Psalms 27:14

KJV

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wait {H6960} on the LORD {H3068}: be of good courage {H2388}, and he shall strengthen {H553} thine heart {H3820}: wait {H6960}, I say, on the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Put your hope in ADONAI, be strong, and let your heart take courage! Yes, put your hope in ADONAI!

Berean Standard Bible

Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD!

American Standard Version

Wait for Jehovah: Be strong, and let thy heart take courage; Yea, wait thou for Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 27:14 stands as a profound concluding exhortation, masterfully encapsulating the psalm's spiritual journey from confident declaration to fervent supplication. It serves as a timeless call to cultivate patient endurance, active courage, and unwavering reliance on God's promised strength, particularly amidst life's most formidable trials. This verse assures believers that faithful waiting on the Lord is met with divine empowerment, transforming the heart to face adversity with steadfast fortitude and unyielding hope.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 27 is a deeply personal and emotionally resonant composition, traditionally attributed to King David, a figure whose life was frequently marked by intense conflict, betrayal, and immense pressure. The psalm naturally divides into two distinct, yet complementary, movements. The first section (vv. 1-6) articulates an unwavering declaration of confidence in God's protective presence and salvific power, famously proclaiming God as "my light and my salvation" in [Psalm 27:1](/psalms/27-1 "Psalm 27:1 - God is My Light and My Salvation"). This initial segment radiates an almost defiant trust. The second section (vv. 7-13) shifts in tone, becoming a more urgent and heartfelt plea for God's continued presence, guidance, and deliverance in the face of formidable adversaries and abandonment. Verse 14 then functions as a powerful, climactic capstone, drawing together the psalm's overarching themes of trust, perseverance, and divine faithfulness. It provides a final, direct, and emphatic command to the reader, urging them to embody the very faith and resilience David has demonstrated throughout his spiritual odyssey, acknowledging that even profound faith necessitates patient endurance and active courage in times of severe testing. The concluding instruction to "wait on the LORD" thus becomes a poignant and vital summary, offering both comfort and challenge.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King David's tumultuous life provides the rich historical backdrop against which Psalm 27:14 resonates with raw authenticity. His personal narrative was characterized by constant threats and periods of intense danger—from his early days fleeing the jealous King Saul ([1 Samuel 23](/1_samuel/23 "1 Samuel 23 - David Flees from Saul")) to his legendary victory over Goliath ([1 Samuel 17](/1_samuel/17 "1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath")) and the painful rebellion led by his own son Absalom ([2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion")). The "host" or "war" mentioned in [Psalm 27:3](/psalms/27-3 "Psalm 27:3 - Confidence Amidst Adversity") was not abstract imagery but a reflection of the very real, existential threats David routinely faced. Culturally, the concept of "waiting on the Lord" (Hebrew: *qavah*) was deeply embedded in Israelite spirituality. This was not a passive or fatalistic resignation but an active, hopeful, and tenacious expectation. It signified a deliberate posture of seeking God through prayer, diligently searching His Word for guidance, and trusting implicitly in His sovereign timing for deliverance, provision, or revelation, especially in a world where human power was demonstrably limited against overwhelming forces. This active waiting was a cornerstone of their covenant relationship with Yahweh.
* **Key Themes:**
* **Patient Expectation (Active Waiting):** The repeated imperative, "Wait on the LORD," transcends mere passive idleness, emphasizing the necessity of active patience and hopeful expectation. This theme is central to the spiritual discipline of endurance, urging believers to confidently look to God for His intervention and perfect timing. It is a profound act of trust, acknowledging God's sovereignty and faithfulness even when circumstances are unclear or difficult. This concept is powerfully echoed in [Isaiah 40:31](/isaiah/40-31 "Isaiah 40:31 - Strength for Those Who Wait on the Lord"), where those who wait on the Lord are promised renewed strength, soaring like eagles.
* **Courage in Adversity:** The command "be of good courage" calls believers to maintain inner strength, resolve, and fortitude, particularly when faced with daunting challenges or uncertain futures. This courage is not a self-generated human attribute but is divinely sustained, flowing from an unwavering faith in God's character and His unfailing promises. It represents an active, defiant stance against fear, despair, and doubt, mirroring the divine imperative given to leaders like Joshua ([Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua 1:9 - Be Strong and Courageous")) to be strong and courageous in the face of immense tasks and opposition.
* **Divine Strengthening:** The profound promise, "and he shall strengthen thine heart," assures the believer that their posture of patient waiting and courageous endurance will be met with God's empowering presence. This strengthening is deeply internal, affecting the very core of one's being—spirit, resolve, and inner peace. It enables believers to face trials with supernatural fortitude, transcending mere human capacity. This theme speaks to a divine infusion of resilience that transforms weakness into spiritual power, enabling perseverance through the most arduous of life's trials.
* **Unwavering Trust and Hope:** Underlying the entire verse is a deep, foundational call to trust implicitly in God's faithfulness and to maintain an unshakeable hope in His ultimate deliverance, goodness, and perfect plan. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is actively and intimately involved in the lives of those who seek Him, and His timing is always perfect. This fosters a profound reliance on His sovereign will and His unfailing love, anchoring the soul amidst life's storms.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wait (Hebrew, _qâvâh'_):** This primitive root (H6960) carries a rich and dynamic semantic range, encompassing "to wait," "to hope," "to expect," or "to long for." Its foundational meaning suggests "to bind together" or "to twist," which powerfully conveys a persistent, tenacious clinging to God, akin to a rope tightly woven for strength. Therefore, "waiting" in this context is not passive idleness or resignation, but an active, hopeful, and enduring expectation—a confident looking forward to divine intervention and a deep reliance on God's faithfulness, even when circumstances appear bleak or when His timing is protracted. It implies a steadfast posture of patient anticipation.
