Old Testament
Psalms 83:16
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Fill their faces with shame, so that they may seek your name, O LORD.
Compare translations
Fill their faces with shame; that they may seek thy name, O LORD.
What Psalms 83:16 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the psalmist is asking God to bring shame upon those who oppose Him. The purpose of this shame is not merely punitive; it is intended to lead these individuals to seek the Lord's name and turn towards Him. The psalmist recognizes that sometimes, experiencing shame or humiliation can prompt a person to reflect on their actions and seek redemption. This plea highlights the belief that God can use difficult circumstances to draw people closer to Him. The verse emphasizes the importance of seeking God, suggesting that even in moments of disgrace, there is an opportunity for spiritual awakening and transformation. The psalmist's request reflects a deep desire for God's justice and mercy to prevail, ultimately leading to a recognition of His sovereignty and a return to faith.
How to apply Psalms 83:16 to your life
When facing opposition or injustice, we can pray for those who oppose us, asking God to work in their hearts. This verse reminds us that even shame can lead to a search for God. We should remain hopeful that others may turn to faith through their struggles.
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 Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Joseph, Jacob's son
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. 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.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
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 83:16
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 83:16
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 83:16 mean?
Psalms 83:16 expresses a plea for God to bring shame upon those who oppose Him, with the intention that this shame will lead them to seek the Lord. It highlights the idea that difficult experiences can prompt individuals to reflect on their actions and turn towards God.
What is the significance of shame in Psalms 83:16?
In this verse, shame is seen as a tool that can lead to repentance and a search for God. The psalmist believes that experiencing shame can encourage people to reconsider their ways and seek a relationship with the Lord.
How can Psalms 83:16 be applied in daily life?
Psalms 83:16 encourages us to pray for those who oppose us, asking God to work in their hearts. It reminds us that even negative experiences can lead to a search for faith and a deeper understanding of God.
What themes are present in Psalms 83:16?
The themes in Psalms 83:16 include divine justice, the role of shame in repentance, the importance of seeking God, spiritual awakening, and God's sovereignty over all situations.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.