Psalm 86:17
New International Version
Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, LORD, have helped me and comforted me.

New Living Translation
Send me a sign of your favor. Then those who hate me will be put to shame, for you, O LORD, help and comfort me.

English Standard Version
Show me a sign of your favor, that those who hate me may see and be put to shame because you, LORD, have helped me and comforted me.

Berean Standard Bible
Show me a sign of Your goodness, that my enemies may see and be ashamed; for You, O LORD, have helped me and comforted me.

King James Bible
Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me.

New King James Version
Show me a sign for good, That those who hate me may see it and be ashamed, Because You, LORD, have helped me and comforted me.

New American Standard Bible
Show me a sign of good, That those who hate me may see it and be ashamed, Because You, LORD, have helped me and comforted me.

NASB 1995
Show me a sign for good, That those who hate me may see it and be ashamed, Because You, O LORD, have helped me and comforted me.

NASB 1977
Show me a sign for good, That those who hate me may see it, and be ashamed, Because Thou, O LORD, hast helped me and comforted me.

Legacy Standard Bible
Show me a sign for good, That those who hate me may see it and be ashamed, Because You, O Yahweh, have helped me and comforted me.

Amplified Bible
Show me a sign of [Your] goodwill, That those who hate me may see it and be ashamed, Because You, O LORD, helped and comforted me.

Christian Standard Bible
Show me a sign of your goodness; my enemies will see and be put to shame because you, LORD, have helped and comforted me.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Show me a sign of Your goodness; my enemies will see and be put to shame because You, LORD, have helped and comforted me.

American Standard Version
Show me a token for good, That they who hate me may see it, and be put to shame, Because thou, Jehovah, hast helped me, and comforted me.

Contemporary English Version
Show that you approve of me! Then my hateful enemies will feel like fools, because you have helped and comforted me.

English Revised Version
Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed, because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Grant me some proof of your goodness so that those who hate me may see it and be put to shame. You, O LORD, have helped me and comforted me.

Good News Translation
Show me proof of your goodness, LORD; those who hate me will be ashamed when they see that you have given me comfort and help.

International Standard Version
Show me a sign of your goodness, so that those who hate me will see it and be ashamed. For you, LORD, will help and comfort me.

Majority Standard Bible
Show me a sign of Your goodness, that my enemies may see and be ashamed; for You, O LORD, have helped me and comforted me.

NET Bible
Show me evidence of your favor! Then those who hate me will see it and be ashamed, for you, O LORD, will help me and comfort me.

New Heart English Bible
Show me a sign of your goodness, that those who hate me may see it, and be shamed, because you, LORD, have helped me, and comforted me.

Webster's Bible Translation
Show me a token for good; that they who hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast helped me, and comforted me.

World English Bible
Show me a sign of your goodness, that those who hate me may see it, and be shamed, because you, Yahweh, have helped me, and comforted me.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Do with me a sign for good, "" And those hating me see and are ashamed, "" For You, O YHWH, have helped me, "" Indeed, You have comforted me!

Young's Literal Translation
Do with me a sign for good, And those hating me see and are ashamed, For Thou, O Jehovah, hast helped me, Yea, Thou hast comforted me!

Smith's Literal Translation
Make with me a sign for good, and they hating me shall see and be ashamed: for thou, Jehovah, didst help me and comfort me.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Shew me a token for good: that they who hate me may see, and be confounded, because thou, O Lord, hast helped me and hast comforted me.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Make me a sign of what is good, so that those who hate me, may look and be confounded. For you, O Lord, have helped me and consoled me.

New American Bible
Give me a sign of your favor: make my enemies see, to their confusion, that you, LORD, help and comfort me.

New Revised Standard Version
Show me a sign of your favor, so that those who hate me may see it and be put to shame, because you, LORD, have helped me and comforted me.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Show me a token for good, that they which hate me may see it and be ashamed, because thou, LORD, hast helped me and comforted me.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Make a good sign with me that those who hate me will see and will be ashamed because you, LORD JEHOVAH, have helped me and you have comforted me!
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Work in my behalf a sign for good; That they that hate me may see it, and be put to shame, Because Thou, LORD, hast helped me, and comforted me.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Establish with me a token for good; and let them that hate me see it and be ashamed; because thou, O Lord, hast helped me, and comforted me.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Tried But Trusting
16Turn to me and have mercy; grant Your strength to Your servant; save the son of Your maidservant. 17Show me a sign of Your goodness, that my enemies may see and be ashamed; for You, O LORD, have helped me and comforted me.

