Psalms 33:20
Psalms 33:20 in Multiple Translations
Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield.
Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield.
Our soul hath waited for Jehovah: He is our help and our shield.
Our souls are waiting for the Lord; he is our help and our salvation.
We place our confidence in the Lord; he is our help and our defender.
Our soule waiteth for the Lord: for he is our helpe and our shielde.
Our soul hath waited for Jehovah, Our help and our shield [is] He,
Our soul has waited for the LORD. He is our help and our shield.
Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield.
Many are the afflictions of the just; but out of them all will the Lord deliver them.
We trust that Yahweh will help us; he protects us like a shield protects a soldier [MET].
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 33:20
BAB
Word Study
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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 33:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
נַ֭פְשֵׁ/נוּ
חִכְּתָ֣ה
לַֽ/יהוָ֑ה
עֶזְרֵ֖/נוּ
וּ/מָגִנֵּ֣/נוּ
הֽוּא
נַ֭פְשֵׁ/נוּ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
חִכְּתָ֣ה
châkâh
H2442
to wait
V-Piel-Perf-3fs
לַֽ/יהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
עֶזְרֵ֖/נוּ
ʻêzer
H5828
helper
N-ms | Suff
וּ/מָגִנֵּ֣/נוּ
mâgên
H4043
shield
Conj | N-cs | Suff
הֽוּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 33:20
נַ֭פְשֵׁ/נוּ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
חִכְּתָ֣ה
châkâh
H2442
"to wait"
V-Piel-Perf-3fs
To wait patiently is what this Hebrew word means, as when David waited for God's deliverance in the Psalms. It involves trusting and expecting God's help, like when the prophet Isaiah encouraged the Israelites to wait on God.
Definition: 1) to wait, wait for, await 1a) (Qal) to wait for 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to wait, tarry 1b2) to wait (in ambush) 1b3) to wait for, long for
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: long, tarry, wait. See also: 2 Kings 7:9; Isaiah 8:17; Psalms 33:20.
לַֽ/יהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
עֶזְרֵ֖/נוּ
ʻêzer
H5828
"helper"
N-ms | Suff
A helper or one who provides aid is the meaning of this word, used to describe someone who assists or supports others. It is used in the Psalms to express gratitude for God's help and in the book of Isaiah to describe God's aid to his people.
Definition: 1) help, succour 1a) help, succour 1b) one who helps
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: help. See also: Genesis 2:18; Psalms 115:9; Psalms 20:3.
וּ/מָגִנֵּ֣/נוּ
mâgên
H4043
"shield"
Conj | N-cs | Suff
A shield in biblical times, this word also symbolizes protection, like God being a shield to those who trust in Him, as seen in Psalm 3:3. It can also refer to a ruler or leader who defends their people.
Definition: shield, buckler
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] armed, buckler, defence, ruler, [phrase] scale, shield. See also: Genesis 15:1; Psalms 33:20; Psalms 3:4.
הֽוּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
Study Notes — Psalms 33:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 33:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 33:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 33:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 33:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 33:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 33:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 33:20
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 33:20
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 33:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 33:20
- Sermons on Psalms 33:20
Context — Praise to the Creator
18Surely the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His loving devotion
19to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.
20Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield.
21For our hearts rejoice in Him, since we trust in His holy name. 22May Your loving devotion rest on us, O LORD, as we put our hope in You.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 40:31 | But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint. |
| 2 | Psalms 27:14 | Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD! |
| 3 | Psalms 130:5–6 | I wait for the LORD; my soul does wait, and in His word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning— more than watchmen wait for the morning. |
| 4 | Psalms 115:9–12 | O Israel, trust in the LORD! He is their help and shield. O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD! He is their help and shield. You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and shield. The LORD is mindful of us; He will bless us. He will bless the house of Israel; He will bless the house of Aaron; |
| 5 | 1 Chronicles 5:20 | And because they cried out to God in battle, they were helped against their enemies, and the Hagrites and all their allies were delivered into their hands. Because they put their trust in God, He answered their prayers. |
| 6 | Psalms 62:5–6 | Rest in God alone, O my soul, for my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress; I will not be shaken. |
| 7 | Psalms 144:1–2 | Blessed be the LORD, my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. He is my steadfast love and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer. He is my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me. |
| 8 | Isaiah 8:17 | I will wait for the LORD, who is hiding His face from the house of Jacob. I will put my trust in Him. |
| 9 | Psalms 62:1–2 | In God alone my soul finds rest; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation. He is my fortress; I will never be shaken. |
Psalms 33:20 Summary
[This verse means that our deepest being is trusting in and relying on God, rather than on our own strength or abilities. It's like saying, 'God, I'm waiting for You to help me and protect me, because I know You are my only true hope.' As it says in Psalms 34:8, we can taste and see that the Lord is good, and we can trust in His loving devotion. By waiting for the Lord, we can experience His peace and joy, even in difficult circumstances, as promised in Philippians 4:7 and John 14:27.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to wait for the Lord?
