Old Testament
Psalms 27:9
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Do not hide your face far from me. Do not put your servant away in anger. You have been my help — do not leave me, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
Compare translations
Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
What Psalms 27:9 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the psalmist is pleading with God not to turn away or abandon him. The imagery of God hiding His face suggests a feeling of distance or rejection. The psalmist acknowledges that God has been a source of help in the past and expresses a deep fear of being forsaken. This reflects a relationship built on trust and reliance, where the psalmist seeks reassurance of God's presence and support. The mention of 'O God of my salvation' highlights the psalmist's understanding of God as the ultimate source of deliverance and hope. This verse captures the emotional turmoil of feeling alone and the desperate need for divine companionship and guidance during difficult times. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a close relationship with God, especially when facing challenges, and the desire for His continued support and presence in life.
How to apply Psalms 27:9 to your life
When feeling distant from God, it's important to reach out in prayer, expressing your fears and needs. Remember that God is always there to help and support you, even in tough times. Cultivating a close relationship with Him can provide comfort and strength.
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 27:9
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 27:9
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 27:9 mean about God's presence?
Psalms 27:9 expresses a deep yearning for God's presence and reassurance. The psalmist pleads with God not to hide His face, indicating a fear of abandonment. This reflects the emotional struggle of feeling distant from God, emphasizing the importance of His support during challenging times. The verse reassures believers that God is a source of help and salvation, encouraging them to seek His presence actively.
How can I apply Psalms 27:9 in my life?
To apply Psalms 27:9, start by acknowledging your feelings of distance from God in prayer. Express your fears and needs honestly, just as the psalmist did. This verse encourages you to seek a closer relationship with God, especially during difficult moments. Remember that God is always there to support you, and cultivating this relationship through prayer and reflection can provide comfort and strength.
Why does the psalmist refer to God as 'the God of my salvation'?
The title 'God of my salvation' in Psalms 27:9 emphasizes God's role as the ultimate source of deliverance and hope. The psalmist acknowledges past help from God and expresses trust in His ability to save. This title reflects a deep relationship built on faith, where the psalmist relies on God's power to provide not just physical help but spiritual salvation as well.
What should I do when I feel God is hiding from me?
When you feel that God is hiding from you, it's essential to reach out in prayer and express your feelings honestly. Reflect on past experiences where you felt God's presence and support. Engage in spiritual practices like reading scripture, worship, or talking to a trusted friend or mentor. Remember that God is always present, even when it feels like He is distant, and seeking Him can help restore your sense of connection.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.