Psalms 62:1

What does Psalms 62:1 mean?

A plain-English look at Psalms 62:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Psalms 62:1 means

Psalm 62:1 expresses profound trust and dependence on God. The psalmist, likely David, declares that his soul "waits in silence" for God alone, signifying a deep, quiet, and exclusive reliance. This waiting is not passive idleness but an active, expectant posture of submission and hope. The phrase "from him comes my salvation" reinforces this sole dependence, indicating that deliverance, help, and well-being in every sense originate directly and entirely from God. The silence highlights a cessation of human effort, worry, or seeking help from other sources, emphasizing God’s singular role as the deliverer and sustainer. It’s a declaration of absolute faith in God’s sovereign power and faithfulness.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

My soul waiteth in silence for God only: From himcomethmy salvation.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

My soul waiteth in silence for God only: From himcomethmy salvation.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

My soul, put all your faith in God; for from him comes my salvation.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

To the Overseer, for Jeduthun. --A Psalm of David. Only--toward God <FI>is<Fi> my soul silent, From Him <FI>is<Fi> my salvation.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

A psalm of David while he was in the desert of Edom.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

UponGod alone doth my soul rest peacefully; from him is my salvation.

Context

Psalm 62 opens with this declaration of trust amidst trouble. Immediately preceding this verse, the superscription identifies the psalm as a "Psalm of David." This verse sets the tone for the entire chapter, which is a fervent expression of David’s unwavering faith in God during a time of great distress and betrayal by others. The verses that follow (Psalm 62:2-4) elaborate on the nature of God as his rock, salvation, and fortress, and contrast God’s steadfastness with the shifting loyalties and deceit of men. Therefore, Psalm 62:1 acts as the foundational statement of David’s faith before he delves into the specifics of his predicament and God’s unchanging character.

v.1This passage

v.2He only is my rock and my salvation: He ismy high tower; I shall not be greatly moved.

Cross references

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

  • Lamentations 3:25

    Jehovah is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.

  • Psalms 62:5

    My soul, wait thou in silence for God only; For my expectation is from him.

  • Psalms 40:1

    I waited patiently for Jehovah; And he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.

  • Isaiah 30:18

    And therefore will Jehovah wait, that he may be gracious unto you; and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for Jehovah is a God of justice; blessed are all they that wait for him.

  • Psalms 33:20

    Our soul hath waited for Jehovah: He is our help and our shield.

  • Luke 2:30

    For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

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