Psalms 31:19

KJV

¶ [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!

KJV (with Strong's)

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}!

Complete Jewish Bible

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!

Berean Standard Bible

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!

American Standard Version

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!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 31:19 is a vibrant exclamation of praise, celebrating the immeasurable and reserved goodness of God. It highlights His benevolent character, specifically directed towards those who hold Him in reverent awe and place their complete trust in Him, manifesting His faithful work openly for all to see.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 31 is a complex and deeply personal lament psalm, attributed to David, which traverses the full spectrum of human emotion from profound distress to unwavering trust and exuberant praise. The preceding verses (e.g., [Psalm 31:9-13](/psalms/31-9 "Psalm 31:9-13 - David's Distress")) depict David's overwhelming suffering, betrayal, and isolation, as he cries out to God for deliverance. Yet, even amidst this anguish, a pivotal shift occurs around [Psalm 31:14-15](/psalms/31-14 "Psalm 31:14-15 - David's Trust"), where David firmly declares, "But as for me, I trust in thee, O LORD; I say, Thou art my God. My times are in thy hand." It is from this bedrock of resolute faith, a conscious decision to lean entirely on God despite dire circumstances, that the triumphant declaration of verse 19 bursts forth. This verse serves as a climactic expression of the psalmist's confidence in God's character and active intervention, moving from petition to profound adoration, anticipating the deliverance that God’s goodness guarantees.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical context of many of David's psalms, including Psalm 31, often reflects periods of intense persecution, flight from enemies (e.g., Saul, Absalom), or national distress. During such times, the concept of "refuge" (Hebrew: *ḥāsāh*) in God was not merely a theological abstraction but a vital, practical necessity. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a king's "goodness" (benevolence, provision) was a hallmark of his reign, expected to be demonstrated publicly to his subjects. For Israel, Yahweh was their ultimate King, and His goodness was understood as His active, covenantal faithfulness to protect, provide for, and vindicate His people. The idea of "laying up" treasure was a common practice for security and future provision, making the imagery of God storing up goodness particularly resonant for a people who often faced scarcity and uncertainty. The public display of God's work "before the sons of men" was also crucial in a shame-honor culture, where God's vindication of His people served as a powerful testimony to His sovereignty over all other gods and nations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several profound themes central to the book of Psalms and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **Immeasurable Goodness of God**, portraying His benevolence not merely as an attribute but as an active, overflowing reality that surpasses human comprehension. This goodness is intrinsically linked to His covenant faithfulness, as seen throughout the narrative of Israel's salvation (e.g., [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6-7 - The Lord's Compassion and Grace")). Secondly, it highlights **Divine Provision and Reservation for the Faithful**. God's goodness is not indiscriminately scattered but specifically "laid up" and "wrought" for those who meet the conditions of "fearing" and "trusting" Him. This concept of a reserved blessing for the obedient and reliant is a recurring motif, assuring believers of God's steadfast care and provision (e.g., [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")). Finally, the phrase "before the sons of men" emphasizes the theme of **Public Vindication and Witness**. God's acts of goodness on behalf of His people are not hidden; they are openly displayed, serving as a powerful testimony to His character and power, inviting others to acknowledge His sovereignty and draw near to Him. This public manifestation of divine intervention is a recurring hope for the righteous (e.g., [Psalm 23:5](/psalms/23-5 "Psalm 23:5 - God Prepares a Table Before My Enemies")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Goodness (Hebrew, _ṭōḇ'_):** This term is rich, encompassing not just moral excellence but also prosperity, welfare, kindness, and blessing. When applied to God, it speaks of His inherent nature to be benevolent, to act for the well-being of His creation, and to provide abundantly. It implies a comprehensive well-being that God bestows.
* **Laid up (Hebrew, _ṣāphan'_):** This verb means to hide, store up, treasure, or reserve. It suggests a precious and assured provision, a hidden treasure kept safe and secure for a specific purpose or people. It conveys the idea of an inexhaustible supply, carefully preserved and ready to be dispensed at the opportune moment.
* **Wrought (Hebrew, _pā‘al'_):** This signifies active work, performance, or accomplishment. It emphasizes God's dynamic and intentional intervention. It's not passive goodness but a goodness that is actively and powerfully put into effect, demonstrating God's sovereign power in delivering and sustaining His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Oh how great is thy goodness":** This opening phrase is an exclamation of awe and wonder, expressing the psalmist's profound realization of the immeasurable and overwhelming nature of God's benevolent character and actions. It's an outburst of praise, acknowledging that God's goodness far exceeds human comprehension or expectation, suggesting an infinite wellspring of grace and favor.
* **"which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee":** This clause reveals the specific recipients and the nature of God's goodness. It's not haphazard but intentionally "laid up" or reserved, like a precious treasure, for those who hold God in reverent awe. "To fear God" (Hebrew: *yārē’*) denotes not terror, but a profound respect, humble submission to His authority, and obedient devotion that flows from recognizing His holiness and power. This goodness is a secure, future provision, a divine inheritance for the faithful.
* **"which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee":** This parallel clause further elaborates on the recipients and the active manifestation of God's goodness. For those who "trust in" (Hebrew: *ḥāsāh*, meaning to take refuge in, confide in, or hope in) Him, God actively "wrought" or performed His goodness. This signifies that God's benevolence is not merely stored but also actively worked out in their present experience, demonstrating His tangible intervention and protection in their lives.
* **"before the sons of men!":** This concluding phrase emphasizes the public and demonstrable nature of God's work. His goodness, both reserved and actively performed, is not hidden but made manifest for all humanity to witness. This public display serves as a powerful testimony to God's faithfulness, sovereignty, and power, vindicating His people and inviting others to acknowledge His greatness.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 31:19 is rich with literary artistry that amplifies its theological message. The verse opens with a powerful **Exclamation**, "Oh how great is thy goodness!", immediately setting a tone of awe and wonder. This direct address to God conveys the psalmist's overwhelming sense of His majesty and benevolence. The structure of the verse also employs clear **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism in the two main clauses: "which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee" and "which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee." While using different verbs ("laid up" vs. "wrought") and slightly different descriptions of the faithful ("fear thee" vs. "trust in thee"), both clauses convey the same core idea of God's active goodness towards His devoted people, reinforcing the message through repetition and variation. Furthermore, the phrase "laid up" evokes vivid **Imagery** of a hidden treasure or a secure storehouse, suggesting an abundant and reserved provision that is safe and inexhaustible. Finally, the phrase "before the sons of men" functions as a form of **Public Witness**, highlighting that God's actions are not private but are openly displayed, serving as a powerful, undeniable testimony to His character and faithfulness for all to observe.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 31:19 stands as a profound theological statement on the character of God and His relationship with humanity. It reveals a God whose goodness is not merely an abstract quality but a tangible, active, and reserved reality for those in covenant with Him. This goodness is both a future inheritance ("laid up") and a present experience ("wrought"), demonstrating God's comprehensive care. The conditions for receiving this manifest goodness—"fearing" and "trusting" God—underscore the biblical emphasis on reverent obedience and complete reliance as foundational to a flourishing relationship with the Creator. The public display of God's goodness serves not only to vindicate His people but also to draw others to acknowledge His sovereignty and faithfulness, making the lives of believers a living testimony to His active presence in the world.

