Psalms 89:50

KJV

Remember, Lord, the reproach of thy servants; [how] I do bear in my bosom [the reproach of] all the mighty people;

KJV (with Strong's)

Remember {H2142}{H8798)}, Lord {H136}, the reproach {H2781} of thy servants {H5650}; how I do bear {H5375}{H8800)} in my bosom {H2436} the reproach of all the mighty {H7227} people {H5971};

Complete Jewish Bible

Remember, Adonai, the taunts hurled at your servants, which I carry in my heart [from] so many peoples!

Berean Standard Bible

Remember, O Lord, the reproach of Your servants, which I bear in my heart from so many people—

American Standard Version

Remember, Lord, the reproach of thy servants; How I do bear in my bosom the reproach of all the mighty peoples,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 89:50 presents a poignant and urgent plea from the psalmist to the Lord, imploring Him to acknowledge and respond to the profound public humiliation and deep personal pain suffered by His covenant people. It articulates the overwhelming burden of national disgrace, which the psalmist internalizes, lamenting the apparent contradiction between God's steadfast promises to the Davidic line and the current overwhelming distress inflicted by powerful adversaries.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 89 is a meticulously structured theological drama, commencing with an expansive and majestic celebration of God's unwavering covenant faithfulness, particularly His eternal promise to David's dynasty as detailed in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant"). The initial verses are replete with declarations of God's immense power, righteousness, and steadfast love. However, the psalm undergoes a dramatic and jarring shift from verse 38 onward, transitioning into a profound lament. This lament details a catastrophic national defeat and public disgrace, where God's anointed king and His people are suffering devastating humiliation. The psalmist questions why God seems to have "cast off" His covenant and allowed such suffering. Verse 50 functions as a climactic, desperate cry for divine intervention, appealing directly to God's character and His past promises in the face of overwhelming adversity and a perceived divine abandonment. It is a final, impassioned appeal before the psalm's concluding doxology.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the precise historical event that occasions the lament in Psalm 89 remains a subject of scholarly debate, possibilities include the Babylonian exile, a significant military defeat (such as the battle of Megiddo), or an earlier existential crisis for the Davidic dynasty. The "reproach" (Hebrew: *cherpâh*) mentioned in the verse signifies more than mere physical suffering; it denotes a deep public shame, disgrace, and contempt. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, public honor was paramount, and shame was a devastating experience, often perceived as worse than physical pain or even death. It undermined one's status, dignity, and, crucially, the honor of one's patron deity. The humiliation of God's chosen people implied a dishonor to God Himself, making the reproach a profound theological crisis. The "mighty people" (Hebrew: *ʿammîm rabbîm*) likely refers to powerful foreign nations or groups who were oppressing Israel and mocking their God, highlighting the overwhelming nature of the opposition.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 89 and the broader biblical narrative. The central theme is **The Burden of Reproach**, highlighting the profound shame and contempt borne by God's servants, which is deeply internalized by the psalmist. This suffering is not merely personal but represents **Corporate Suffering**, as the psalmist bears the collective shame of the nation, embodying their distress. The plea "Remember, Lord" underscores the theme of **Divine Remembrance**, which is not a request for God to recall forgotten facts, but rather an urgent appeal for Him to act decisively on behalf of His covenant people, recalling His obligations and promises (as seen in [Psalm 132:1](/psalms/132-1 "Psalm 132:1 - Remember David's Afflictions")). The psalm also grapples intensely with the tension between **God's Covenant Faithfulness** and the apparent contradiction of current suffering, ultimately appealing to God's character to uphold His word despite dire circumstances. This tension is a recurring motif in the Psalms, particularly in laments that wrestle with God's justice and sovereignty in the face of human suffering (see [Psalm 44:23-24](/psalms/44-23-24 "Psalm 44:23-24 - Why Do You Sleep, O Lord?")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Reproach (Hebrew, _cherpâh'_):** (H2781) This word signifies a deep sense of shame, disgrace, scorn, or contempt. It implies being mocked, insulted, or publicly humiliated, often in a way that dishonors not only the individual or nation but also their God. It is a profound wound to honor and dignity, a public declaration of worthlessness or failure.
* **Bosom (Hebrew, _chêyq'_):** (H2436) While literally meaning "lap" or "bosom," in this context, it functions metaphorically to represent the innermost being, heart, or soul. The phrase "bear in my bosom" emphasizes the deep, personal, and internalized pain of this reproach, indicating that the psalmist feels the full weight of this national shame and humiliation within his very core, not merely observing it externally.
* **People (Hebrew, _ʻam'_):** (H5971) This term refers to a congregated unit, a nation, or a community. In this verse, it is used in conjunction with "mighty" (Hebrew: *rab*, H7227), referring to numerous and powerful foreign nations or groups who are the source of the reproach and oppression against God's people. The psalmist's burden is amplified by the sheer number and strength of these adversaries.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Remember, Lord, the reproach of thy servants;":** This is an impassioned and urgent plea directed to God, using the divine title "Lord" (Hebrew: *Adonai*, H136). The request to "remember" (Hebrew: *zâkar*, H2142) is not an implication that God has forgotten, but rather an idiom for an urgent call to action. It implores God to recall His covenant promises, His past acts of deliverance, and His own character, and then to intervene decisively on behalf of "thy servants"—His covenant people. The "reproach" is the public shame and humiliation endured by those who serve Him, implying that God's own honor and reputation are being questioned or diminished through their suffering. It is a desperate call for divine justice and vindication.
* **"[how] I do bear in my bosom [the reproach of] all the mighty people;":** Here, the psalmist expresses a profound sense of personal identification with the collective suffering of his nation. The phrase "I do bear" (Hebrew: *nâsâʼ*, H5375, "to lift, carry, bear") signifies the heavy weight of this burden. He is not merely observing the reproach; he is internalizing it, feeling its full, devastating weight in his innermost being ("in my bosom"). The parenthetical "how" in the KJV clarifies that this clause explains the nature of the reproach. The phrase "all the mighty people" emphasizes the overwhelming nature and widespread source of this contempt, highlighting the immense burden of shame that the psalmist, as a representative or leader, carries on behalf of the entire community.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 89:50 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its poignant message and amplify the psalmist's distress. The most prominent is **Lament**, as the entire latter half of the psalm, culminating in this verse, is a heartfelt cry of distress and complaint addressed to God in the face of national calamity and perceived divine abandonment. The direct address "Remember, Lord" is a clear example of **Apostrophe**, where the psalmist speaks directly to God, intensifying the personal, urgent, and intimate nature of the plea. The phrase "bear in my bosom" utilizes **Metonymy**, where "bosom" (a physical part of the body) stands in for the innermost being, heart, or soul, emphasizing the profound depth of internalized pain and emotional suffering. Furthermore, the use of "all the mighty people" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Intensification**, underscoring the overwhelming, pervasive, and seemingly insurmountable nature of the opposition and the widespread disgrace, thereby amplifying the psalmist's sense of burden and the desperate urgency of his appeal to God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse resonates deeply with the biblical theme of suffering for righteousness and the corporate solidarity in the experience of shame. It highlights the profound pain of public disgrace, particularly when it is endured for the sake of one's allegiance to God. The psalmist's plea for God to "remember" is a recurring motif throughout Scripture, signifying a call for divine action and intervention rooted in God's covenant promises and His character, rather than a suggestion of divine forgetfulness. It connects the suffering of God's people to His own honor and reputation in the world, implying that their vindication is also His vindication. This passage underscores the reality that faithfulness to God can lead to worldly reproach, yet it simultaneously affirms the hope that God will ultimately uphold His covenant and deliver His people.

