Psalms 89:33

KJV

Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail.

KJV (with Strong's)

Nevertheless my lovingkindness {H2617} will I not utterly take {H6331}{H8686)} from him, nor suffer my faithfulness {H530} to fail {H8266}{H8762)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But I won't withdraw my grace from him or be false to my faithfulness.

Berean Standard Bible

But I will not withdraw My loving devotion from him, nor ever betray My faithfulness.

American Standard Version

But my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, Nor suffer my faithfulness to fail.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 89:33 stands as a pivotal declaration within a psalm that oscillates between exuberant praise for God's covenant faithfulness and a profound lament over the apparent failure of the Davidic monarchy. In this verse, God Himself speaks, offering a solemn assurance that despite any necessary divine discipline for disobedience within the Davidic line, His fundamental lovingkindness and unwavering faithfulness—the very bedrock of His covenant with David—will never be utterly withdrawn or allowed to fail. It is a powerful affirmation of God's immutable character and His ultimate commitment to His promises, even when human performance falters, providing an unshakable foundation for hope.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 89, attributed to Ethan the Ezrahite, is a majestic yet deeply troubled meditation on the Davidic covenant. It opens with an extended hymn celebrating God's steadfast love and faithfulness, particularly as demonstrated in His unconditional promise to David concerning an eternal dynasty, as recorded in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"). However, the psalm takes a dramatic turn from [Psalms 89:38](/psalms/89-38 "Psalms 89:38 - The Psalmist's Lament") onward, shifting into a poignant lament. The psalmist questions why God seems to have cast off His anointed king and allowed the Davidic monarchy to suffer disgrace and defeat. Verse 33 is situated within a crucial section ([Psalms 89:30-37](/psalms/89-30-37 "Psalms 89:30-37 - God's Discipline and Enduring Covenant")) where God directly addresses the potential for disobedience among David's descendants. He declares that while He will indeed discipline their transgressions with the "rod" and "blows" ([Psalms 89:32](/psalms/89-32 "Psalms 89:32 - Discipline for Disobedience")), this discipline is not a revocation of His ultimate covenant commitment. Thus, verse 33 functions as God's emphatic reassurance, a divine counterpoint to the psalmist's later lament, asserting the enduring nature of His covenant love despite human failure.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Davidic covenant, established in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"), was a foundational promise for Israel, assuring an eternal dynasty for David's descendants and an everlasting kingdom. This covenant was largely unconditional on God's part, though it included provisions for discipline if David's heirs strayed. Culturally, covenants in the ancient Near East often involved both parties, with blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. However, the Davidic covenant emphasized God's unilateral commitment. By the time Psalm 89 was likely composed (perhaps during a period of national crisis, such as the Babylonian exile or a significant military defeat that threatened the Davidic throne), the reality of the Davidic monarchy was far from the glorious ideal. Kings had been unfaithful, the kingdom had divided, and the line was seemingly broken. The psalmist's lament reflects the profound theological crisis of how God's eternal promise could reconcile with the apparent collapse of His chosen dynasty. Verse 33 directly addresses this tension, affirming God's fidelity even amidst perceived failure.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 89:33 powerfully underscores several core theological themes. Foremost is the theme of **God's unwavering covenant fidelity**, particularly His commitment to the Davidic covenant. Even when the human party, the Davidic kings, fail to uphold their responsibilities, God's side of the agreement remains secure because it is founded on His immutable character, not solely on human performance. This highlights the **distinction between divine discipline and divine abandonment**; God's chastisement for sin, as mentioned in [Psalms 89:32](/psalms/89-32 "Psalms 89:32 - God's Discipline"), is a corrective measure born of love, not a withdrawal of His ultimate promise. It is akin to a father disciplining his child, as seen in [Hebrews 12:6](/hebrews/12-6 "Hebrews 12:6 - The Lord Disciplines Those He Loves"). The verse also emphasizes the twin pillars of God's character: His **unfailing lovingkindness (Hebrew: *ḥesed*)** and His **unwavering faithfulness (Hebrew: *’ĕmûnâ*)**. These attributes assure that God's loyal love and trustworthiness will never be utterly rescinded, even when His people are faithless, for He "cannot deny himself" ([2 Timothy 2:13](/2_timothy/2-13 "2 Timothy 2:13 - God Remains Faithful")). This divine constancy forms the bedrock of hope throughout the Old Testament narrative.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lovingkindness (Hebrew, _chêçêd_):** This profound theological term (H2617) signifies far more than mere affection; it denotes loyal love, covenant mercy, steadfast devotion, and unfailing grace. It describes a love that is active, committed, and always acts on behalf of the beloved, especially within the context of a covenant relationship. God's *chêçêd* is a cornerstone of His character, often linked with His unchanging nature and His commitment to His promises, particularly to Israel and the Davidic line. Here, it assures that even when discipline is necessary, God's inherent covenantal loyalty will not be "utterly taken from him."

* **Faithfulness (Hebrew, _ʼĕmûwnâh_):** This word (H530) conveys reliability, trustworthiness, stability, and firmness. When applied to God, it means He is utterly dependable; His word is His bond, and His promises are sure. He cannot contradict Himself or fail to uphold what He has declared. The phrase "nor suffer my faithfulness to fail" emphasizes God's active preservation of His own character and word. His *ʼĕmûwnâh* is the guarantee that His covenant promises, despite human unfaithfulness or apparent setbacks, will ultimately be fulfilled.

* **Fail (Hebrew, _shâqar_):** This primitive root (H8266) means to cheat, to be untrue (usually in words), to deal falsely, or to lie. In the context of Psalms 89:33, God emphatically states that He will not allow His faithfulness to "fail" in this sense—He will not be untrue to His word, deal falsely with His covenant, or disappoint the expectations founded upon His character. This reinforces the absolute reliability and integrity of God's promises, asserting that His commitment will never prove to be a lie or a broken vow.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him":** The word "Nevertheless" (אַךְ, *’akh*) serves as a strong adversative, introducing a powerful contrast to the preceding verses that speak of discipline for sin. It signals that despite human transgression and the necessity of chastisement, God's *ḥesed*—His loyal, covenantal love—will not be completely removed from the Davidic line. The phrase "not utterly take" (from H6331, *pûwr*, meaning to crush or bring to nought) implies that while there may be a temporary withdrawal of certain blessings or a period of severe discipline, the foundational, enduring aspect of His covenant love remains intact. It is a promise of preservation, not abandonment, ensuring the ultimate continuity of His relationship with David's descendants.

* **"nor suffer my faithfulness to fail":** This clause reinforces and expands upon the first. God declares that He will actively prevent His *’ĕmûnâ*—His reliability, trustworthiness, and adherence to His word—from failing. The Hebrew verb for "fail" (שָׁקַר, *shaqar*) can mean to deal falsely, to lie, or to disappoint. God emphatically states that He will not allow His character to be compromised or His promises to be broken. His faithfulness is immutable; it is not contingent upon human performance but is rooted in His very being. This provides the ultimate assurance that the Davidic covenant, despite all appearances, will endure.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 89:33 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. **Parallelism** is evident, as the two clauses of the verse ("my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him" and "nor suffer my faithfulness to fail") express a similar idea of divine constancy, reinforcing the central truth through repetition and slight variation. This is a form of **synonymous parallelism**, where the second line reiterates and amplifies the thought of the first. The verse also features powerful **Divine Speech**, as God Himself is the speaker, lending immense authority and weight to the declaration, making it an unchallengeable divine decree. Furthermore, there is a subtle form of **Personification** where God's abstract attributes—lovingkindness and faithfulness—are presented as entities that could potentially be "taken" or "fail," but which God actively ensures will not. This emphasizes the active, volitional nature of God's commitment to His own character and promises, highlighting His sovereign control over His attributes and His covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 89:33 is a powerful theological statement that anchors the hope of Israel, and indeed all believers, in the unchanging character of God. It highlights the tension between God's justice, which demands discipline for sin, and His grace, which upholds His covenant promises despite human failure. This verse reveals that God's covenants are ultimately grounded in His own nature—His *ḥesed* (loyal love) and *’ĕmûnâ* (faithfulness)—rather than solely on human obedience. While the Davidic line would experience severe consequences for disobedience, God's ultimate commitment to the covenant would not be abrogated. This divine fidelity provides an unwavering foundation for faith, reminding us that God's promises are secure, even when circumstances seem to contradict them or when our own unfaithfulness makes us question His commitment. It points to a God who cannot deny Himself, whose word is eternally reliable, and whose love is steadfast through all generations.

* [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22-23 "The Lord's Mercies Never Come to an End")
* [2 Timothy 2:13](/2_timothy/2-13 "God Remains Faithful Even When We Are Faithless")
* [Romans 3:3-4](/romans/3-3-4 "God's Faithfulness Remains Despite Human Unbelief")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 89:33 offers profound comfort and a robust foundation for faith in the life of a believer. In a world characterized by shifting loyalties and broken promises, this verse declares the absolute immutability of God's character. When we inevitably falter, when our faith wavers, or when we face the consequences of our own sin, this verse assures us that God's discipline is not a sign of His rejection, but rather an expression of His enduring love and faithfulness. It reminds us that our hope is not predicated on our perfect performance or fluctuating circumstances, but on the unchanging nature of God Himself. His lovingkindness and faithfulness are the anchors for our souls, providing stability even in the stormiest seasons. We are called to trust in His character above all else, knowing that His promises, rooted in His steadfast love, provide an unshakeable foundation for our lives, guiding us back to righteousness even through His corrective hand, always working for our ultimate good and His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's "lovingkindness" and "faithfulness" as immutable attributes impact your trust in Him during times of personal failure or perceived divine absence?**
* **In what ways have you experienced God's discipline, and how can the truth of Psalms 89:33 reshape your perspective on those experiences, viewing them as expressions of His enduring love rather than rejection?**
* **How does the tension between God's unwavering promise and human unfaithfulness, as seen in Psalm 89, resonate with your own spiritual journey and your understanding of grace?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more fully lean on God's unchanging character when circumstances seem to contradict His promises, fostering deeper reliance and peace?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean God never punishes sin or that there are no consequences for disobedience?**

