How does your declared "trust" in God manifest in your daily decisions and reactions to challenging circumstances?**
* **In what ways has God "kept your soul" or "delivered you" in the past, and how can remembering these instances strengthen your trust today?**

### FAQ
**Why is "shame" such a significant concern for the psalmist in this verse?**

Answer: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, including Israel, honor and shame were foundational social values. To be "ashamed" (בּוֹשׁ, *bosh*) was far more than a private feeling of embarrassment; it implied public disgrace, humiliation, and the public demonstration that one's trust or hope (especially in a deity) had been utterly misplaced or proven futile. For the psalmist, particularly David, who was a public figure, being put to shame would mean that his enemies had triumphed, and, more significantly, that God had seemingly failed to uphold His covenant promises or protect His trusting servant. This would not only bring personal dishonor but could also be interpreted as a discredit to God Himself. Therefore, the plea "let me not be ashamed" is a fervent prayer for divine vindication, for God to act in a way that publicly demonstrates His faithfulness and upholds the honor of both the psalmist and God's own name. It's a desire for God to prove that trust in Him is never in vain, a theme echoed in [Isaiah 45:17](/isaiah/45-17 "Isaiah 45:17 - Israel Saved by the Lord with an Everlasting Salvation; They Shall Not Be Ashamed").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 25:20 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While David prayed for his own soul to be kept and delivered from shame, Jesus, the perfect Son, perfectly embodied this trust in His Father, even unto the cross. He "kept His soul" by faithfully obeying the Father's will, even when facing the ultimate shame of crucifixion, a death reserved for criminals and outcasts. Yet, precisely through this act of profound trust and self-sacrifice, Jesus was delivered from the power of death and the grave, and His trust was eternally vindicated by the resurrection. The shame of the cross became the glory of God, as the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") took away the sin of the world. Moreover, Christ's perfect trust and subsequent vindication ensure that all who place their trust in Him will never be put to shame. As [Romans 10:11](/romans/10-11 "Romans 10:11 - No One Who Believes in Him Will Be Put to Shame") declares, "For the Scripture says, 'Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.'" Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus not only experienced the keeping and deliverance David prayed for but also secured it for all believers, ensuring that our souls are kept by God's power through faith ([1_peter/1-5](/1-peter/1-5 "1 Peter 1:5 - Kept by the Power of God Through Faith")) and that our hope in Him will never lead to ultimate disappointment or disgrace.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 121:7

The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.

Psalms 71:1

¶ In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.

Psalms 71:2

Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me.

Psalms 22:20

Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog.

Psalms 22:21

Save me from the lion's mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns.

Acts 7:59

And they stoned Stephen, calling upon [God], and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

Psalms 86:2

Preserve my soul; for I [am] holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee.