King James Version

What Does Psalms 25:17 Mean?

Psalms 25:17 in the King James Version says “The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses.

Psalms 25:17 · KJV


Context

15

Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net. pluck: Heb. bring forth

16

Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted.

17

The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses.

18

Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins.

19

Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred. cruel: Heb. hatred of violence


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The plea 'The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses' describes expanding inner turmoil. 'Troubles of my heart' emphasizes emotional and spiritual anguish, not just external circumstances. The petition for divine deliverance ('bring thou me out') acknowledges only God can rescue from such distress. Reformed theology sees God's sovereignty over all afflictions—He permits troubles for sanctifying purposes and delivers in His perfect timing.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

David's psalms gave voice to internal struggles that external observers might not see. This validated emotional honesty before God, teaching that prayer includes expressing psychological pain, not just requesting material needs.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'troubles of your heart' need to be brought honestly before God?
  2. How do you trust God to deliver you from inner distresses?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
צָר֣וֹת1 of 5

The troubles

H6869

transitively, a female rival

לְבָבִ֣י2 of 5

of my heart

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

הִרְחִ֑יבוּ3 of 5

are enlarged

H7337

to broaden (intransitive or transitive, literal or figurative)

מִ֝מְּצֽוּקוֹתַ֗י4 of 5

of my distresses

H4691

narrowness, i.e., (figuratively) trouble

הוֹצִיאֵֽנִי׃5 of 5

O bring thou me out

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim


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 25:17 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 25:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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