* [Isaiah 64:4](/isaiah/64-4 "Isaiah 64:4 - God's Goodness for Those Who Wait")
* [Psalm 27:13](/psalms/27-13 "Psalm 27:13 - Believing to See God's Goodness")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often marked by uncertainty, fear, and apparent chaos, Psalm 31:19 offers a powerful anchor for the soul. It calls us to shift our gaze from our immediate circumstances to the boundless and unwavering goodness of God. This verse encourages us to cultivate a deep, reverential fear of the Lord, recognizing His supreme authority and holiness, which naturally leads to a profound trust in His character and promises. When we place our complete reliance on Him, we are assured that His goodness is not only a future hope but also actively at work in our present lives, even in the midst of trials. Our experiences of God's faithfulness are not meant to be private; they are intended to be a public testament, inspiring others to seek the God who "lays up" and "wroughts" good for His people. This verse challenges us to live lives that visibly demonstrate the reality of God's active goodness, becoming beacons of hope and faith in a world desperately searching for truth and stability.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's goodness as "laid up" and "wrought" impact your perspective on current difficulties or future uncertainties?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate a deeper "fear of the Lord" and a more complete "trust in Him" in your daily life?**
* **How might your life, marked by God's goodness, serve as a public testimony "before the sons of men"?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to "fear God" in this context?**

Answer: In biblical terms, "fearing God" (Hebrew: *yārē’*) does not primarily mean being terrified of Him. Instead, it signifies a profound reverence, awe, and respect for His holiness, power, and authority. It involves acknowledging His supreme sovereignty, humbly submitting to His will, and living in obedient devotion to His commands. This reverential fear is often presented as the beginning of wisdom and knowledge (e.g., [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")), leading to a life of trust and righteousness rather than dread.

**How is God's goodness "laid up" and "wrought" for believers?**

Answer: The phrase "laid up" (Hebrew: *ṣāphan*) suggests a divine treasury or a secured reserve of blessings, provision, and favor that God has prepared and preserved for His faithful people. This speaks to God's eternal plan and His assured future provision, a goodness that is inexhaustible and guaranteed. "Wrought" (Hebrew: *pā‘al*), on the other hand, refers to God's active, dynamic, and intentional work in the present. It means that God is not just passively holding goodness in reserve, but He is actively performing, accomplishing, and demonstrating His benevolent acts in the lives of those who trust Him, making His goodness tangible and visible "before the sons of men."

**Does this verse imply that God's goodness is exclusive to a select few?**

Answer: While the verse specifies that God's goodness is "laid up for them that fear thee" and "wrought for them that trust in thee," it highlights the conditions for experiencing the *manifestation* of His covenantal goodness, rather than limiting His inherent character. God's universal goodness is seen in His common grace to all humanity (e.g., [Matthew 5:45](/matthew/5-45 "Matthew 5:45 - God Sends Rain on the Just and Unjust")), but the deeper, more profound, and redemptive aspects of His goodness, including His active intervention and reserved blessings, are specifically experienced by those who enter into a relationship of reverent fear and trust with Him. This invitation to fear and trust God is extended to all, making the experience of His goodness accessible to anyone who responds in faith.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 31:19 finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "goodness" of God, so wonderfully extolled by the psalmist, is fully embodied and revealed in the person and work of Christ. He is the very "radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory")), through whom the Father's benevolent character is perfectly displayed. The goodness "laid up for them that fear thee" is ultimately the eternal salvation and abundant life secured through Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life in Christ")). It is in Him that believers receive "every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). Furthermore, the goodness "wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men" is powerfully demonstrated in Christ's miracles, His teachings, His victory over sin and death, and His ongoing work through the Holy Spirit in believers. His life, death, and resurrection are the public, undeniable manifestation of God's saving goodness for all humanity ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Thus, Christ is not only the object of our fear (reverence) and trust, but also the very means by which God's immeasurable goodness is poured out and experienced by those who believe, making us "more than conquerors through Him who loved us" ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors Through Christ")).

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

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.