* [1 Peter 4:16](/1_peter/4-16 "1 Peter 4:16 - Suffering for Christ's Name")
* [Hebrews 13:13](/hebrews/13-13 "Hebrews 13:13 - Bearing Christ's Reproach")
* [Psalm 25:6](/psalms/25-6 "Psalm 25:6 - Remember Your Mercies, O Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 89:50 offers a profound and enduring model for believers facing public scorn, opposition, or humiliation for their faith today. It validates the deep, personal pain that reproach inflicts, acknowledging its impact not just on reputation but on the very heart and spirit. In moments when circumstances seem to contradict God's promises, or when the world mocks the faith we hold dear, this verse encourages us to bring our most profound burdens directly to God in honest lament. It reminds us that our suffering for righteousness' sake is not unnoticed by Him, and indeed, it can be a powerful act of identification with Christ, who also endured immense reproach. This psalm fosters hope that even when God seems silent or distant, we can still appeal to His character, His covenant, and His unfailing faithfulness, trusting that He will ultimately remember and act on behalf of His people, transforming their shame into vindication and glory. It calls us to empathy for those who bear the corporate burdens of the Church or humanity's suffering.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you personally internalize the "reproach" or criticism directed at the Church or other believers today?**
* **What does it mean to "bear in your bosom" the burdens of the wider Christian community or even the world's suffering?**
* **In what ways might your suffering for faith be a form of identification with Christ, who also endured reproach?**
* **How can you maintain hope and trust in God's faithfulness when circumstances seem to contradict His promises?**

