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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 83:1 O God, do not keep silent; do not hold Your peace; do not be still, O God.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/83-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/19_Psa_083_001.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 83:1 - Do Not Be Still, O God" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="O God, do not keep silent; do not hold Your peace; do not be still, O God." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/83-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/83-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/83.htm">Chapter 83</a> > Verse 1</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/82-8.htm" title="Psalm 82:8">◄</a> Psalm 83:1 <a href="/psalms/83-2.htm" title="Psalm 83:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/83.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/83.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />A song. A psalm of Asaph. O God, do not remain silent; do not turn a deaf ear, do not stand aloof, O God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/83.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />O God, do not be silent! Do not be deaf. Do not be quiet, O God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/83.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />O God, do not keep silence; do not hold your peace or be still, O God!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/83.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />A song. A Psalm of Asaph. O God, be not silent; be not speechless; be not still, O God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/83.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />A Song <i>or</i> Psalm of Asaph. Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/83.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />A Song. A Psalm of Asaph. Do not keep silent, O God! Do not hold Your peace, And do not be still, O God!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/83.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />A Song, a Psalm of Asaph. God, do not remain quiet; Do not be silent and, God, do not be still.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/83.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />A Song, a Psalm of Asaph. O God, do not remain quiet; Do not be silent and, O God, do not be still.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/83.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />O God, do not remain quiet; Do not be silent and, O God, do not be still.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/83.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />A Song. A Psalm of Asaph. O God, do not remain at rest; Do not be silent and, O God, do not be quiet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/83.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />A Song. A Psalm of Asaph. Do not keep silent, O God; Do not hold Your peace or be still, O God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/83.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A song. A psalm of Asaph. † God, do not keep silent. Do not be deaf, God; do not be quiet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/83.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A song. A psalm of Asaph. God, do not keep silent. Do not be deaf, God; do not be idle. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/83.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />A Song, a Psalm of Asaph. O God, keep not thou silence: Hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/83.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Our God, don't just sit there, silently doing nothing! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/83.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />A Song, a Psalm of Asaph. O God, keep not thou silence: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/83.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />[A song; a psalm by Asaph.] O God, do not remain silent. Do not turn a deaf ear to me. Do not keep quiet, O God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/83.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />O God, do not keep silent; do not be still, do not be quiet! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/83.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />God, do not rest! Don't be silent! Don't stay inactive, God!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/83.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />A song. A Psalm of Asaph. O God, be not silent; be not speechless; be not still, O God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/83.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />A song, a psalm of Asaph. O God, do not be silent! Do not ignore us! Do not be inactive, O God! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/83.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />[A song. A Psalm by Asaph.] God, do not keep silent. Do not keep silent, and do not be still, God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/83.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />A song, or Psalm of Asaph. Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/83.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />A song. A Psalm by Asaph. God, don’t keep silent. Don’t keep silent, and don’t be still, God. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/83.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />A SONG. A PSALM OF ASAPH. O God, let there be no silence to You, "" Do not be silent, nor be quiet, O God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/83.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> A Song, -- A Psalm of Asaph. O God, let there be no silence to Thee, Be not silent, nor be quiet, O God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/83.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />A song of chanting to Asaph. O God, not stillness to thee: thou wilt not be silent, and thou wilt not rest, O God.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/83.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />A canticle of a psalm for Asaph. O God, who shall be like to thee? hold not thy peace, neither be thou still, O God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/83.