Psalms 27:14

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Psalm 27:14 (KJV) serves as a powerful concluding exhortation to the entire psalm, which is a declaration of David's unwavering trust in God amidst fear and opposition. This verse distills the essence of enduring faith: patience, courage, and reliance on divine strength.

Context

Psalm 27 is a deeply personal psalm, often attributed to King David, who frequently faced enemies, betrayal, and immense pressure. Throughout the psalm, David expresses his confidence in God's protection and presence, even when "an host should encamp against me" (Psalm 27:3). The psalm transitions from confident declaration to fervent prayer and concludes with this vital instruction. It acknowledges that even with great faith, there are times of testing and the need for perseverance, making the final command to "wait on the LORD" particularly poignant.

Key Themes

  • Patient Expectation: The repeated command, "Wait on the LORD," emphasizes the necessity of patience and active expectation. It's not passive resignation but a hopeful, confident looking to God for His intervention and timing. This concept is central to many biblical teachings on spiritual endurance and divine provision.
  • Courage in Adversity: "Be of good courage" calls believers to maintain strength and resolve, even when circumstances are difficult or uncertain. This courage is not self-generated but is sustained by faith in God's character and promises. Itโ€™s an active stance against fear and despair.
  • Divine Strengthening: The promise, "and he shall strengthen thine heart," assures the believer that their waiting and courage will be met with God's empowering presence. This strengthening is internal, affecting one's spirit, resolve, and inner peace, enabling them to face challenges with fortitude.
  • Trust and Hope: Underlying the entire verse is a deep call to trust in God's faithfulness and to maintain hope in His ultimate deliverance and goodness. It's a reminder that God is actively involved in the lives of those who seek Him.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "wait" (ืงึทื•ึผึตื”, qavah) carries the nuance of "to bind together," "to look eagerly," or "to hope." It implies a strong, active expectation and a persistent clinging to God, not merely a passive delay. It suggests a patient endurance that is sustained by hope. The phrase "be of good courage" (ื—ึฒื–ึทืง, chazaq) means to be strong, firm, or resolute, often used in military contexts or when facing great tasks, such as in Joshua 1:9.

Practical Application

For the modern believer, Psalm 27:14 offers timeless counsel. In a world that often demands instant gratification, this verse reminds us of the value of divine timing and the spiritual discipline of waiting. It encourages us to cultivate a steadfast heart, knowing that God is at work even when we cannot see it. When facing personal trials, professional uncertainties, or spiritual battles, the command to "wait on the LORD" calls us to anchor our hope in Him, trusting that He will provide the necessary strength and guidance. It teaches us that true courage comes from reliance on God, not on our own abilities, and that His strength is made perfect in our weakness.

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Cross-References

  • Isaiah 40:31 (116 votes)

    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 (71 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 30:18 (62 votes)

    ยถ 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 (56 votes)

    ยถ 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 (50 votes)

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

  • Philippians 4:13 (44 votes)

    I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

  • Habakkuk 2:3 (40 votes)

    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.