What Does Psalms 138:3 Mean?

In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul. This verse provides the evidence for David's thanksgiving—God's past faithfulness in answering prayer. "In the day when I cried" (be-yom karati, בְּיוֹם קָרָאתִי) identifies specific historical moment when David called to God in distress. Kara (קָרָא) means "to call, cry out, summon"—urgent appeal in desperate need. The immediacy "in the day" suggests God's prompt response, not delayed answer after prolonged waiting.

"Thou answeredst me" (anitani, עֲנִיתָנִי) uses anah (עָנָה), meaning "to answer, respond, testify." God didn't merely hear but actively responded—His answer included tangible help, not just sympathetic listening. This testimony encourages believers that prayer isn't one-way monologue but dialogue with responsive God who acts on behalf of His people. The personal pronoun "me" emphasizes individual relationship—God answers specific people's specific prayers, not just general petitions.

"And strengthenedst me with strength in my soul" (tarhibeni ve-naphshi oz, תַּרְהִבֵנִי בְנַפְשִׁי עֹז) describes the nature of God's answer. Rahab (רָהַב) in Hiphil stem means "to make bold, encourage, strengthen"—internal fortification rather than external circumstance change. Oz (עֹז, "strength") denotes power, might, boldness. Nephesh (נֶפֶשׁ, "soul") encompasses the entire inner person—mind, will, emotions, vitality. God's strengthening was internal transformation that enabled David to face external challenges. The crisis may have continued, but David's inner capacity to handle it increased dramatically through divine empowerment.