King James Version
What Does Psalms 41:4 Mean?
“I said, LORD, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee.”
Context
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.
5
Mine enemies speak evil of me, When shall he die, and his name perish?
6
And if he come to see me, he speaketh vanity: his heart gathereth iniquity to itself; when he goeth abroad, he telleth it.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(4) **I said.**—After the general statement, the poet applies it to his own case, which showed such sadly different conduct on the part of friends from whom more than sympathy might have been expected. The pronoun is emphatic: *In my case, I said, *etc.
But it is a singular mark of the psalmist’s sincerity and genuineness that he first looks into his own heart for its evil before exposing that of his friends.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 41:4 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 41:4
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge