Psalms 41–13
Psalm 41:1-13
Psa.41.1 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- למנצח: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מזמור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לדוד: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 23:1 (structural): Like Ps 41:1, Ps 23 bears the superscription “A Psalm of David,” attributing the composition to David and functioning as a Davidic psalm heading.
- Psalm 22:1 (structural): The heading reads (in many translations) “To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David,” paralleling Ps 41:1’s combined liturgical direction and Davidic ascription.
- Psalm 51:1 (structural): Psalm 51’s superscription—“To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet went to him…”—similarly couples a musical/leadership direction with explicit Davidic authorship.
- 2 Samuel 22:1 (cf. Psalm 18) (quotation): 2 Samuel 22 is the same song as Psalm 18 and is presented in the narrative as David’s song; it parallels Ps 41:1 by attesting Davidic authorship and by showing Psalms can appear elsewhere as Davidic compositions.
Alternative generated candidates
- For the leader; a Psalm of David.
- For the leader; a Psalm of David.
Psa.41.2 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- אשרי: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- משכיל: VERB,qal,ptc,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- דל: ADJ,m,sg
- ביום: PREP
- רעה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ימלטהו: VERB,qal,imf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Proverbs 14:21 (thematic): Both affirm that showing mercy to the poor brings blessing: ‘Whoever despises his neighbor is void of sense, but a man of understanding remains silent’/‘blessed is he who considers the poor’ (theme of compassion rewarded).
- Proverbs 19:17 (verbal): Links generosity to divine recompense: ‘Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him,’ echoing the promise that God delivers the one who cares for the poor.
- Psalm 112:9 (thematic): Describes the righteous who give to the poor and whose righteousness endures—connecting generosity to enduring divine favor and protection.
- Matthew 25:34-40 (thematic): Jesus teaches that care for ‘the least’ (hungry, sick, imprisoned) is acted toward him and is the basis for reward—paralleling the idea that aiding the poor brings God’s salvation/commendation.
Alternative generated candidates
- Blessed is the one who has regard for the poor; in the day of trouble the LORD will deliver him.
- Blessed is the one who gives thought to the poor; in the day of trouble the LORD will deliver him.
Psa.41.3 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ישמרהו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ויחיהו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ואשר: CONJ+PRON,rel
- בארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- תתנהו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- בנפש: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- איביו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,suff:3ms
Parallels
- Ps.41:2 (structural): Immediate context in the same psalm: similar language about the LORD preserving, keeping alive, blessing in the land and not delivering to enemies (close verbal and thematic continuation).
- Ps.30:2–3 (verbal): Both speak of the LORD restoring life/health after distress — 'you have healed me' / 'you restored me to life' echoes the healing/sustaining motif of Ps 41:3.
- Isa.38:16–17 (thematic): Hezekiah's thanksgiving for recovery: God 'restored me to health' and preserved his life — parallels the theme of divine preservation and healing.
- Ps.103:3 (thematic): Declares that the LORD 'heals all your diseases,' reflecting the broader theological claim behind Ps 41:3 that Yahweh sustains and restores the sick.
- Exod.15:26 (allusion): God's self-designation 'I am the LORD who heals you' (YHWH Ropheka) undergirds Psalms' appeals to Yahweh as preserver and healer, an implicit theological basis for Ps 41:3.
Alternative generated candidates
- The LORD will preserve him and keep him alive; he will be favored in the land, and you will not give him over to the hand of his enemies.
- The LORD will preserve him and keep him alive; he will be blessed on the earth, and will not be handed over to the power of his enemies.
Psa.41.4 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- יסעדנו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- ערש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דוי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כל: DET
- משכבו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m,sg
- הפכת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- בחליו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 6:2-3 (thematic): A plea for God’s healing and deliverance in bodily distress—like Ps 41:4 it entrusts the sufferer’s life and recovery to the LORD.
- Psalm 30:2-3 (thematic): A thanksgiving for being rescued from death and restored to health; parallels the theme of God restoring the sick.
- Isaiah 38:16-17 (verbal): Hezekiah’s recognition that the LORD restored him from illness and brought him back to life—language of restoration closely mirrors Ps 41:4.
- James 5:14-15 (thematic): Instruction to call for prayer when sick because 'the Lord will raise him up'—reflects the New Testament application of trust in God’s sustaining and restoring care for the ill.
- Psalm 103:3 (thematic): Affirms that the LORD 'heals all your diseases,' connecting divine mercy with physical healing as in Ps 41:4.
