King James Version

What Does Psalms 42:6 Mean?

Psalms 42:6 in the King James Version says “O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites,...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 42 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar. the hill: or, the little hill”

Psalms 42:6 · KJV

Context

4

When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.

5

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. cast: Heb. bowed praise: or, give thanks for the: or, his presence is salvation

6

O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar. the hill: or, the little hill

7

Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me.

8

Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.

Read Psalms 42 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The psalmist's soul is 'cast down' within him, but he responds by remembering God 'from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar.' These geographical references suggest physical exile far from Jerusalem, possibly in the region near Mount Hermon. Memory of God replaces memory of temple when physical access is denied.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The geographical markers indicate the northern extremity of Israel, near the headwaters of the Jordan. This location, far from Jerusalem, would have intensified the sense of separation from God's sanctuary.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can we 'remember God' when separated from normal means of worship?
  2. What role does memory play in sustaining faith during spiritual exile?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
אֱֽלֹהַ֗י1 of 12

“O my God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

עָלַי֮2 of 12
H5921

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

נַפְשִׁ֪י3 of 12

“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

תִשְׁתּ֫וֹחָ֥ח4 of 12

“is cast down”

H7817

to sink or depress (reflexive or causative)

עַל5 of 12
H5921

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

כֵּ֗ן6 of 12
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

אֶ֭זְכָּרְךָ7 of 12

“within me therefore will I remember”

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

מֵאֶ֣רֶץ8 of 12

“thee from the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

יַרְדֵּ֑ן9 of 12

“of Jordan”

H3383

jarden, the principal river of palestine

וְ֝חֶרְמוֹנִ֗ים10 of 12

“and of the Hermonites”

H2769

hermons, i.e., its peaks

מֵהַ֥ר11 of 12

“from the hill”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

מִצְעָֽר׃12 of 12

“Mizar”

H4706

mitsar, a peak of lebanon

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 42:6 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 42:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 61:2Jonah 2:7Deuteronomy 3:8-9Psalms 43:42 Samuel 17:22Psalms 22:1

Places in This Verse

JordanRiver · Modern: Jordan River · 31.76°N, 35.56°E202 verses across 21 books
Mount HermonMountain · Modern: Mount Hermon · 33.40°N, 35.85°E16 verses across 6 books
Mount MizarHill · Modern: Mount Hermon · 33.40°N, 35.85°E1 verse across 1 book
View all places in Psalms 42 →

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