King James Version

What Does Psalms 119:107 Mean?

Psalms 119:107 in the King James Version says “I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 119 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.”

Psalms 119:107 · KJV

Context

105

NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. lamp: or, candle

106

I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.

107

I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.

108

Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments.

109

My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I am afflicted very much (נַעֲנֵיתִי עַד־מְאֹד, na'aneiti ad-me'od)—the verb anah means to be bowed down, humbled, or oppressed. Despite this crushing affliction, the psalmist's plea is not for relief but for spiritual vitality: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word (חַיֵּנִי יְהוָה כִּדְבָרֶךָ, chayyeni YHWH kidvarekha). The verb chayah means to make alive, revive, preserve life—occurring ten times in Psalm 119.

This petition reveals profound theology: affliction drives us to seek life-giving power from God's word, not merely escape from suffering. The psalmist prays for resurrection life in the midst of death-like circumstances. Paul echoes this in 2 Corinthians 4:8-10, where affliction produces spiritual life. True revival comes not from changed circumstances but from God's quickening according to His promises.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Affliction was common in Israel's history—persecution, exile, opposition. The psalmist's focus on being 'quickened' rather than merely rescued reflects the theology of the exile, where physical deliverance seemed impossible but spiritual vitality remained accessible through God's word.

Reflection Questions

  1. When afflicted, do you primarily seek relief from suffering or spiritual quickening through God's word?
  2. How has severe affliction in your life driven you deeper into Scripture rather than away from God?
  3. What does it mean practically to ask God to 'quicken' you according to His word today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
נַעֲנֵ֥יתִי1 of 6

“I am afflicted”

H6031

to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)

עַד2 of 6
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

מְאֹ֑ד3 of 6

“very much”

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

יְ֝הוָ֗ה4 of 6

“me O LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

חַיֵּ֥נִי5 of 6

“quicken”

H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

כִדְבָרֶֽךָ׃6 of 6

“according unto thy word”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

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 119:107 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 119:107 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 143:11Psalms 34:19Psalms 119:25Psalms 22:14-18Psalms 119:88Psalms 6:1

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