Psalms 69:7

KJV

Because for thy sake I have borne reproach; shame hath covered my face.

KJV (with Strong's)

Because for thy sake I have borne {H5375}{H8804)} reproach {H2781}; shame {H3639} hath covered {H3680}{H8765)} my face {H6440}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For your sake I suffer insults, shame covers my face.

Berean Standard Bible

For I have endured scorn for Your sake, and shame has covered my face.

American Standard Version

Because for thy sake I have borne reproach; Shame hath covered my face.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 69:7 is a profound lament from the psalmist, articulating deep personal suffering and public humiliation endured not as a consequence of personal sin, but specifically "for thy sake"—for the cause, honor, and righteousness of God. This verse powerfully conveys the experience of bearing intense reproach and shame, portraying an overwhelming disgrace that covers the psalmist's very being due to unwavering devotion to the Almighty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 69 is a fervent and extended lament, a desperate cry for deliverance from overwhelming affliction and hostile enemies. It belongs to a category of psalms where the suffering is portrayed as unjust, and the psalmist appeals to God for vindication against those who revile him. While deeply personal, its language of being "engulfed by deep waters" of scorn and its imprecatory elements also give it a broader, even prophetic, dimension. The psalmist consistently asserts his innocence regarding the cause of his suffering, setting the stage for the crucial declaration in verse 7 that his reproach is "for thy sake," distinguishing it from laments over personal transgression.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Traditionally attributed to David, Psalm 69 reflects the experiences of a righteous individual facing intense opposition and public disgrace within ancient Israelite society. In the ancient Near East, honor and shame were paramount social currencies. To "bear reproach" (חֶרְפָּה, _ḥerpa_) meant to endure public scorn, insult, and a loss of social standing. The phrase "shame hath covered my face" (בֹּשֶׁת, _boshet_) vividly portrays an extreme form of public humiliation and personal anguish, where one's very identity and dignity are stripped away. This was not merely an internal feeling but a visible, public reality, often leading to social ostracism and profound personal suffering.

* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes significantly to several key themes within the psalm and broader biblical narrative. The central theme is **suffering for righteousness**, highlighting the endurance of hardship, insult, and public disgrace not due to personal wrongdoing, but because of one's unwavering commitment to God and His cause. This resonates powerfully with the concept of [being persecuted for righteousness' sake](/matthew/5-10 "Matthew 5:10 - Blessed are those persecuted for righteousness"), a blessed state described by Jesus. Another prominent theme is **reproach and shame**, emphasizing the public and deeply personal nature of the suffering, a profound loss of honor. Crucially, the suffering is directly linked to **divine association** ("for thy sake"), implying that the psalmist is bearing the scorn that is ultimately directed at God Himself, making his suffering a vicarious experience for God's name and glory.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Reproach (Hebrew, חֶרְפָּה, _ḥerpa_):** This term denotes disgrace, scorn, insult, or taunt. It frequently refers to public ridicule, verbal abuse, or shaming that diminishes one's honor and standing in the community. It implies an active campaign of vilification against the psalmist.
* **Shame (Hebrew, בֹּשֶׁת, _boshet_):** Signifying humiliation, confusion, or disgrace, _boshet_ often carries the connotation of being put to shame or experiencing a profound sense of failure or dishonor. It can manifest outwardly, such as a reddened or downcast face, indicating deep personal anguish and public dishonor.
* **For thy sake (Hebrew, לְמַעַנְךָ, _lema'ankha_):** This critical phrase indicates that the suffering is not a result of the psalmist's own sin or folly, but is directly linked to his loyalty, devotion, and association with God. It implies that the enemies are attacking God through His servant, making the psalmist a proxy bearer of divine reproach.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Because for thy sake":** This opening clause establishes the profound motivation and justification for the psalmist's suffering. His endurance of hardship is not arbitrary or self-inflicted, nor is it a consequence of personal transgression. Instead, it is a direct result of his unwavering faithfulness and allegiance to God, implying that the scorn directed at him is, in essence, scorn directed at the God he serves.
* **"I have borne reproach":** The psalmist states that he has actively endured, carried, and sustained intense public scorn, insult, and disgrace. This highlights the weight and persistence of the verbal and social attacks leveled against him, emphasizing a continuous experience of being reviled by others.
* **"shame hath covered my face":** This vivid and powerful image conveys an overwhelming and inescapable sense of profound humiliation and public disgrace. The "covering" suggests an all-encompassing, suffocating shame that permeates his entire being, leaving him exposed, without honor, and unable to hide from the public gaze of contempt. It speaks to a complete loss of dignity in the eyes of his adversaries.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 69:7 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the psalmist's deep anguish. The phrase "shame hath covered my face" is a striking **metaphor** or **idiom**, transforming an abstract emotion into a tangible, suffocating shroud. This **imagery** vividly depicts the overwhelming and inescapable nature of the humiliation, suggesting a profound loss of dignity that is visible to all. The intensity of the suffering, particularly the idea of shame "covering" one's face, also borders on **hyperbole**, emphasizing the extreme and pervasive nature of the disgrace. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **personal lament**, directly expressing the psalmist's individual suffering in the first person ("I," "my"), which invites the reader to empathize deeply with his plight and the injustice he endures for his faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The suffering of the righteous "for God's sake" in Psalms 69:7 resonates deeply with a recurring biblical theme: that faithfulness to God can often lead to opposition and persecution from the world. This verse underscores the reality that those who align themselves with God's truth and righteousness may become targets of scorn and humiliation, precisely because their lives expose the sin and rebellion of others. This experience is not a sign of God's disfavor, but rather an affirmation of one's commitment to Him, mirroring the path of many prophets, apostles, and ultimately, Christ Himself. It highlights a divine solidarity with the suffering faithful, promising ultimate vindication and glory for those who endure for His name.

