Old Testament
Psalms 109:1
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Do not hold your peace, O God of my praise;
Compare translations
Hold not thy peace, O God of my praise;
What Psalms 109:1 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the psalmist is calling out to God, expressing a deep desire for God to respond and not remain silent. The phrase 'God of my praise' indicates a personal relationship, where the psalmist acknowledges God as the source of his worship and gratitude. This plea reflects a moment of distress or urgency, suggesting that the psalmist feels abandoned or unheard in a time of need. The request for God not to hold His peace implies a longing for divine intervention or support. The psalmist is essentially asking God to be active and present in his life, especially when facing challenges or adversaries. This verse sets the tone for the rest of the psalm, which may delve into themes of justice, vindication, and the psalmist's reliance on God during difficult times. It highlights the importance of communication with God, especially in moments of trouble, and the expectation that God will respond to the cries of His people.
How to apply Psalms 109:1 to your life
When facing challenges, it's important to express our feelings to God honestly. Like the psalmist, we can cry out for help and seek God's presence in our struggles. This encourages us to maintain an open line of communication with God, trusting that He hears us.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Psalms 109:1
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Psalms 109:1
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Psalms
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 109:1 mean?
Psalms 109:1 expresses the psalmist's urgent plea for God to respond and not remain silent during a time of distress. The phrase 'God of my praise' highlights a personal relationship, indicating that the psalmist sees God as the source of his worship and support. This verse reflects a deep longing for divine intervention, especially when feeling abandoned or unheard.
How can I apply Psalms 109:1 in my life?
You can apply Psalms 109:1 by being honest with God about your struggles and feelings. When facing challenges, take time to pray and express your need for God's presence and help. This verse encourages open communication with God, reminding you that it's okay to seek His guidance and support during tough times.
Why does the psalmist ask God not to be silent?
The psalmist asks God not to be silent because he feels a sense of urgency and distress. In moments of trouble, silence from God can feel like abandonment. This plea reflects a desire for reassurance and divine action, emphasizing the importance of God's presence in times of need.
What themes are present in Psalms 109:1?
Psalms 109:1 encompasses themes such as divine silence, urgent prayer, and the personal relationship between the believer and God. It also highlights the importance of worship and praise, as well as the desperation for help when facing adversities. These themes resonate with many who seek comfort and support from God.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.