Waiting for the Lord means trusting in His timing and plan, even when we don't understand what's happening, as seen in Psalms 27:14 and Isaiah 40:31.
How can God be our help and shield?
God is our help and shield because He is all-powerful and loving, and He promises to protect and care for those who trust in Him, as stated in Psalms 28:7 and Deuteronomy 33:29.
What does it mean for our soul to wait for the Lord?
When our soul waits for the Lord, it means that our deepest being is trusting in and relying on Him, rather than on our own strength or abilities, as encouraged in Lamentations 3:25 and Psalms 62:1.
How can we apply this verse to our daily lives?
We can apply this verse by choosing to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, even in difficult circumstances, and by looking to Him for help and protection, as exhorted in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 17:7-8.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to wait for the Lord and trust in His timing?
- How can I practically trust in God as my help and shield in times of uncertainty or fear?
- What does it mean for me to rejoice in God, as mentioned in the next verse, and how can I cultivate that kind of joy in my life?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my trust in God's holy name, as mentioned in Psalms 33:21?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 33:20
Our soul waiteth for the Lord,.... This, and what follows, are the words of the church, expressing her expectation, faith, and joy, by reason of what is suggested in the preceding verses.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 33:20
Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield. Conclusion.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 33:20
The help of us Israelites, to whom he hath made many promises and glorious discoveries of his goodness.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 33:20
Psalms 33:20 Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he [is] our help and our shield.Ver. 20. Our soul waiteth for the Lord] i.e. Patiently tarrieth the Lord’ s leisure. We can both wait and want for a need.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 33:20
(20-22) Hope—wait—trust.—The Hebrew language was naturally rich in words expressive of that attitude of expectancy which was characteristic of a nation whose golden age was not in the past, but in the future—a nation for which its great ancestor left in his dying words so suitable a motto— “I have waited for thy salvation, O Lord,” and which, while itself held back outside the promised land of the hope of immortality, was to be the birth-race of the great and consoling doctrine that alone could satisfy the natural craving expressed by the moralist in the well-known line— “Man never is, but always to be, blest;” and by the Christian apostle— “For here we have no continuing city, but we seek one to come.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 33:20
Verse 20. Our soul waiteth] Our whole life is employed in this blessed work; we trust in nothing but him; neither in multitudes of armed men, nor in natural strength, nor in the fleetest animals, nor in any thing human: we trust in Him alone "who is our help and our shield."
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 33:20
20–22. The people’s concluding profession of patient trust and hope, corresponding to the introductory invitation of Psa 33:1-3, and springing naturally out of the consideration of Jehovah’s character in Psalms 33:12-19.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 33:20
Our soul waiteth for the Lord - This and the subsequent verses to the end of the psalm refer to the people of God, expressing their faith in him in view of the considerations suggested in the former part of the psalm.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 33:20
20-22. From the retrospections already given the psalmist renews the national profession of trust in Jehovah as their only protector, and of joyful fealty to his holy name.
Sermons on Psalms 33:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Psalms 33 - Christianity Personal Corporate by Richard Owen Roberts | This sermon emphasizes the importance of a nation being under God's blessing by acknowledging Him as Lord. It challenges individuals to consider personal and corporate repentance, |
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Exposition on Psalm 34 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches about the importance of righteousness, humility, and trust in the Lord. He emphasizes the need to depart from evil, do good, seek peace, and have patience in |
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The Shield by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches on the comforting words spoken to Abraham by the Lord, assuring him not to be afraid as He is his shield. This shield represents God's protection and defense aga |
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Moses Pointing to the Lord for Battle by Bob Hoekstra | Bob Hoekstra preaches on the importance of relying on the sufficiency of God in the midst of battles, using Moses as an example who pointed Israel to the Lord for battle. Despite f |
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The Lord Giveth by E.V. Hill | In this sermon transcript, Dr. Evie Hill delivers a heartfelt message at his wife's funeral. He reflects on the 32 years they spent together and the love and support she gave him. |
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A Touch From God (Full) by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God's presence and being willing to fully surrender to Him, leaving behind defilement and busyness. It highlights the need for a de |
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Short Excerpt by William Booth | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of salvation and its ability to deliver and purify the soul. The sermon encourages the listener to find joy in the salvation offer |