* **Be of good courage (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** This imperative verb (H2388) means "to be strong," "to be firm," "to be resolute," or "to seize/hold fast." It is frequently employed in military contexts or when individuals are called to undertake daunting tasks, such as Joshua's commission before leading Israel into the Promised Land. Here, it is a direct command to fortify one's inner resolve, to be steadfast and unwavering in the face of fear, opposition, or adversity. This courage is not self-generated but is presented as a response to the command to wait on the Lord, implying that divine strength is the ultimate source and sustenance of human fortitude and resilience.
* **Strengthen (Hebrew, _ʼâmats'_):** This primitive root (H553) signifies "to be alert," "to be physically or mentally strong," "to confirm," or "to fortify." When applied to the heart, as in this verse, it denotes an internal empowerment that makes one steadfast, courageous, and resolute. It implies an infusion of divine power that enables endurance, resilience, and unwavering resolve, transforming weakness into spiritual fortitude. This strengthening is God's direct act, a promised outcome for those who faithfully wait and courageously trust Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wait on the LORD":** This opening imperative establishes the foundational posture of faith for the believer. It is a command to actively and patiently expect God's intervention, guidance, and timing. This involves orienting one's entire being—mind, will, and emotions—towards Yahweh, trusting implicitly in His character, His promises, and His perfect sovereignty over all circumstances. It implies a posture of humble dependence and hopeful anticipation, rather than anxious striving or despair, recognizing that God is always at work, even when His activity is not immediately discernible.
* **"be of good courage":** Following the call to wait, this command emphasizes the necessary internal disposition that accompanies such waiting. It is an exhortation to cultivate inner strength, resilience, and fortitude, not through self-reliance, but as a divinely enabled steadfastness. This courage allows the believer to face trials, uncertainties, and fears without succumbing to despair, knowing that their hope and strength are anchored in God's unfailing presence and power. It is a proactive defiance against the temptation to give up.
* **"and he shall strengthen thine heart":** This clause provides the divine promise and the profound motivation for the preceding commands. The acts of waiting and being courageous are not undertaken in vain; God Himself pledges to empower the believer. The "heart" (Hebrew: *lêb*, H3820) refers to the core of one's being—encompassing intellect, will, emotions, and conscience. God's strengthening is thus comprehensive, fortifying one's inner resolve, providing peace amidst chaos, and enabling perseverance through the most arduous difficulties, ultimately transforming human weakness into profound spiritual resilience.
* **"wait, I say, on the LORD":** The repetition of the initial command serves as a powerful, emphatic reiteration, underscoring its paramount importance and urgency. The phrase "I say" adds a layer of solemnity and personal emphasis, reinforcing the instruction as a vital, foundational principle for a life of faith. This chiastic structure (A-B-C-A') masterfully places the central promise of divine strengthening ("he shall strengthen thine heart") at its core, framed by the repeated call to wait. This arrangement highlights the direct causal link between patient, courageous waiting and the reception of God's empowering presence, making it the psalm's indelible and enduring final message.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 27:14 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message with profound impact and memorable force. The most prominent is **Repetition**, with the imperative phrase "Wait on the LORD" appearing at both the beginning and the end of the verse. This emphatic reiteration serves to underscore the paramount importance and urgency of this command, embedding it as a foundational principle for faithful living and ensuring its retention in the reader's mind. The verse's use of the **Imperative Mood** in "Wait" and "be of good courage" provides direct, actionable instructions, urging the reader to actively adopt a specific posture of faith, inner resolve, and dependence on God. Furthermore, the verse exhibits a subtle yet highly effective **Chiasm** (an A-B-C-A' structure: "Wait on the LORD" - "be of good courage" - "he shall strengthen thine heart" - "wait, I say, on the LORD"). This chiastic arrangement masterfully places the central promise of divine empowerment ("he shall strengthen thine heart") at the very core of the verse, framed by the repeated call to wait. This structure highlights the direct causal link between patient, courageous waiting and the reception of God's promised strength, reinforcing the theological truth that divine strengthening is the direct outcome of faithful waiting. The verse also utilizes **Metonymy** where "heart" (lêb) represents the entire inner person—encompassing the mind, will, and emotions—thereby indicating a holistic, comprehensive strengthening from God that impacts one's entire being.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully encapsulates a core biblical truth: human perseverance and spiritual fortitude are not self-generated but are divinely empowered by God's unwavering faithfulness. It connects seamlessly to the broader theological themes of God's absolute sovereignty and His active, intimate involvement in the lives of His covenant people. The call to "wait" is not a passive surrender to fate, but an active posture of profound faith, deeply rooted in the understanding that God's timing and methods are perfect, even when inscrutable to human eyes. This theme resonates throughout the entirety of Scripture, consistently emphasizing a radical reliance on God's strength over fallible human effort, and highlighting the transformative power of patient endurance in the face of adversity. It underscores the profound nature of the covenant relationship, wherein God promises to sustain, guide, and empower those who trust Him, affirming that His character is utterly trustworthy and His promises are eternally sure, even when external circumstances suggest otherwise.

* [Isaiah 40:31](/isaiah/40-31 "Isaiah 40:31 - Strength for Those Who Wait on the Lord")
* [Lamentations 3:25-26](/lamentations/3-25-26 "Lamentations 3:25-26 - The Lord is Good to Those Who Wait")
* [Romans 8:25](/romans/8-25 "Romans 8:25 - Waiting with Patience for Hope")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world relentlessly driven by instant gratification, relentless striving, and the pressure to perpetually "do" rather than "be," Psalm 27:14 offers a profound and counter-cultural invitation to a vital spiritual discipline: the art of waiting. It challenges believers to embrace the often-uncomfortable and seemingly unproductive season of waiting, not as a void to be filled, but as a sacred crucible for character formation, a space for deepened intimacy with God, and a training ground for spiritual resilience. This verse profoundly reminds us that true courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the resolute decision to trust God *in the midst of* our fear, knowing with absolute certainty that His strength is perfected precisely in our weakness. When confronted with unanswered prayers, prolonged trials, uncertain futures, or the crushing weight of disappointment, the command to "wait on the LORD" becomes an unshakeable anchor for the soul. It calls us to humbly surrender our finite timelines and limited understanding to His perfect, infinite wisdom, and to find our true fortitude and inner peace in His unfailing, abiding presence. It teaches us that patient endurance, actively fueled by an unwavering hope in God's faithfulness, is not merely a passive state but a powerful act of worship that unlocks divine empowerment for the journey ahead, transforming our hearts into resilient, steadfast vessels of faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific areas or circumstances in your life are you currently being called to "wait on the LORD" with active patience and hopeful expectation?**
* **How does the profound promise of God's strengthening directly impact your ability to "be of good courage" when facing daunting or challenging circumstances?**
* **In what practical ways can you cultivate a more active, hopeful, and trusting posture of waiting, moving beyond passive resignation or anxious striving?**