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 82:1>A Canticle Psalm of Asaph. <V 82:2>O God, who will ever be like you? Do not be silent, and do not be unmoved, O God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/83.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />A song; a psalm of Asaph. [2] God, do not be silent; God, do not be deaf or remain unmoved! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/83.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />O God, do not keep silence; do not hold your peace or be still, O God!<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/83.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />O GOD, who is like unto thee? Hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/83.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />God, who is like you? Do not be silent, neither be still, oh God!<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/83.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />A Song, a Psalm of Asaph. O God, keep not Thou silence; Hold not Thy peace, and be not still, O God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/83.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A Song of a Psalm for Asaph. O God, who shall be compared to thee? be not silent, neither be still, O God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/83-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=10387" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/83.htm">Do Not Be Still, O God</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">1</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7892.htm" title="7892: šîr (N-ms) -- A song, singing. Or feminine shiyrah; from shiyr; a song; abstractly, singing.">A song.</a> <a href="/hebrew/4210.htm" title="4210: miz·mō·wr (N-ms) -- A melody. From zamar; properly, instrumental music; by implication, a poem set to notes.">A Psalm</a> <a href="/hebrew/623.htm" title="623: lə·’ā·sāp̄ (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- Gatherer, the name of several Isr. From 'acaph; collector; Asaph, the name of three Israelites, and of the family of the first.">of Asaph.</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God"> O God,</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">be not</a> <a href="/hebrew/1824.htm" title="1824: do·mî- (N-ms) -- Cessation, a pause, a quiet, a rest. Or domiy; from damah; quiet.">silent;</a> <a href="/hebrew/lāḵ (Prep:: 2fs) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">be not</a> <a href="/hebrew/2790.htm" title="2790: te·ḥĕ·raš (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To cut in, engrave, plow, devise.">speechless;</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: wə·’al- (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">be not</a> <a href="/hebrew/8252.htm" title="8252: tiš·qōṭ (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To be quiet or undisturbed. A primitive root; to repose.">still,</a> <a href="/hebrew/410.htm" title="410: ’êl (N-ms) -- God, in pl. gods. Shortened from 'ayil; strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the Almighty.">O God.</a> </span><span class="reftext">2</span>See how Your enemies rage, how Your foes have reared their heads.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/62-6.htm">Isaiah 62:6-7</a></span><br />On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD shall take no rest for yourselves, / nor give Him any rest until He establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/28-1.htm">Psalm 28:1</a></span><br />Of David. To You, O LORD, I call; be not deaf to me, O my Rock. For if You remain silent, I will be like those descending to the Pit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/35-22.htm">Psalm 35:22</a></span><br />O LORD, You have seen it; be not silent. O Lord, be not far from me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/109-1.htm">Psalm 109:1</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. O God of my praise, be not silent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/42-14.htm">Isaiah 42:14</a></span><br />“I have kept silent from ages past; I have remained quiet and restrained. But now I will groan like a woman in labor; I will at once gasp and pant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/habakkuk/1-2.htm">Habakkuk 1:2</a></span><br />How long, O LORD, must I call for help but You do not hear, or cry out to You, “Violence!” but You do not save?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/3-44.htm">Lamentations 3:44</a></span><br />You have covered Yourself with a cloud that no prayer can pass through.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/30-20.htm">Job 30:20</a></span><br />I cry out to You for help, but You do not answer; when I stand up, You merely look at me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/44-23.htm">Psalm 44:23-24</a></span><br />Wake up, O Lord! Why are You sleeping? Arise! Do not reject us forever. / Why do You hide Your face and forget our affliction and oppression?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/74-10.htm">Psalm 74:10-11</a></span><br />How long, O God, will the enemy taunt You? Will the foe revile Your name forever? / Why do You withdraw Your strong right hand? Stretch it out to destroy them!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/10-1.htm">Psalm 10:1</a></span><br />Why, O LORD, do You stand far off? Why do You hide in times of trouble?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/22-1.htm">Psalm 22:1-2</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Doe of the Dawn.” A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Why are You so far from saving me, so far from my words of groaning? / I cry out by day, O my God, but You do not answer, and by night, but I have no rest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/13-1.htm">Psalm 13:1-2</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? / How long must I wrestle in my soul, with sorrow in my heart each day? How long will my enemy dominate me?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/77-7.htm">Psalm 77:7-9</a></span><br />“Will the Lord spurn us forever and never show His favor again? / Is His loving devotion gone forever? Has His promise failed for all time? / Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has His anger shut off His compassion?” Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/89-46.htm">Psalm 89:46</a></span><br />How long, O LORD? Will You hide Yourself forever? Will Your wrath keep burning like fire?</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Keep not you silence, O God: hold not your peace, and be not still, O God.</p><p class="hdg">A.</p><p class="hdg">keep</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/28-1.htm">Psalm 28:1</a></b></br> <i>A Psalm</i> of David. Unto thee will I cry, O LORD my rock; be not silent to me: lest, <i>if</i> thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/35-22.htm">Psalm 35:22</a></b></br> <i>This</i> thou hast seen, O LORD: keep not silence: O Lord, be not far from me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/44-23.htm">Psalm 44:23</a></b></br> Awake, why sleepest thou, O Lord? arise, cast <i>us</i> not off for ever.</p><p class="hdg">be not</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/42-14.htm">Isaiah 42:14</a></b></br> I have long time holden my peace; I have been still, <i>and</i> refrained myself: <i>now</i> will I cry like a travailing woman; I will destroy and devour at once.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/82-8.htm">Asaph</a> <a href="/psalms/82-1.htm">Asaph&Gt</a> <a href="/psalms/79-8.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/psalms/71-23.htm">Lips</a> <a href="/psalms/81-10.htm">Open</a> <a href="/psalms/73-3.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/psalms/82-8.htm">Psalm</a> <a href="/psalms/76-8.htm">Quiet</a> <a href="/psalms/80-17.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/psalms/65-1.htm">Silence</a> <a href="/psalms/76-8.htm">Silent</a> <a href="/psalms/82-8.htm">Song</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/36-3.htm">Asaph</a> <a href="/psalms/50-1.htm">Asaph&Gt</a> <a href="/psalms/83-3.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/psalms/89-34.htm">Lips</a> <a href="/psalms/86-1.htm">Open</a> <a href="/psalms/85-8.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/psalms/83-18.htm">Psalm</a> <a href="/psalms/92-3.htm">Quiet</a> <a href="/psalms/90-17.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/psalms/94-17.htm">Silence</a> <a href="/psalms/109-1.htm">Silent</a> <a href="/psalms/86-17.htm">Song</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 83</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/83-1.htm">A complaint to God of the enemies conspiracies</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/83-9.htm">A prayer against those who oppress the Church</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/83.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/83.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>A song. A Psalm of Asaph.</b><br>This introduction indicates that the psalm is both a song and a prayer, attributed to Asaph, a prominent Levite musician during the time of King David. Asaph was one of the leaders of David's choir, and several psalms are attributed to him or his descendants. The dual nature of the psalm as both a song and a prayer suggests its use in public worship and personal devotion. The historical context places this psalm in a period when Israel faced threats from surrounding nations, which is a recurring theme in Asaph's psalms.<p><b>O God, be not silent;</b><br>The plea for God not to be silent reflects a deep desire for divine intervention. In the biblical context, God's silence often signifies a period of testing or judgment. The psalmist's cry is a call for God to act and speak on behalf of His people. This echoes other scriptures where God's voice brings deliverance, such as in <a href="/exodus/14-13.htm">Exodus 14:13-14</a>, where God fights for Israel. Theologically, it underscores the belief in a God who is actively involved in the affairs of His people.<p><b>be not speechless;</b><br>The repetition of the plea emphasizes the urgency and desperation of the situation. The term "speechless" suggests a need for God to communicate His will and power. In the ancient Near Eastern context, gods were often invoked to speak through oracles or prophets. The psalmist's request highlights the unique relationship between the God of Israel and His people, where God is expected to respond to their cries, as seen in the prophetic tradition.<p><b>be not still, O God.</b><br>The call for God not to be still is a request for divine action. In biblical narratives, God's movement often signifies intervention, such as when He led the Israelites through the wilderness. The psalmist's appeal is for God to demonstrate His power and presence, similar to how He acted in the past. This reflects a trust in God's ability to change circumstances and protect His covenant people. Theologically, it points to the active nature of God, who is not distant or indifferent to the plight of His followers.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/asaph.htm">Asaph</a></b><br>The author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/83.htm">Psalm 83</a>, Asaph was a prominent Levite musician appointed by King David to lead worship in the tabernacle. He is known for his deep and often prophetic psalms.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The central figure in this verse, God is being implored by Asaph to take action and not remain silent in the face of adversity.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/enemies_of_israel.htm">Enemies of Israel</a></b><br>While not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of <a href="/bsb/psalms/83.htm">Psalm 83</a> involves a coalition of nations conspiring against Israel, which is the underlying reason for Asaph's plea.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation of Israel is the subject of the enemies' conspiracy, and Asaph's prayer is for God's intervention on behalf of His people.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_tabernacle/temple.htm">The Tabernacle/Temple</a></b><br>The place of worship where Asaph would have served, representing the presence of God among His people.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_urgency_of_prayer.htm">The Urgency of Prayer</a></b><br>Asaph's plea demonstrates the urgency and fervency that should characterize our prayers, especially in times of crisis. We are encouraged to approach God with boldness and persistence.