Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame; they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse contrasts those who "wait for" God with those who "transgress without cause." The Hebrew word for "transgress" here carries a strong sense of treachery and deceit, suggesting that those who abandon God are not just making a mistake, but actively acting with perfidy against Him, and they alone will face ultimate shame.
Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame; they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
English Standard Version (ESV)
David is pouring out his heart to God, expressing trust and seeking deliverance from enemies who have acted faithlessly. He extends his prayer beyond himself, asking that all who trust in God share in his ultimate vindication, contrasting their sure hope with the shame that will fall upon those who betray others without reason.
What does it mean to 'wait for' God, and why does this posture guarantee we won't be ashamed?
The verse contrasts two groups: those who wait for God and those who transgress. The Hebrew word for 'wait' here (qavah) implies more than passive waiting. It suggests a strong, persistent endurance, like twisting cords together to make them strong. It's an active posture of hope and reliance, firmly fixed on God's promises and timing. This isn't about idly sitting by, but about actively holding onto God, trusting that He will act.
The Hope that Endures
When we 'wait for' God in this way, our hope is not in our own strength or circumstances, but in God's faithfulness. This deep trust means that even when faced with trials, delays, or opposition, we won't ultimately be put to shame. Our confidence is grounded in Him, not in the fleeting outcomes of the world.
Why does the verse call out 'wanton treachery,' and what does it mean to be ashamed for it?
The second part of the verse speaks of those who 'transgress without cause.' The original language points to practicing treachery or perfidy, acting deceitfully and violating trust. This isn't just a mistake; it's a deliberate turning away from what is right, often without any real provocation or just reason. It’s a ‘vain’ or ‘empty’ treachery because it ultimately leads nowhere good.
The Certainty of Shame
Those who engage in this kind of faithlessness will be 'ashamed.' This shame isn't merely embarrassment; it's a profound sense of exposure and failure. Their treacherous plans will be defeated, their false hopes dashed, and their defiance of God will be met with His judgment. Their ultimate end is not triumph, but disgrace, revealing the emptiness of their rebellion against the One who is ultimately in control.
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
qawah · Hebrew Verb
To hope in, look for, or expectantly trust in God’s intervention, often requiring patient, active endurance while relying on His timing.
bagad · Hebrew Verb (Participle)
Characterized by acting faithlessly, deceitfully, or dealing with others in a way that violates covenantal trust and moral integrity.
This psalm reflects the deep pain and sense of betrayal David experienced, particularly during Absalom's rebellion, when his own son and many people turned against him.
c. 1010 BC
David's Reign Begins
David is anointed king of Israel, but faces numerous challenges and enemies throughout his reign.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
Absalom's Rebellion
David's son Absalom leads a widespread rebellion, forcing David to flee Jerusalem and dividing the kingdom.
c. 1000 BC
David's Exile from Jerusalem
David and his loyal followers are forced to leave the capital, experiencing shame, loss, and betrayal.
c. 1000 BC
Shimei Curses David
As David flees, Shimei curses him, adding to the sense of humiliation and distress David experiences.
c. 979 BC
Restoration of David's Kingdom
Absalom's rebellion is quashed, and David is restored to his throne, bringing an end to his period of deep personal trial.
This passage echoes the promise of Psalm 25:3, stating that nations will recognize God's power and not be put to shame when they turn to Him.
Jeremiah 17:18This verse contrasts the fate of the righteous with the wicked, showing that those who trust in God will not be put to shame, while their enemies will be 'put to shame' and face destruction.
Romans 10:11Quoting Isaiah, this New Testament verse directly affirms the principle that 'whoever believes in him will not be put to shame,' reinforcing the psalmist's confidence.
1 Peter 2:6This verse reiterates the certainty of salvation for those who believe in Christ, stating that they will 'not be put to shame,' aligning with the enduring hope found in Psalm 25:3.
clarkePsalms 25:3: "Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause."
Let none that wait on thee be ashamed - Though he had burden enough of his own, he felt for others in similar circumstances, and became an intercessor in their behalf. Transgress without cause - Perhaps בוגדים bogedim may here mean idolatrous persons. "Let not them that wait upon and worship thee be ashamed: but they shall be ashamed who vainly worship, or trust in false gods." See Ma…
pulpitPsalms 25:3: "Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause."
Verse 3. - Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed. The prayer passes from the particular to the universal. What David desires for himself he desires also for all the true servants of God - all who wait on him, look to him, seek for indications of his will (comp. Psalm 123:2). Let them he ashamed which transgress without cause. Let shame be the portion, not of thy servants, but of t…
The verse contrasts those who "wait for" God with those who "transgress without cause." The Hebrew word for "transgress" here carries a strong sense of treachery and deceit, suggesting that those who abandon God are not just making a mistake, but actively acting with perfidy against Him, and they alone will face ultimate shame.
David is pouring out his heart to God, expressing trust and seeking deliverance from enemies who have acted faithlessly. He extends his prayer beyond himself, asking that all who trust in God share in his ultimate vindication, contrasting their sure hope with the shame that will fall upon those who betray others without reason.
David is pouring out his heart to God, expressing trust and seeking deliverance from enemies who have acted faithlessly. He extends his prayer beyond himself, asking that all who trust in God share in his ultimate vindication, contrasting their sure hope with the shame that will fall upon those who betray others without reason.
"Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame; they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous." — The verse contrasts those who "wait for" God with those who "transgress without cause." The Hebrew word for "transgress" here carries a strong sense of treachery and deceit, suggesting that those who…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026