Cross References
Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:13
For I am the LORD your God, who takes hold of your right hand and tells you: Do not fear, I will help you.

Isaiah 45:24
Surely they will say of Me, ‘In the LORD alone are righteousness and strength.’” All who rage against Him will come to Him and be put to shame.

Isaiah 54:17
No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.

Exodus 4:8-9
And the LORD said, “If they refuse to believe you or heed the witness of the first sign, they may believe that of the second. / But if they do not believe even these two signs or listen to your voice, take some water from the Nile and pour it on the dry ground. Then the water you take from the Nile will become blood on the ground.”

Exodus 4:30-31
and Aaron relayed everything the LORD had said to Moses. And Moses performed the signs before the people, / and they believed. And when they heard that the LORD had attended to the Israelites and had seen their affliction, they bowed down and worshiped.

Numbers 16:28-30
Then Moses said, “This is how you will know that the LORD has sent me to do all these things, for it was not my own doing: / If these men die a natural death, or if they suffer the fate of all men, then the LORD has not sent me. / But if the LORD brings about something unprecedented, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them and all that belongs to them so that they go down alive into Sheol, then you will know that these men have treated the LORD with contempt.”

1 Samuel 2:34
And this sign shall come to you concerning your two sons Hophni and Phinehas: They will both die on the same day.

1 Kings 13:3-5
That day the man of God gave a sign, saying, “The LORD has spoken this sign: ‘Surely the altar will be split apart, and the ashes upon it will be poured out.’” / Now when King Jeroboam, who was at the altar in Bethel, heard the word that the man of God had cried out against it, he stretched out his hand and said, “Seize him!” But the hand he stretched out toward him withered, so that he could not pull it back. / And the altar was split apart, and the ashes poured out, according to the sign that the man of God had given by the word of the LORD.

2 Kings 20:8-11
Now Hezekiah had asked Isaiah, “What will be the sign that the LORD will heal me and that I will go up to the house of the LORD on the third day?” / And Isaiah had replied, “This will be a sign to you from the LORD that He will do what He has promised: Would you like the shadow to go forward ten steps, or back ten steps?” / “It is easy for the shadow to lengthen ten steps,” answered Hezekiah, “but not for it to go back ten steps.” ...

John 14:13-14
And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. / If you ask Me for anything in My name, I will do it.

John 16:23-24
In that day you will no longer ask Me anything. Truly, truly, I tell you, whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you. / Until now you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.

Acts 4:29-30
And now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness, / as You stretch out Your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.”

Acts 14:3
So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who affirmed the message of His grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders.

Romans 15:18-19
I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obedience by word and deed, / by the power of signs and wonders, and by the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.


Treasury of Scripture

Show me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because you, LORD, have helped me, and comforted me.

shew

Psalm 41:10,11
But thou, O LORD, be merciful unto me, and raise me up, that I may requite them…

Psalm 74:9
We see not our signs: there is no more any prophet: neither is there among us any that knoweth how long.

Isaiah 38:22
Hezekiah also had said, What is the sign that I shall go up to the house of the LORD?

that they

Psalm 71:9-13
Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth…

Psalm 109:29
Let mine adversaries be clothed with shame, and let them cover themselves with their own confusion, as with a mantle.

Micah 7:8-10
Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me…

thou

Psalm 40:1
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.

Psalm 71:20,21
Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth…

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Ashamed Behalf Comforted Enemies Favor Good Goodness Hate Haters Help Helped Holpen Korah Psalm Shame Shamed Shew Show Sign Song Token Work
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Psalm 86
1. David strengthens his prayer by the consciousness of his religion
5. By the goodness and power of God
11. He desires the continuance of former grace
14. Complaining of the proud, he craves some token of God's goodness














Show me a sign of Your goodness
The phrase "Show me a sign of Your goodness" is a heartfelt plea from David, the psalmist, for a tangible demonstration of God's favor. The Hebrew word for "sign" (אוֹת, 'oth) often refers to a miraculous or divine indication. In the biblical context, signs were frequently used by God to confirm His promises or to demonstrate His power and presence, as seen in the lives of figures like Moses and Gideon. David's request for a sign is not merely for personal reassurance but also as a testament to others of God's active involvement in his life. This reflects a deep trust in God's character and His willingness to intervene in human affairs.

that my enemies may see and be ashamed
The phrase "that my enemies may see and be ashamed" highlights the public nature of God's intervention. The Hebrew word for "ashamed" (בּוֹשׁ, bosh) implies a sense of disgrace or humiliation. David desires that his adversaries witness God's favor upon him, leading them to recognize their own folly in opposing one whom God supports. This is not a call for personal vengeance but rather a desire for God's justice to be evident, turning the hearts of the enemies towards repentance or acknowledgment of God's sovereignty.

For You, O LORD, have helped me
"For You, O LORD, have helped me" is a declaration of past experiences of divine assistance. The use of "LORD" (יהוה, Yahweh) is significant, as it is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His faithfulness and unchanging nature. The Hebrew word for "helped" (עָזַר, azar) conveys the idea of support and deliverance. David reflects on previous instances where God has intervened on his behalf, providing a foundation of trust for his current request. This acknowledgment of past help serves to strengthen his faith and reliance on God's continued provision.

and comforted me
The phrase "and comforted me" speaks to the emotional and spiritual solace that God provides. The Hebrew word for "comforted" (נָחַם, nacham) can also mean to console or to bring relief. This aspect of God's character is crucial, as it shows that He is not only a God of action but also one of compassion and care. David's recognition of God's comfort underscores the personal relationship he has with the Lord, where God is not distant but intimately involved in the well-being of His people. This comfort is a source of strength and peace, enabling David to face his challenges with confidence in God's presence and support.

(17) A token for good--i.e., some sign of continued or renewed providential care and love, such, indeed, as an Israelite under the old covenant saw, and every pious heart under the new sees, in what to others is an every-day occurrence. The expression for good is a favourite one with Nehemiah (Nehemiah 5:19; Nehemiah 13:31) and Jeremiah (Jeremiah 24:5-6, and comp. Romans 8:28. &c).

Verse 17. - Show me a token for good; i.e. give me some sign - not necessarily a miraculous one - that thou art dealing with me, not for evil, but "for good" (Jeremiah 24:6), and that thou wilt grant me that which I have requested of thee. That they which hate me may see it. A visible token is therefore requested, not a mere inward conviction or assurance (see 2 Kings 20:8; Isaiah 7:11). And be ashamed (comp. Psalm 6:10; 56:17; 119:78, etc.). Because thou, Lord, hast holpen me, and comforted me. The psalmist's deliverance would be his enemies' shame; it would show that God was on his side, and against them.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Show
עֲשֵֽׂה־ (‘ă·śêh-)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

me
עִמִּ֥י (‘im·mî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

a sign
א֗וֹת (’ō·wṯ)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 226: A signal, as a, flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence

of Your goodness,
לְט֫וֹבָ֥ה (lə·ṭō·w·ḇāh)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

that my enemies
שֹׂנְאַ֣י (śō·nə·’ay)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 8130: To hate

may see
וְיִרְא֣וּ (wə·yir·’ū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7200: To see

and be ashamed,
וְיֵבֹ֑שׁוּ (wə·yê·ḇō·šū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 954: To pale, to be ashamed, to be disappointed, delayed

for
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

You,
אַתָּ֥ה (’at·tāh)
Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

O LORD,
יְ֝הוָ֗ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

have helped me
עֲזַרְתַּ֥נִי (‘ă·zar·ta·nî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 5826: To surround, protect, aid

and comforted me.
וְנִחַמְתָּֽנִי׃ (wə·ni·ḥam·tā·nî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 5162: To sigh, breathe strongly, to be sorry, to pity, console, rue, to avenge


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OT Poetry: Psalm 86:17 Show me a sign of your goodness (Psalm Ps Psa.)
Psalm 86:16
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