Psalms 27:14
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.Psalms 27:14
What does Psalms 27:14 mean?
David instructs — perhaps himself — to wait on the LORD, be courageous, and let God strengthen his heart, then repeats the call to wait. It closes the psalm with an active kind of waiting: courageous, not passive.
Context
This verse is the final line of Psalm 27, a psalm that moves from bold confidence (vv.1-6) to honest, urgent pleading for God's help (vv.7-13). Verse 14 concludes that movement, encouraging continued waiting and courage even without every question resolved within the psalm itself.
Key themes
Related Bible verses
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Bible study
- How does this verse's placement at the end of a psalm that moves from confidence to urgent pleading shape its meaning?
- What does it mean that waiting on the LORD is paired with being of 'good courage,' rather than passivity?
- What are you currently waiting on God for, and what would courageous waiting look like?
Prayer
A short devotional prayer inspired by this verse — not scripture
LORD, I wait on You. Strengthen my heart and give me courage while I wait, even when the answer hasn't come yet. Amen.
Memorize this verse
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Share this verse
Frequently asked questions
How does Psalm 27:14 relate to the rest of the psalm?
It closes a psalm that moves from bold confidence (vv.1-6) to honest, urgent prayer for help (vv.7-13), encouraging continued courageous waiting even without full resolution.
Is waiting on the LORD a passive act in this verse?
No — it's paired directly with being of 'good courage' and having a strengthened heart, suggesting an active, sustained posture rather than passive inactivity.