Devine Scripture

Psalms 27:8

What does Psalms 27:8 mean?

A plain-English look at Psalms 27:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Psalms 27:8 means

In this verse, the psalmist recalls a divine invitation and responds with a personal commitment. He remembers God's command or prompting to 'Seek ye my face,' which implies pursuing a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him. His heart's immediate and resolute reply is, 'Thy face, Jehovah, will I seek.' This isn't merely intellectual assent, but a profound, willing decision to prioritize communion with God, demonstrating a responsive and devoted spirit.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Jehovah, will I seek.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Jehovah, will I seek.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

When you said, Make search for my face, my heart said to you, For your face will I make my search.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

To Thee said my heart `They sought my face, Thy face, O Jehovah, I seek.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

The Lord is the strength of his people, and the protector of the salvation of his anointed.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

My heart said for thee, Seek ye my face. Thy face, O Jehovah, will I seek.

Context

Following his earnest cry for God to hear and answer (v. 7), the psalmist reflects on the foundation of his relationship with God. This verse reveals his understanding of God's invitation and his personal commitment to seek God's presence. It explains *why* he feels he can confidently ask God to listen, because he has already committed to pursue God's face, establishing a covenantal basis for his prayer.

v.7Hear, O Jehovah, when I cry with my voice: Have mercy also upon me, and answer me.

v.8This passage

v.9Hide not thy face from me; Put not thy servant away in anger: Thou hast been my help; Cast me not off, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Isaiah 55:6

    Seek ye Jehovah while he may be found; call ye upon him while he is near:

  • Psalms 105:4

    Seek ye Jehovah and his strength; Seek his face evermore.

  • Psalms 63:1

    O God, thou art my God; earnestly will I seek thee: My soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee, In a dry and weary land, where no water is.

  • Psalms 24:6

    This is the generation of them that seek after him, That seek thy face, even Jacob. [Selah

  • Hosea 5:15

    I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me earnestly.

  • Isaiah 45:19

    I have not spoken in secret, in a place of the land of darkness; I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain: I, Jehovah, speak righteousness, I declare things that are right.

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