The verse is composed of two parallel and almost synonymous affirmations; hope in thee expresses “trust in you” (Good News Translation), while seek thee means “worship you” (Good News Translation); put to shame means brought to dishonor.

The psalmist prays that God will keep him from bringing shame and dishonor on his fellow Israelites who are devout like him. What seems to be meant is that if he, the psalmist, is not vindicated, not helped by God, then his fellow Israelites who believe as he does will be disappointed and disillusioned, sharing his shame and disgrace.

Hope in thee translates “wait for you” (see 25.3 and comment); and for seek thee see comments on 24.6b. The expression who hope in thee be put to shame is often rendered idiomatically; for example, “who place their heart on you should not be caused to have hot faces.”

Lord GOD of hosts represents the Hebrew “Lord Yahweh of armies,” an unusual combination of divine titles; for comments on “Yahweh of armies,” see 46.7. Revised Standard Version has Lord GOD with “GOD” in uppercase letters, to avoid saying “Lord LORD” for “Lord Yahweh.” Lord GOD of hosts may in some languages be rendered “Lord GOD, you who are the most powerful” or “Lord GOD, you who have the strength of armies.”

Dishonor and Good News Translation “disgrace” are often rendered idiomatically in some languages; for example, “to speak words against” or “to take away the praise.”

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Reyburn, William D. A Handbook on the Book of Psalms. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1991. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .