🎵WEB · Psalms 31:14
What does Psalms 31:14 mean?
"But I trust in you, Yahweh. I said, “You are my God.”"
— Psalms 31:14 (World English Bible)
Surrounding context
Because of all my adversaries I have become utterly contemptible to my neighbors, A fear to my acquaintances. Those who saw me on the street fled from me.
I am forgotten from their hearts like a dead man. I am like broken pottery.
For I have heard the slander of many, terror on every side, while they conspire together against me, they plot to take away my life.
But I trust in you, Yahweh. I said, “You are my God.”
My times are in your hand. Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me.
Make your face to shine on your servant. Save me in your loving kindness.
Let me not be disappointed, Yahweh, for I have called on you. Let the wicked be disappointed. Let them be silent in Sheol.
Explanation
Psalm 31:14 reads, "But I trust in you, Yahweh. I said, 'You are my God.'" In plain language, the psalmist is making a personal declaration of confidence and allegiance to God in the midst of trouble. The word "but" signals a turning point—despite everything working against him, he chooses to place his trust in the Lord and affirms, in the clearest possible terms, that this God is his God, not a distant or abstract deity, but the one to whom he personally belongs.
This verse comes from a psalm traditionally attributed to David, though the superscription simply calls it "A Psalm of David." The surrounding verses paint a picture of severe distress: David describes being surrounded by enemies, slandered, plotted against, forgotten "as a dead man out of mind," and compared to a broken vessel. He speaks of terror on every side and people scheming to take his life. Verse 14 sits right at the pivot of the psalm—after cataloging his afflictions, he turns his focus back to God with renewed resolve. This pattern of lament followed by a declaration of trust is common throughout the Psalms, reflecting the honest, unfiltered way ancient Israelites brought their struggles before God while still affirming their covenant relationship with him.
Theologically, this verse captures the heart of biblical faith: trust that is not based on circumstances but on the character and covenant faithfulness of God. David doesn't say "I trust you because things are going well" or "because I understand what's happening." He trusts God in spite of confusion, danger, and apparent aband
Compare translations
Go deeper with ScriptureCompanion AI
Ask questions about any verse, follow reading plans, write personal prayers, and track your daily habit — all grounded in verified scripture text.