Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version May they be blotted out of the book of life and not be listed with the righteous. New Living Translation Erase their names from the Book of Life; don’t let them be counted among the righteous. English Standard Version Let them be blotted out of the book of the living; let them not be enrolled among the righteous. Berean Standard Bible May they be blotted out of the Book of Life and not listed with the righteous. King James Bible Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous. New King James Version Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, And not be written with the righteous. New American Standard Bible May they be wiped out of the book of life, And may they not be recorded with the righteous. NASB 1995 May they be blotted out of the book of life And may they not be recorded with the righteous. NASB 1977 May they be blotted out of the book of life, And may they not be recorded with the righteous. Legacy Standard Bible May they be blotted out of the book of life And may they not be recorded with the righteous. Amplified Bible May they be blotted out of the book of life [and their lives come to an end] And may they not be recorded with the righteous (those in right standing with God). Christian Standard Bible Let them be erased from the book of life and not be recorded with the righteous. Holman Christian Standard Bible Let them be erased from the book of life and not be recorded with the righteous. American Standard Version Let them be blotted out of the book of life, And not be written with the righteous. Contemporary English Version Wipe their names from the book of the living; remove them from the list of the innocent. English Revised Version Let them be blotted out of the book of life, and not be written with the righteous. GOD'S WORD® Translation Let their [names] be erased from the Book of Life. Do not let them be listed with righteous people. Good News Translation May their names be erased from the book of the living; may they not be included in the list of your people. International Standard Version May they be erased from the Book of Life, and their names not be written with the righteous. NET Bible May their names be deleted from the scroll of the living! Do not let their names be listed with the godly! New Heart English Bible Let them be blotted out of the Book of Life, and not be written with the righteous. Webster's Bible Translation Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleMay they be blotted out of the Book of Life and not listed with the righteous. World English Bible Let them be blotted out of the book of life, and not be written with the righteous. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThey are blotted out of the scroll of life, "" And are not written with the righteous. Young's Literal Translation They are blotted out of the book of life, And with the righteous are not written. Smith's Literal Translation They shall be wiped off from the book of the living, and with the just they shall not be written. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleLet them be blotted out of the book of the living; and with the just let them not be written. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible May they be blotted from the book of life; not registered among the just! New Revised Standard Version Let them be blotted out of the book of the living; let them not be enrolled among the righteous. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleLet them be blotted out of thy book of the living, and not be written with the righteous. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Let them be blotted out from your Book of Life and let them not be written with your righteous ones. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, And not be written with the righteous. Brenton Septuagint Translation Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and let them not be written with the righteous. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Waters Are Up to My Neck…27Add iniquity to their iniquity; let them not share in Your righteousness. 28May they be blotted out of the Book of Life and not listed with the righteous. 29But I am in pain and distress; let Your salvation protect me, O God.… Cross References Revelation 3:5 Like them, he who overcomes will be dressed in white. And I will never blot out his name from the Book of Life, but I will confess his name before My Father and His angels. Exodus 32:32-33 Yet now, if You would only forgive their sin.... But if not, please blot me out of the book that You have written.” / The LORD replied to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot out of My book. Luke 10:20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Philippians 4:3 Yes, and I ask you, my true yokefellow, to help these women who have contended at my side for the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. Daniel 12:1 “At that time Michael, the great prince who stands watch over your people, will rise up. There will be a time of distress, the likes of which will not have occurred from the beginning of nations until that time. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered. Revelation 20:12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne. And books were opened, and one of them was the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books. Revelation 20:15 And if anyone was found whose name was not written in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. Revelation 21:27 But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who practices an abomination or a lie, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Isaiah 4:3 Whoever remains in Zion and whoever is left in Jerusalem will be called holy—all in Jerusalem who are recorded among the living— Malachi 3:16 At that time those who feared the LORD spoke with one another, and the LORD listened and heard them. So a scroll of remembrance was written before Him regarding those who feared the LORD and honored His name. Revelation 13:8 And all who dwell on the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written from the foundation of the world in the Book of Life belonging to the Lamb who was slain. Revelation 17:8 The beast that you saw—it was, and now is no more, but is about to come up out of the Abyss and go to its destruction. And those who dwell on the earth whose names were not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world will marvel when they see the beast that was, and is not, and yet will be. Hebrews 12:23 in joyful assembly, to the congregation of the firstborn, enrolled in heaven. You have come to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, Ezekiel 13:9 My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and speak lying divinations. They will not belong to the council of My people or be recorded in the register of the house of Israel, nor will they enter the land of Israel. Then you will know that I am the Lord GOD. Psalm 109:13 May his descendants be cut off; may their name be blotted out from the next generation. Treasury of Scripture Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous. blotted Exodus 32:32,33 Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written… Isaiah 65:16 That he who blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he that sweareth in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from mine eyes. Hosea 1:9 Then said God, Call his name Loammi: for ye are not my people, and I will not be your God. be written Isaiah 4:3 And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem: Isaiah 13:9 Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it. Luke 10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. Jump to Previous Blotted Book Enrolled Life Names Numbered Recorded Righteous Upright WrittenJump to Next Blotted Book Enrolled Life Names Numbered Recorded Righteous Upright WrittenPsalm 69 1. David complains of his affliction13. He prays for deliverance 22. He devotes his enemies to destruction 30. He praises God with thanksgiving May they be blotted out of the Book of Life The concept of the "Book of Life" is a significant theme in biblical literature, representing a divine record of those who are granted eternal life. This phrase suggests a plea for divine justice against the wicked, reflecting the psalmist's deep distress and desire for God's intervention. The "Book of Life" is mentioned in several other scriptures, such as Exodus 32:32-33, where Moses intercedes for Israel, and Revelation 3:5, which promises that the faithful will not be erased from this book. The idea of being "blotted out" implies a removal from God's favor and eternal blessing, highlighting the seriousness of divine judgment. This phrase underscores the belief in God's ultimate authority over life and death, and the eternal consequences of one's actions. and not listed with the righteous. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 69, David is expressing deep distress and calling for divine justice against his enemies. 2. Enemies of David The individuals or groups who oppose David, representing those who are unrighteous and opposed to God's anointed. 3. Book of Life A metaphorical book in which the names of the righteous are recorded, symbolizing eternal life and divine favor. 4. The Righteous Those who are in right standing with God, often contrasted with the wicked throughout the Psalms. 5. God's Judgment The event or process by which God evaluates and determines the fate of individuals based on their righteousness or wickedness. Teaching Points Understanding Divine JusticeGod's justice is perfect and righteous. The plea for enemies to be blotted out reflects a desire for God's justice to prevail over wickedness. The Significance of the Book of Life The Book of Life symbolizes eternal security and divine favor. Believers are encouraged to live righteously, knowing their names are recorded by God. The Righteous vs. The Wicked The distinction between the righteous and the wicked is a recurring theme in Scripture. Believers are called to pursue righteousness and avoid the path of the wicked. Intercession and Mercy Like Moses, believers are called to intercede for others, seeking God's mercy and grace, even for those who oppose them. Perseverance in Faith The assurance of not being blotted out from the Book of Life encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith and commitment to Christ. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Psalm 69:28?2. How does Psalm 69:28 emphasize the importance of being in God's "book of life"? 3. What actions might lead to being "blotted out" from God's book, according to Scripture? 4. How can believers ensure their names remain in God's "book of the living"? 5. How does Psalm 69:28 relate to Revelation 3:5 about the "book of life"? 6. How can Psalm 69:28 inspire us to live righteously in daily life? 7. What does Psalm 69:28 mean by "blotted out of the Book of Life"? 8. How does Psalm 69:28 align with the concept of eternal security? 9. Is the "Book of Life" in Psalm 69:28 literal or metaphorical? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 69? 11. Can a Christian's name be removed from the Book of Life? 12. Can names be removed from the Book of Life? 13. What is the Lamb's Book of Life? 14. Can names be removed from the Book of Life? What Does Psalm 69:28 Mean Setting and ContextPsalm 69 is David’s heartfelt cry during intense persecution. Earlier verses reveal relentless mockery and false accusation (vv. 4, 12). By verse 28 the king petitions God to act against enemies who persist in wickedness, echoing other imprecatory pleas (e.g., Psalm 109:13). The request springs from: • A zeal for God’s honor, not personal revenge (Psalm 69:9; John 2:17). • Confidence that the Lord judges righteously (Psalm 7:11). • The covenant reality that persistent rebels cannot dwell among God’s people (Psalm 1:5–6). May they be blotted out To be “blotted out” pictures permanent removal, like erasing ink from a scroll. Scripture shows the Lord alone has authority to erase or retain names: • Exodus 32:32–33—God tells Moses, “Whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot out of My book.” • Revelation 3:5—Jesus promises, “I will never blot out his name from the Book of Life.” David therefore asks God to exercise this prerogative because these persecutors refuse repentance (Psalm 69:22–27). The petition is consistent with Romans 12:19, where vengeance belongs to the Lord, not to us. of the Book of Life The Book of Life is a heavenly register of all who belong to God and inherit eternal salvation: • Daniel 12:1—“Everyone found written in the book will be delivered.” • Philippians 4:3—Certain coworkers’ names “are in the Book of Life.” • Revelation 20:12,15—Only those written in it escape the lake of fire. David’s plea implies that those warring against God’s anointed show they never truly belonged among His people (1 John 2:19). Blotting them out affirms God’s justice and preserves the purity of the redeemed community (Malachi 3:16–18). and not listed with the righteous “Listed” portrays final enrollment among God’s covenant people. Scripture contrasts two destinies: • Malachi 3:18—distinguishing “the righteous and the wicked.” • Matthew 25:32–34,41—sheep separated from goats. The unrighteous forfeit fellowship, blessing, and eternal life (Revelation 21:27). David’s words anticipate the end-time separation Jesus will carry out, assuring believers that evil will not share their inheritance (Psalm 37:9). Application for Believers • Rejoice that your name is written in heaven (Luke 10:20). • Hold fast to Christ in faith and obedience; perseverance evidences genuine enrollment (Hebrews 3:6). • Leave judgment to God, praying for repentance yet trusting His justice when opposition persists (Romans 12:14–21). • Maintain holiness, knowing the assembly of the righteous is to be distinct from the world (2 Corinthians 6:17–18). summary Psalm 69:28 asks God to remove unrepentant enemies from the Book of Life, excluding them from the company of the righteous. The verse underscores divine justice, the reality of a heavenly registry of God’s people, and the final separation between those who belong to Him and those who do not. It invites believers to rest in God’s righteous judgment, cherish their secure place in Christ, and pursue holy living as those whose names are eternally recorded. (28) Book of the living--or life.--This image, which plays so great a part in Christian poetry (Revelation 3:5; Revelation 13:8; Revelation 21:27. Comp. Philippians 4:3; Luke 10:20), is derived from the civil lists or registers of the Jews. (Exodus 32:32; Jeremiah 22:30; Ezekiel 13:9.) At first erasure from this list only implied that a man was dead, or that a family was extinct (see references above); but as death was thought to deprive of all benefit of the covenant (see Note, Psalm 6:5), such erasure came to imply exclusion from all the rights and privileges of the Theocracy, and therefore from the glory of participating in the promised deliverance and restoration of the race, and so gradually, as eschatological ideas developed, from the resurrection to eternal life. Daniel 12:1 marks a stage in this development. In the psalmist's mouth the words would correspond to the ideas current when he wrote. From the next clause, Let them not be written with the righteous, it might be argued that the idea had already appeared which limited the resurrection to the righteous--an idea current at the date of 2 Maccabees 7:14, but probably familiar to some minds much sooner. . . . Verse 28. - Let them be blotted out of the Book of the living. God is supposed to have a "book of the living" in his possession, which contains the names of all those on whom he looks with favour, and whom he will bless both in this world and beyond the grave (comp. Exodus 32:32; Psalm 86:6; Ezekiel 13:9; Daniel 12:1). From this list, as from any register of earthly citizenship, the names of the unworthy may be erased. David prays for the erasure of the names of those unworthy ones against whom his imprecations are uttered. And not be written with the righteous; i.e. not remain written in the book side by side with the names of the righteous. The New Testament, no less than the Old, tells of this book (see Luke 10:20; Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:5; Revelation 13:8; Revelation 20:12; Revelation 21:27).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew May they be erasedיִ֭מָּחֽוּ (yim·mā·ḥū) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 4229: To stroke, rub, to erase, to smooth, grease, make fat, to touch, reach to from the book מִסֵּ֣פֶר (mis·sê·p̄er) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 5612: A missive, document, writing, book of life חַיִּ֑ים (ḥay·yîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 2416: Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life and not אַל־ (’al-) Adverb Strong's 408: Not listed יִכָּתֵֽבוּ׃ (yik·kā·ṯê·ḇū) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 3789: To grave, to write with וְעִ֥ם (wə·‘im) Conjunctive waw | Preposition Strong's 5973: With, equally with the righteous. צַ֝דִּיקִ֗ים (ṣad·dî·qîm) Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 6662: Just, righteous Links Psalm 69:28 NIVPsalm 69:28 NLT Psalm 69:28 ESV Psalm 69:28 NASB Psalm 69:28 KJV Psalm 69:28 BibleApps.com Psalm 69:28 Biblia Paralela Psalm 69:28 Chinese Bible Psalm 69:28 French Bible Psalm 69:28 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Psalm 69:28 Let them be blotted out (Psalm Ps Psa.) |
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