King James Version

What Does Psalms 119:50 Mean?

Psalms 119:50 in the King James Version says “This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 119 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.”

Psalms 119:50 · KJV

Comfort

Context

48

My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.

49

ZAIN. Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.

50

This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.

51

The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law.

52

I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me." The Hebrew zot nechamati b'onyi declares "this is my comfort in my affliction." Nechamah (comfort/consolation) implies not just sympathy but strengthening, encouragement that enables endurance. Oni (affliction/humiliation) describes suffering, poverty, oppression. The source of comfort: "thy word hath quickened me." Imratekha chiyatni means "your promise/word has preserved me alive, revived me, given me life." God's Word sustains life during suffering. Romans 15:4 affirms: "whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." Scripture comforts not by denying suffering but by providing divine perspective, promises, and presence that enable perseverance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 119's affliction references suggest persecution for covenant faithfulness—perhaps Babylonian exile, post-exilic opposition, or personal suffering for righteousness. Throughout Israel's history, God's people endured oppression—Egyptian slavery, Philistine aggression, Assyrian/Babylonian conquest, Persian subjugation, Seleucid persecution. In each crisis, Scripture preserved faith. Daniel in Babylon studied Jeremiah's prophecies for hope (Daniel 9:2). The Maccabees faced death rather than abandon Torah (1-2 Maccabees). Early Christians similarly found comfort in Scripture during persecution (Hebrews 10:32-39).

Reflection Questions

  1. How has God's Word specifically comforted and sustained you during times of suffering?
  2. What is the difference between comfort that merely soothes and comfort that "quickens" (enlivens for endurance)?
  3. Which biblical promises or passages have most powerfully strengthened you in affliction?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
זֹ֣את1 of 6
H2063

this (often used adverb)

נֶחָמָתִ֣י2 of 6

“This is my comfort”

H5165

consolation

בְעָנְיִ֑י3 of 6

“in my affliction”

H6040

depression, i.e., misery

כִּ֖י4 of 6
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אִמְרָתְךָ֣5 of 6

“for thy word”

H565

an utterance

חִיָּֽתְנִי׃6 of 6

“hath quickened”

H2421

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

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 119:50 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 119:50 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 15:4John 6:63Psalms 94:19Psalms 28:7Psalms 42:11Hebrews 6:17-19

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