King James Version

What Does Psalms 31:7 Mean?

Psalms 31:7 in the King James Version says “I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;”

Psalms 31:7 · KJV

Context

5

Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.

6

I have hated them that regard lying vanities: but I trust in the LORD.

7

I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;

8

And hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy: thou hast set my feet in a large room.

9

Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly.

Read Psalms 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities. David moves from petition to praise, demonstrating faith that rejoices before deliverance because God's mercy is already at work in acknowledging suffering.

The future tense (I will be glad) based on past tense (thou hast considered) reveals faith's logic. David chooses joy based on God's attention. Thy mercy (hesed) is covenant lovingkindness—loyal, steadfast love that never abandons. David rejoices not in relief but in unchanging divine character.

Thou hast considered uses Hebrew ra'ah—to see with understanding and purpose. God sees, understands, and acts for His suffering children. Thou hast known my soul intensifies this—God knows intimately, experientially, the depths of David's adversity.

Reformed theology emphasizes God's particular, electing love. He specifically sees and knows each chosen one in individual afflictions. This personal knowledge grounds Christian assurance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

God considering and knowing suffering echoes Exodus 3:7—God saw Israel's affliction and knew their sorrows. David places himself in redemptive history.

Ancient Near Eastern laments moved from complaint to confidence. David deepens this theologically—confidence rests on God's covenantal character (hesed), not past miracles alone. Covenant mercy is unchanging foundation for joy amid unchanging circumstances.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you practice choosing gladness based on God's character before circumstances improve?
  2. What does it mean that God 'considers' your troubles with thoughtful engagement?
  3. How does God's knowing your soul in adversity differ from human sympathy?
  4. In what ways does covenant theology provide deeper security than circumstantial blessings?
  5. How does David's example challenge expectations for immediate relief from suffering?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
אָגִ֥ילָה1 of 10

“I will be glad”

H1523

properly, to spin round (under the influence of any violent emotion), i.e., usually rejoice, or (as cringing) fear

וְאֶשְׂמְחָ֗ה2 of 10

“and rejoice”

H8055

probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome

בְּחַ֫סְדֶּ֥ךָ3 of 10

“in thy mercy”

H2617

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

אֲשֶׁ֣ר4 of 10
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

רָ֭אִיתָ5 of 10

“for thou hast considered”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֶת6 of 10
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עָנְיִ֑י7 of 10

“my trouble”

H6040

depression, i.e., misery

יָ֝דַ֗עְתָּ8 of 10

“thou hast known”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

בְּצָר֥וֹת9 of 10

“in adversities”

H6869

transitively, a female rival

נַפְשִֽׁי׃10 of 10

“my soul”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

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 31:7 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 31:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 49:13Isaiah 63:9Psalms 119:1532 Timothy 2:19John 10:27-30Isaiah 63:16

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 31 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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