### FAQ
**What does "wait on the LORD" truly mean in a practical sense, and how is it different from passive inaction?**

Answer: "Waiting on the LORD" is far from passive idleness; it is an active, dynamic spiritual discipline. Practically, it means cultivating a posture of patient expectation, trusting implicitly in God's perfect timing and His sovereign plan, even when circumstances are unclear, difficult, or seemingly stagnant. It involves a multi-faceted engagement with God: persistent prayer, diligently seeking God's will through the study and meditation of His Word ([Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - Your Word is a Lamp Unto My Feet")), actively listening for His guidance through the Holy Spirit, and maintaining an unshakeable hope in His faithfulness, even when the path ahead is obscured. It means humbly surrendering our own timelines, desires, and perceived control to His perfect, divine orchestration, understanding that God is always profoundly at work, even when His activity is not immediately visible or comprehensible to us. It is about persistent hope and confident reliance, rather than anxious striving or despair.

**Is the "courage" mentioned something I'm expected to generate entirely on my own, or is it divinely sourced?**

Answer: No, the courage commanded in Psalm 27:14 is fundamentally not self-generated but divinely empowered and sustained. While it undeniably requires a human response of resolve, steadfastness, and a willingness to step forward in faith, the ability to "be of good courage" ultimately flows from and is sustained by trusting in God's immutable character and His unfailing promises. The verse itself explicitly links this courage directly to God's action: "and he shall strengthen thine heart." This profound connection implies that as we faithfully wait on the Lord, He Himself infuses us with the necessary fortitude, resilience, and inner strength to face our fears, trials, and uncertainties. It is a courage that is rooted in and sustained by faith in His ever-present presence and omnipotent power, as powerfully articulated by the Apostle Paul in [Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things Through Christ"), where he declares, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

**How does God "strengthen my heart" in a tangible and experiential way, beyond just a theological concept?**

Answer: God strengthens the heart in profoundly tangible and experiential ways, though often subtly, impacting the very core of one's being—mind, will, and emotions. This strengthening is primarily an internal, spiritual empowerment that manifests externally. Tangibly, it can manifest as an unexplainable, supernatural peace that transcends all understanding amidst chaos and turmoil ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")), renewed mental clarity to make wise and discerning decisions, increased emotional resilience to endure prolonged suffering without succumbing to despair, or a supernatural resolve to persevere when one feels utterly depleted and on the verge of giving up. It is the Holy Spirit powerfully working within the believer, conforming them to Christ's image and enabling them to live faithfully, even in profound weakness ([2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9-10 "2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - God's Grace is Sufficient in Weakness")). This divine strengthening is a direct, promised result of faithfully waiting on Him and trusting implicitly in His unfailing love and sovereign power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 27:14, with its powerful call to wait on the Lord for strength and courage, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest, most profound meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent embodiment of perfect waiting and courageous endurance. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus consistently demonstrated unwavering, patient submission to His Father's divine will, even in the face of immense suffering, profound opposition, and unimaginable betrayal. This culminated in His agonizing wait and prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane ([Matthew 26:36-46](/matthew/26-36-46 "Matthew 26:36-46 - Jesus in Gethsemane")), followed by His sacrificial and obedient death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). His glorious resurrection is the ultimate, triumphant demonstration of God's strengthening, vindication, and faithfulness for all who wait in faith. For believers, Christ is not merely the supreme example to emulate but, more importantly, the inexhaustible, living source of this divine strength. It is through our spiritual union with Him that we receive the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to wait with confident hope, to be courageous in the face of adversity, and to have our hearts supernaturally strengthened ([Colossians 1:11](/colossians/1-11 "Colossians 1:11 - Strengthened with All Power")). In Christ, the ancient, abstract command to "wait on the LORD" transforms into a living, dynamic reality, as He is the very Lord on whom we wait, and from whom all true, enduring strength flows, enabling us to live a life of steadfast faith until His glorious, promised return ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith")).

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

Isaiah 40:31

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.

Psalms 31:24

Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

Isaiah 30:18

¶ And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD [is] a God of judgment: blessed [are] all they that wait for him.

Psalms 37:34

¶ Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see [it].

Psalms 130:5

¶ I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Habakkuk 2:3

For the vision [is] yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.