Psalm 69:9 explains the psalmist's suffering in terms of consuming zeal for God's house and willingness to bear reproach directed against God. His devotion to God's honor places him in conflict with those who dishonor the divine name.

John 2:13-17 directly connects this verse with Jesus. After Jesus drives merchants and money changers from the temple, His disciples remember the Scripture, "Zeal for your house will consume me." John thereby interprets Jesus' cleansing of the temple through Psalm 69. His passionate defense of His Father's house identifies Him with the righteous sufferer whose devotion to God leads ultimately to opposition and suffering.