King James Version

What Does Psalms 40:12 Mean?

Psalms 40:12 in the King James Version says “For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up... — study this verse from Psalms chapter 40 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me. falleth: Heb. forsaketh

Psalms 40:12 · KJV


Context

10

I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.

11

Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O LORD: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me.

12

For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me. falleth: Heb. forsaketh

13

Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me: O LORD, make haste to help me.

14

Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The shift to lament reveals David's honest assessment: 'innumerable evils have compassed me about.' His 'iniquities' (avonot) have 'taken hold' of him, suggesting consequences of sin that entangle and bind. The phrase 'they are more than the hairs of mine head' echoes verse 5's abundance language but now applied to troubles, creating a striking contrast.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

David's candid confession of personal iniquity distinguishes biblical faith from works-righteousness systems. Even the 'man after God's own heart' acknowledges moral failure before the holy God.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does David's honesty about his own iniquity challenge superficial approaches to worship?
  2. What does it mean that our sins can 'take hold' of us?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
כִּ֤י1 of 17
H3588

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

אָפְפ֥וּ2 of 17

have compassed

H661

to surround

עָלַ֨י׀3 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

רָע֡וֹת4 of 17

evils

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

עַד5 of 17
H5704

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

אֵ֬ין6 of 17
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

מִסְפָּ֗ר7 of 17

For innumerable

H4557

a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration

הִשִּׂיג֣וּנִי8 of 17

have taken hold

H5381

to reach (literally or figuratively)

עֲ֭וֺנֹתַי9 of 17

me about mine iniquities

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

וְלֹא10 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָכֹ֣לְתִּי11 of 17

upon me so that I am not able

H3201

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

לִרְא֑וֹת12 of 17

to look up

H7200

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

עָצְמ֥וּ13 of 17

they are more

H6105

to bind fast, i.e., close (the eyes); intransitively, to be (causatively, make) powerful or numerous; to crunch the bones

מִשַּֽׂעֲר֥וֹת14 of 17

than the hairs

H8185

hairiness

רֹ֝אשִׁ֗י15 of 17

of mine head

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

וְלִבִּ֥י16 of 17

therefore my heart

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

עֲזָבָֽנִי׃17 of 17

faileth

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc


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 40:12 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 40:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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