¶ [Oh] how great [is] thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; [which] thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!
Oh how great {H7227} is thy goodness {H2898}, which thou hast laid up {H6845} for them that fear {H3373} thee; which thou hast wrought {H6466} for them that trust {H2620} in thee before the sons {H1121} of men {H120}!
But oh, how great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you do for those who take refuge in you, before people's very eyes!
How great is Your goodness which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have bestowed before the sons of men on those who take refuge in You!
Oh how great is thy goodness, Which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee, Which thou hast wrought for them that take refuge in thee, Before the sons of men!
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1 Corinthians 2:9
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. -
Isaiah 64:4
For since the beginning of the world [men] have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, [what] he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him. -
Lamentations 3:23
[They are] new every morning: great [is] thy faithfulness. -
Lamentations 3:25
The LORD [is] good unto them that wait for him, to the soul [that] seeketh him. -
1 Peter 1:4
To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, -
1 Peter 1:5
Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. -
Colossians 3:2
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Psalm 31:19 is a profound declaration of God's abundant and reserved goodness for those who revere and rely on Him. It serves as a powerful exclamation of praise, emerging from a psalm where David expresses deep distress but ultimately affirms his unwavering trust in the Lord.
Context
This verse is nestled within Psalm 31, a lament psalm of David, which transitions from fervent pleas for deliverance from enemies and suffering to expressions of confident trust and eventual praise. David has just confessed his complete reliance on God (Psalm 31:14), and this verse bursts forth as a realization of the magnitude of God's faithfulness and provision. It highlights God's character as a deliverer and sustainer, even amidst severe trials.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word for "goodness" is ṭōḇ, which encompasses not just moral excellence but also prosperity, welfare, and kindness. It speaks to God's inherent nature to bless and provide. "Laid up" comes from the verb ṣāphan, meaning to store, hide, or reserve, suggesting a treasure or an assured provision kept safe for His people. "Wrought" is from pā‘al, indicating active work or performance, emphasizing God's dynamic and intentional intervention in the lives of those who trust Him. The "fear" of God (yārē’) is not terror, but a profound reverence, awe, and respectful submission to His authority, coupled with obedience to His commands (Proverbs 9:10). To "trust" (ḥāsāh) means to take refuge in, to confide in, or to hope in God completely.
Practical Application
Psalm 31:19 offers immense encouragement and a call to deeper faith. In times of difficulty, it reminds us that God's goodness is not exhausted; it is a stored treasure awaiting those who continue to fear and trust Him. Our present struggles do not negate God's future provision and care. Furthermore, our lives, marked by God's manifest goodness, can become powerful testimonies to the world around us, demonstrating His active presence and faithfulness. This verse encourages us to maintain a reverent awe of God and to continually place our hope and dependence in Him, knowing that He actively works on our behalf, even "before the sons of men."