Answer: No, this verse does not mean God never punishes sin or that there are no consequences for disobedience. In fact, the verses immediately preceding Psalms 89:33 explicitly state that God *will* discipline the Davidic line if they forsake His law or violate His statutes. [Psalms 89:31-32](/psalms/89-31-32 "Psalms 89:31-32 - Discipline for Disobedience") states, "If his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments; If they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments; Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes." Verse 33, with its crucial "Nevertheless," acts as a divine assurance *within* the context of that discipline. It clarifies that while punishment and correction will occur, God's fundamental covenantal lovingkindness and faithfulness—His ultimate commitment to His promise—will not be *utterly* removed or allowed to fail. It's a vital distinction between corrective discipline and complete abandonment or revocation of the covenant.

**How does God's faithfulness in this verse relate to His justice?**

Answer: God's faithfulness, as declared in Psalms 89:33, perfectly harmonizes with His justice. His justice demands that sin be addressed and that disobedience incurs consequences, as seen in the "rod" and "stripes" mentioned in [Psalms 89:32](/psalms/89-32 "Psalms 89:32 - God's Discipline"). However, God's faithfulness ensures that even in His administration of justice, He remains true to His covenant promises. He doesn't abandon the Davidic line entirely, even when they deserve judgment. This demonstrates that God's justice is not cold or detached, but is always exercised within the bounds of His covenantal love and reliability. His faithfulness means He will uphold both His righteous standards and His gracious commitments, ultimately working for the restoration and ultimate fulfillment of His purposes, rather than complete destruction.

**Is the promise in Psalms 89:33 only for David and his descendants, or does it apply to all believers today?**

Answer: While the immediate context of Psalms 89:33 is God's covenant with David and his royal lineage, the theological principles it reveals about God's character—His immutable lovingkindness and unfailing faithfulness—are universally applicable to all believers. The Davidic covenant itself finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Son of David, making the promises inherently relevant to those in Him. Just as God would not utterly take His lovingkindness from David's line, He certainly will not utterly take His lovingkindness from those who are in Christ, who is the ultimate heir of the Davidic throne ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus, Son of David, Son of God")). While we may experience God's loving discipline for our sins ([Hebrews 12:6-8](/hebrews/12-6-8 "Hebrews 12:6-8 - The Lord Disciplines Those He Loves")), His steadfast love and faithfulness toward us, as His adopted children, will never fail ([Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38-39 "Romans 8:38-39 - Nothing Can Separate Us From God's Love")). Thus, the verse provides immense assurance for all who trust in God's unchanging character.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 89:33 finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the promised Son of David and the eternal King. The Davidic covenant, which promised an everlasting throne and kingdom ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Promise to David")), faced apparent collapse through the unfaithfulness of David's human descendants and the eventual exile. Yet, God's declaration in Psalms 89:33—that His lovingkindness would not be utterly taken and His faithfulness would not fail—pointed forward to a perfect King who would perfectly embody God's covenant fidelity. Jesus, the Christ, is the one in whom God's *ḥesed* and *’ĕmûnâ* are perfectly manifested and eternally secured. His obedience and atoning sacrifice ensure that God's promises are not contingent on our flawed performance but are "Yes" and "Amen" in Him ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are 'Yes' in Christ")). Through Christ, the Davidic kingdom is established forever, not through a fallible earthly lineage, but through His eternal reign as the Son of God ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus' Eternal Kingdom")). Believers, united with Christ, become inheritors of this unfailing covenant, experiencing God's lovingkindness and faithfulness that will never be utterly taken from them, for nothing "will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" ([Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38-39 "Romans 8:38-39 - Nothing Can Separate Us From God's Love")).

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 54:8

In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.

Isaiah 54:10

For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.

2 Samuel 7:15

But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took [it] from Saul, whom I put away before thee.

Lamentations 3:31

For the Lord will not cast off for ever:

Lamentations 3:32

But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies.

Hebrews 6:18

That by two immutable things, in which [it was] impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

Jeremiah 33:20

Thus saith the LORD; If ye can break my covenant of the day, and my covenant of the night, and that there should not be day and night in their season;