Psalms 69:28

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 69:28 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Let them be blotted out of the book of life, And not be written with the righteous.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Let them be blotted out of the book of life, And not be written with the righteous.
Psalms 69:28 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 69

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
28Let them be blotted out of the book of life, And not be written with the righteous.

What do historical commentaries say?

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“book of the living--or "life," with the next clause, a figurative mode of representing those saved, as having their names in a register (compare Exo 32:32; Isa 4:3).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Let them be blotted out of the book of the living - That is, Let them cease to live; let them not be numbered among living people; let them be cut off. This language is taken from the custom of registering the names of persons in a list, roll, or catalogue, Exodus 32:32. See the notes at Philippians 4:3. Compare Revelation 3:5. The language has no reference to the future world; it is “not” a prayer that they should not be saved. And not be written with the righteous - Let them not be registered or numbered with the righteous. As they “are” wicked, so let them be numbered; so regarded. Let them be reckoned and treated as they are. They deserve to be punished; so let them be. All that this…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Living - Of eternal life. Psalms 69:29”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“69:28 Erase their names from the Book of Life: Cp. 1:5-6; 9:5; Rev 3:5; 20:15; 21:22-27.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“blotted: Exo 32:32, Exo 32:33; Isa 65:16; Hos 1:9; Rev 3:5, Rev 22:19 be written: Isa 4:3; Eze 13:9; Luk 10:20; Phi 4:3; Heb 12:23; Rev 13:8, Rev 20:12-15 Psalms 69:29”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification