I wait for the LORD;
This phrase reflects a posture of patience and expectation. In the biblical context, waiting on the LORD is often associated with trust and reliance on God's timing and provision. The Hebrew word for "wait" (קָוָה, qavah) implies a sense of hope and anticipation. Throughout the Old Testament, waiting on the LORD is a recurring theme, as seen in Isaiah 40:31, where those who wait on the LORD renew their strength. This waiting is not passive but active, involving prayer, meditation, and trust in God's promises.

my soul does wait,
The repetition emphasizes the depth of the psalmist's longing and commitment. The soul, or "nephesh" in Hebrew, represents the entire being, indicating that this waiting is not just a mental exercise but involves the whole person. This reflects a deep, personal relationship with God, where the psalmist's innermost being is engaged in anticipation. The soul's waiting can be seen as a form of worship, acknowledging God's sovereignty and faithfulness.

and in His word I put my hope.
The psalmist's hope is anchored in God's word, which is a central theme throughout Scripture. The "word" here can refer to God's promises, laws, and revelations. In the historical context, the Israelites relied on the Torah and the prophetic writings as the foundation of their faith. This phrase underscores the importance of Scripture as a source of hope and guidance. In the New Testament, Jesus is identified as the Word made flesh (John 1:14), fulfilling the promises and prophecies of the Old Testament. This connection highlights the continuity of God's word and its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, offering believers a firm foundation for their hope.

1. The Psalmist
The author of Psalm 130, traditionally attributed to David, who expresses a deep longing and hope in the Lord.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His faithfulness and relationship with His people.

3. The Soul
Represents the innermost being of the Psalmist, indicating a deep, personal engagement with God.

4. The Word of God
Refers to God's promises and revelations, which are the foundation of the Psalmist's hope.

5. Israel
While not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of the Psalm is a communal lament, reflecting the collective hope of the nation.The Discipline of Waiting
Waiting on the Lord is an active, faith-filled discipline that requires patience and trust in God's timing.

Hope Anchored in God's Word
Our hope should be firmly rooted in the promises and truths found in Scripture, which provide stability and assurance.

The Role of the Soul in Faith
Engaging our soul in waiting on the Lord involves our emotions, will, and intellect, fostering a holistic relationship with God.

The Communal Aspect of Hope
While this verse is personal, it reflects a broader communal hope, reminding us of the importance of encouraging one another in faith.

The Transformative Power of Hope
Hope in the Lord transforms our perspective, enabling us to endure trials with a sense of purpose and expectation.1. What is the meaning of Psalm 130:5?

2. How can we actively "wait for the LORD" in our daily lives?

3. What does it mean to place hope in God's "word" in Psalm 130:5?

4. How does Psalm 130:5 connect with Romans 8:25 about waiting patiently?

5. In what ways can we strengthen our faith while waiting on God?

6. How can Psalm 130:5 guide us during times of uncertainty and doubt?

7. What does "I wait for the LORD" imply about patience in faith according to Psalm 130:5?

8. How does Psalm 130:5 reflect the theme of hope in the Bible?

9. What historical context influenced the writing of Psalm 130:5?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 130?

11. What is the Bible's perspective on waiting?

12. What is the expectation of positive future outcomes?

13. What is Living Hope?

14. What is the Bible's perspective on waiting?I wait for the LORD

• “I wait for the LORD” pictures a deliberate choice to pause all self-reliance until God moves.

• Biblical waiting is active trust, not idle resignation (Psalm 27:14; Isaiah 40:31).

• The psalmist recognizes that only the LORD—covenant-keeping, personal, faithful—has the power and wisdom to intervene (Psalm 33:20–22).

• Waiting on the LORD realigns priorities, placing His timing above ours (Proverbs 3:5–6).

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my soul does wait

• The repetition shows depth: it’s not mere outward patience; the whole inner being is engaged.

• “My soul” expresses longing from the core of one’s identity, echoing cries like “For God alone my soul waits in silence” (Psalm 62:1) and “As a deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for You, O God” (Psalm 42:1–2).

• This internal waiting guards against anxiety and restlessness (Philippians 4:6–7), cultivating stillness that hears His subtle guidance (1 Kings 19:12–13).

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and in His word I put my hope

• Hope is anchored, not vague. The psalmist locks expectation onto God’s revealed promises.

• Scripture provides concrete reasons to anticipate deliverance:

– Forgiveness (Psalm 130:3–4, immediate context)

– Faithfulness to covenants (Joshua 21:45)

– Unfailing love (Lamentations 3:21–23)

• “In His word” shifts attention from circumstances to certainties (Romans 15:4; Hebrews 10:23).

• Practically, hope grows by rehearsing His deeds, meditating on passages like Psalm 119:81, 114, and clinging to Christ, the Word made flesh (John 1:14; 2 Corinthians 1:20).

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summary

Waiting on the LORD is a conscious surrender of timing and control. It springs from the deepest part of us and is sustained by the unshakeable promises of Scripture. Psalm 130:5 invites believers to rest their whole selves on God’s character, confident that every word He has spoken will prove true.

(5) I wait.--The Hebrew expresses, I have been waiting, and still wait. Mark the earnestness in the repetition, I wait, my soul waits.

Verse 5. - I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait. "Waiting for the Lord" is patiently bearing our affliction, whatever it may be, and confidently looking forward to deliverance from it in God's good time. The expression, "my soul doth wait," is stronger than "I wait;" it implies heart-felt trust and confidence. And in his word do I hope; i.e. his word of promise.

Parallel Commentaries ...


I wait for
קִוִּ֣יתִי (qiw·wî·ṯî)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 6960: To bind together, collect, to expect

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

my soul
נַפְשִׁ֑י (nap̄·šî)
Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion

does wait,
קִוְּתָ֣ה (qiw·wə·ṯāh)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 6960: To bind together, collect, to expect

and in His word
וְֽלִדְבָר֥וֹ (wə·liḏ·ḇā·rōw)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

I put my hope.
הוֹחָֽלְתִּי׃ (hō·w·ḥā·lə·tî)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3176: To wait, to be patient, hope


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OT Poetry: Psalm 130:5 I wait for Yahweh (Psalm Ps Psa.)