* [1 Peter 4:16](/1_peter/4-16 "1 Peter 4:16 - Suffering as a Christian")
* [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ, suffering with Him")
* [Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Sharing in His sufferings")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 69:7 offers profound insights for believers navigating a world often hostile to faith. It reminds us that suffering for righteousness is not an anomaly but a potential consequence of devoted discipleship. When we face ridicule, misunderstanding, or even outright persecution for our commitment to Christ, this verse provides solace by affirming that our experience is shared with the psalmist and, most importantly, with our Savior. It calls us to persevere, knowing that our "reproach" and "shame" are seen by God and are part of a larger divine narrative of vindication. Rather than retreating in shame, we are encouraged to find strength in our identification with Christ, trusting that God will ultimately honor those who honor Him, even in the midst of public disgrace. Our suffering for His name is a badge of honor, not a mark of failure.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the psalmist's suffering "for God's sake" deepen your perspective on your own trials and challenges?**
* **In what ways might believers today experience "reproach" or "shame" for their faith, and how can we respond with grace and courage?**
* **How does the promise of divine vindication, implicit in the psalmist's appeal to God, encourage perseverance when facing unjust suffering?**

### FAQ
**Is Psalm 69 only about David, or does it have broader meaning?**

Answer: While traditionally attributed to David and reflecting his personal experience of persecution and distress, Psalm 69 transcends a purely autobiographical interpretation. It has a universal application to the suffering of the righteous, resonating with anyone who endures hardship for their faithfulness to God. Crucially, it is also highly prophetic and widely understood as a messianic psalm, finding its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The New Testament writers frequently apply its themes and specific verses to Jesus' passion, ministry, and the zeal He displayed for God's house, as seen in passages like [John 2:17](/john/2-17 "John 2:17 - Zeal for God's house") and [Romans 15:3](/romans/15-3 "Romans 15:3 - Christ bore reproaches"). This indicates its broader, divinely intended scope, pointing beyond David to the ultimate righteous sufferer.

**What does "shame hath covered my face" mean in ancient culture?**

Answer: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, honor and shame were fundamental social values, deeply intertwined with one's identity, family, and community standing. "Shame hath covered my face" is a powerful idiom signifying profound public humiliation, a complete loss of dignity, and social disgrace. It suggests an overwhelming and inescapable shame that is visible to all, leaving the individual utterly exposed, without defense, and unable to hide from the gaze of contempt. This was not merely an internal feeling but a public reality, often leading to social ostracism, mockery, and a diminished reputation. It stands in stark contrast to the concept of "lifting up the face," which symbolized divine favor, vindication, and honor. The psalmist's expression conveys the ultimate depth of his public degradation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 69:7 finds its most profound and complete fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The psalmist's cry, "Because for thy sake I have borne reproach; shame hath covered my face," perfectly foreshadows the suffering of the sinless Son of God. Jesus bore the ultimate reproach and shame, not for any personal sin (for He knew no sin, as [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ became sin for us") states), but entirely "for thy sake"—for the Father's glory, for the accomplishment of God's redemptive plan, and to save humanity. The reproaches directed at God by a rebellious world were indeed borne by Christ, as [Romans 15:3](/romans/15-3 "Romans 15:3 - Christ bore reproaches") explicitly states, quoting from Psalm 69:9. His entire passion, from the mockery of the soldiers to the public crucifixion, was an act of profound humiliation. He was spat upon, beaten, stripped naked, and exposed to the scorn of the crowds, perfectly embodying the "shame hath covered my face" (see [Matthew 27:30](/matthew/27-30 "Matthew 27:30 - Jesus mocked and spat upon")). Yet, in enduring this shame, Jesus "despised the shame" for the joy set before Him ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus endured the cross, despising the shame")), ultimately bringing glory to God and salvation to all who believe. His willing humiliation was the path to exaltation, demonstrating the ultimate triumph over sin and shame through obedient suffering ([Philippians 2:8-9](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ humbled Himself")).

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 44:22

Yea, for thy sake are we killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter.

Jeremiah 15:15

¶ O LORD, thou knowest: remember me, and visit me, and revenge me of my persecutors; take me not away in thy longsuffering: know that for thy sake I have suffered rebuke.

Isaiah 50:6

I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.

Hebrews 12:2

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

John 15:21

But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.

John 15:24

If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.

Matthew 27:38

Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.