King James Version

What Does Psalms 118:5 Mean?

Psalms 118:5 in the King James Version says “I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. in distress: Heb. out of distress” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 118 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. in distress: Heb. out of distress”

Psalms 118:5 · KJV

Context

3

Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.

4

Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever.

5

I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. in distress: Heb. out of distress

6

The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? on: Heb. for me

7

The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me.

Read Psalms 118 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place." The Hebrew min hametsar karati Yah (from the narrow/distressing place I called to Yah) uses metsar, indicating tight place, distress, straits—both physical confinement and emotional anguish. The shortened divine name Yah (יָהּ) appears in moments of urgent, intimate address. "The LORD answered me" (anani Yah) affirms divine response—God hears and acts. "Set me in a large place" (b'merchav Yah) pictures movement from confinement to spaciousness, restriction to freedom, danger to safety. Merchav (broad/wide place) connotes relief, deliverance, room to breathe and move. This pattern—cry from distress, divine deliverance to spaciousness—recurs throughout Psalms (Psalm 4:1, 18:19, 31:8). God specializes in bringing His people from narrow straits to broad pastures.

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Historical & Cultural Context

David's life exemplified this pattern: pursued by Saul through wilderness caves (narrow places), delivered to kingship over all Israel (broad place); Israel enslaved in Egypt (narrow place), delivered to Canaan (broad land); Judah exiled to Babylon (confined), restored to Jerusalem (spacious). The Exodus narrative uses similar spatial imagery—from Egyptian bondage to Promised Land "flowing with milk and honey" (Exodus 3:8). Jesus later promised abundant life (John 10:10) in contrast to thief's destruction. Paul testified to similar deliverance: "delivered us from so great a death" (2 Corinthians 1:10).

Reflection Questions

  1. What "narrow places" of distress have you experienced, and how did God answer your cries?
  2. How does remembering past deliverances from distress strengthen faith for current trials?
  3. In what ways does God provide "large places" of spiritual freedom beyond mere physical deliverance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
מִֽן1 of 7
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַ֭מֵּצַ֥ר2 of 7

“in distress”

H4712

something tight, i.e., (figuratively) trouble

קָרָ֣אתִי3 of 7

“I called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

יָֽהּ׃4 of 7

“the LORD”

H3050

jah, the sacred name

עָנָ֖נִי5 of 7

“answered”

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

בַמֶּרְחָ֣ב6 of 7

“me and set me in a large place”

H4800

enlargement, either literally (an open space, usually in a good sense), or figuratively (liberty)

יָֽהּ׃7 of 7

“the LORD”

H3050

jah, the sacred name

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 118:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 118:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 18:19Psalms 18:6Psalms 120:1Psalms 107:19Psalms 130:1-2Psalms 31:8

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