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trust in God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Even when God seems silent, we must trust in His sovereignty and timing. Asaph's prayer is rooted in faith that God will ultimately act for His glory and the good of His people.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_community_intercession.htm">The Power of Community Intercession</a></b><br>Asaph's role as a leader in worship highlights the importance of communal prayer and intercession. We are called to stand together in prayer for our communities and nations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness_to_his_covenant.htm">God's Faithfulness to His Covenant</a></b><br>The plea for God not to be silent is a reminder of His covenant faithfulness. We can be assured that God hears and responds to the cries of His people.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_83.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 83</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_psalm_83_literal_or_poetic.htm">Is there evidence that the events implied in Psalm 83 happened literally, or is this purely poetic hyperbole without historical basis? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_god_silent_in_psalm_83_1.htm">Why does Psalm 83:1 depict God as silent in the face of a dire threat, despite other scriptures portraying Him as actively intervening? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_your_will_done_on_earth_as_in_heaven.htm">Can you find peace and remain still?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_quietism.htm">What is Quietism?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/83.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(1) <span class= "bld">Keep not thou silence, O God.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">God, not silence to thee. </span>(Comp. <a href="/isaiah/62-7.htm" title="And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.">Isaiah 62:7</a>; and see Note, <a href="/psalms/28-1.htm" title="To you will I cry, O LORD my rock; be not silent to me: lest, if you be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit.">Psalm 28:1</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/83.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 1.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God.</span> A crisis has come which calls for the Divine interference. If his people are to be saved, God must no longer sit still. Compare the frequent calls on God to "arise" (<a href="/psalms/3-7.htm">Psalm 3:7</a>; <a href="/psalms/7-6.htm">Psalm 7:6</a>; <a href="/psalms/44-26.htm">Psalm 44:26</a>; <a href="/psalms/68-1.htm">Psalm 68:1</a>, etc.). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/83-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">A Song.</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׁ֖יר</span> <span class="translit">(šîr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7892.htm">Strong's 7892: </a> </span><span class="str2">A song, singing</span><br /><br /><span class="word">A Psalm</span><br /><span class="heb">מִזְמ֣וֹר</span> <span class="translit">(miz·mō·wr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4210.htm">Strong's 4210: </a> </span><span class="str2">Instrumental music, a poem set to notes</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Asaph.</span><br /><span class="heb">לְאָסָֽף׃</span> <span class="translit">(lə·’ā·sāp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_623.htm">Strong's 623: </a> </span><span class="str2">Asaph -- 'gatherer', the name of several Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">O God,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהִ֥ים</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">do not</span><br /><span class="heb">אַל־</span> <span class="translit">(’al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">keep silent;</span><br /><span class="heb">דֳּמִי־</span> <span class="translit">(do·mî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1824.htm">Strong's 1824: </a> </span><span class="str2">Cessation, a pause, a quiet, a rest</span><br /><br /><span class="word">do not</span><br /><span class="heb">אַל־</span> <span class="translit">(’al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">hold Your peace;</span><br /><span class="heb">תֶּחֱרַ֖שׁ</span> <span class="translit">(te·ḥĕ·raš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2790.htm">Strong's 2790: </a> </span><span class="str2">To cut in, engrave, plow, devise</span><br /><br /><span class="word">do not</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאַל־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">be still,</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּשְׁקֹ֣ט</span> <span class="translit">(tiš·qōṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8252.htm">Strong's 8252: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be quiet or undisturbed</span><br /><br /><span class="word">O God.</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵֽל׃</span> <span class="translit">(’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_410.htm">Strong's 410: </a> </span><span class="str2">Strength -- as adjective, mighty, the Almighty</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/83-1.htm">Psalm 83:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/83-1.htm">Psalm 83:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/83-1.htm">Psalm 83:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/83-1.htm">Psalm 83:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/83-1.htm">Psalm 83:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/83-1.htm">Psalm 83:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/83-1.htm">Psalm 83:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/83-1.htm">Psalm 83:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/83-1.htm">Psalm 83:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/83-1.htm">Psalm 83:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/83-1.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 83:1 A song (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/82-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 82:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 82:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/83-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 83:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 83:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>