King James Version

What Does Psalms 41:2 Mean?

Psalms 41:2 in the King James Version says “The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him un...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 41 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. thou: or, do not thou deliver”

Psalms 41:2 · KJV

Context

1

To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. the poor: or, the weak, or, sick in time: Heb. in the day of evil

2

The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. thou: or, do not thou deliver

3

The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness. make: Heb. turn

4

I said, LORD, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee.

Read Psalms 41 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The LORD promises to 'preserve' and 'keep alive' the one who considers the poor. The Hebrew shamar (preserve) implies active guarding and protection. Being 'blessed upon the earth' connects earthly prosperity with compassionate action, while 'not delivered unto the will of his enemies' assures divine protection from those who would exploit vulnerability.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Care for the poor was embedded in Israel's covenant law (Deuteronomy 15), distinguishing them from surrounding nations where the weak were often exploited. This psalm connects personal blessing with social responsibility.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does care for the poor reflect God's own character?
  2. What connection exists between showing mercy and receiving divine protection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
יְהוָ֤ה׀1 of 9

“The LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

יִשְׁמְרֵ֣הוּ2 of 9

“will preserve”

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

וִֽ֭יחַיֵּהוּ3 of 9

“him and keep him alive”

H2421

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

יְאֻשַּׁ֣ר4 of 9

“and he shall be blessed”

H833

to be straight (used in the widest sense, especially to be level, right, happy); figuratively, to go forward, be honest, prosper

בָּאָ֑רֶץ5 of 9

“upon the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְאַֽל6 of 9
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּ֝תְּנֵ֗הוּ7 of 9

“and thou wilt not deliver”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

בְּנֶ֣פֶשׁ8 of 9

“him unto the will”

H5315

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

אֹיְבָֽיו׃9 of 9

“of his enemies”

H341

hating; an adversary

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 41:2 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 41:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 45:4-5Psalms 27:121 Timothy 4:8Psalms 37:32-33Psalms 33:19Psalms 128:1-6

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