### FAQ
**Why does the psalmist ask God to "remember"? Does God forget?**

Answer: No, the request for God to "remember" (Hebrew: *zakhar*) is not an indication that God is forgetful or has a flawed memory. Instead, it is a common biblical idiom, especially in laments and prayers, that serves as an urgent plea for divine action. When the psalmist implores God to "remember," he is effectively asking God to recall His covenant promises, His past acts of deliverance, and His own character, and then to act decisively and intervene on behalf of His people in the present circumstances. It's a call for God to manifest His power and faithfulness, transforming a state of perceived abandonment or inaction into one of active intervention and justice. This concept is seen throughout Scripture, as when God "remembered" Noah and the animals in the ark ([Genesis 8:1](/genesis/8-1 "Genesis 8:1 - God Remembered Noah")), or when He "remembered" His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the time of the Exodus ([Exodus 2:24](/exodus/2-24 "Exodus 2:24 - God Remembered His Covenant")).

**What does it mean for the psalmist to "bear in my bosom" the reproach?**

Answer: The phrase "bear in my bosom" (literally "in my lap" or "in my innermost being," from the Hebrew *chêyq*) signifies a deep, personal, and internalized experience of the reproach. It means the psalmist is not merely observing the public shame and humiliation of his people from a distance; he is feeling it profoundly within his own spirit and soul. This speaks to a profound empathy and solidarity with the suffering of the nation, where the collective disgrace becomes a personal, agonizing burden. It highlights the emotional and spiritual depth of the psalmist's lament, showing that the shame has penetrated beyond outward appearance to his very core, affecting his very being.

**Who are "the mighty people" mentioned in the verse?**

Answer: "The mighty people" (Hebrew: *ʿammîm rabbîm*) refers to powerful, numerous, and often hostile nations or groups who are inflicting the reproach and humiliation upon God's servants. In the context of the Davidic monarchy and Israel's history, these would typically be foreign empires or formidable adversaries who had defeated Israel or were oppressing them, thereby bringing shame upon God's people and, by extension, upon God Himself. The phrase emphasizes the overwhelming nature of the opposition and the widespread source of the psalmist's and the nation's distress, underscoring the severity of the challenge and the desperate need for divine intervention.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 89:50 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ, the true Son of David and the perfect Suffering Servant. While the psalmist lamented bearing the reproach of his people, Jesus perfectly embodied this burden, taking upon Himself the ultimate reproach of humanity's sin and rebellion against God. As prophesied in [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant"), He was "despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief." The New Testament explicitly states that Christ "did not please himself; but as it is written, 'The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me'" ([Romans 15:3](/romans/15-3 "Romans 15:3 - Christ Did Not Please Himself")). He bore the public shame of the cross, being crucified outside the city gate, enduring the scorn and mockery of "mighty people" both religious and political ([Hebrews 13:13](/hebrews/13-13 "Hebrews 13:13 - Bearing Christ's Reproach Outside the Camp")). He felt the full weight of humanity's sin and the Father's wrath in His innermost being, truly bearing it in His "bosom" for our sake. Through His suffering and bearing of reproach, Jesus secured our eternal vindication and honor, transforming our shame into glory. Believers are now called to follow His example, willingly bearing His reproach, knowing that our temporary suffering for Him leads to eternal glory ([1 Peter 2:23](/1_peter/2-23 "1 Peter 2:23 - Christ's Example in Suffering"); [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Our Faith")).

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 74:18

¶ Remember this, [that] the enemy hath reproached, O LORD, and [that] the foolish people have blasphemed thy name.

Psalms 74:22

Arise, O God, plead thine own cause: remember how the foolish man reproacheth thee daily.

Psalms 69:9

For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me.

Romans 15:3

For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.

Psalms 44:13

Thou makest us a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and a derision to them that are round about us.

Psalms 44:16

For the voice of him that reproacheth and blasphemeth; by reason of the enemy and avenger.

Psalms 69:19

Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonour: mine adversaries [are] all before thee.