Alternative generated candidates
- The LORD will sustain him on his sickbed; you will restore him from his bed of illness — you have turned over all his couch in his sickness.
- The LORD will sustain him on his sickbed; in his illness you will restore all his couch.
Psa.41.5 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- א: PRT
- ני: PRON,1,sg,clitic
- אמרתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,com,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- חנני: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- רפאה: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- נפשי: NOUN,f,sg,abs+1cs
- כי: CONJ
- חטאתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,m,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 6:2 (verbal): Both verses use the plea חנני (be gracious/have mercy) and רפא (heal); a direct cry for mercy and healing in distress.
- Psalm 30:2 (thematic): A prayer for the LORD's healing and deliverance ('O LORD my God, I cried to you, and you have healed me'), echoing the petition for restoration.
- Psalm 51:4 (verbal): Confession language similar to 'for I have sinned against you' (here 'against you, you only have I sinned'), tying repentance to the plea for mercy.
- Psalm 32:5 (structural): Parallels the pattern of confession of sin to the LORD and receipt of forgiveness/healing—acknowledgment of sin followed by divine mercy.
- 2 Samuel 12:13 (quotation): David's admission 'I have sinned against the LORD' corresponds almost word-for-word to the Psalm's confession, providing a narrative parallel to the penitential plea.
Alternative generated candidates
- I said, "O LORD, be gracious to me; heal my soul, for I have sinned against you."
- I said, "O LORD, be gracious to me; heal my soul, for I have sinned against you."
Psa.41.6 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- אויבי: NOUN,m,pl,suff1
- יאמרו: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,pl
- רע: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- מתי: ADV,int
- ימות: VERB,qal,juss,3,m,sg
- ואבד: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg,conj-w
- שמו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 35:26 (verbal): Both passages complain that the psalmist’s enemies rejoice over his misfortune and gloat at his downfall (explicit language of enemies rejoicing over him).
- Psalm 31:13–14 (thematic): Speaks of enemies conspiring against the speaker and desiring his life or ruin, paralleling the hostile wish in Ps 41:6 that the speaker would die and his name be lost."
- Psalm 22:7–8 (verbal): Describes onlookers mocking and deriding the sufferer—‘He trusted in the LORD…let him deliver him’—a closely related motif of enemies gloating over the sufferer’s plight.
- Matthew 27:41–43 (allusion): New Testament scene of hostile onlookers mocking Jesus and wishing his undoing echoes the psalmic motif of enemies celebrating the sufferer’s impending death and disgrace.
- Proverbs 24:17 (thematic): Offers the ethical counterpoint to Ps 41:6’s depiction of hostile rejoicing—an admonition not to rejoice when an enemy falls, highlighting the same situation from a moral perspective.
Alternative generated candidates
- My enemies speak evil of me: "When will he die, and his name perish?"
- My enemies speak ill of me: "When will he die, and his name perish?"
Psa.41.7 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ואם: CONJ
- בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לראות: VERB,qal,inf
- שוא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ידבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לבו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- יקבץ: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- און: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- יצא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לחוץ: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ידבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 41:9 (verbal): Immediate continuation within the same psalm—both verses treat betrayal by those who visit or are close, culminating in the charge of a familiar friend lifting up his heel.
- Psalm 35:11 (thematic): Speaks of false witnesses rising up and speaking lies against the psalmist—parallel theme of slanderous speech and secret plotting against the righteous.
- Psalm 55:12-14 (thematic): Expresses the pain of betrayal by a close companion and friend (trusted and intimate), echoing the sense of whispered malice and treachery found in Ps 41:7.
- Psalm 64:2-4 (thematic): Describes men who plot in secret, sharpen their tongues and speak craftily—parallels the imagery of whispering, gathering iniquity, and speaking vain/insidious words.
- John 13:18 (quotation): Jesus cites the Psalms' language about a close friend betraying the speaker (cf. Ps 41:9) in predicting Judas' betrayal; connected thematically to Ps 41's depiction of treachery and whispering enemies.
Alternative generated candidates
- And when one comes to see me he speaks empty words; his heart collects falsehood — when he goes out he utters it.
- When one comes to see me he utters falsehood; his heart gathers iniquity; when he goes out he speaks it.
Psa.41.8 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- יחד: ADV
- עלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- יתלחשו: VERB,hithpael,imprf,3,m,pl
- כל: DET
- שנאי: NOUN,m,pl,poss1
- עלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- יחשבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,pl
- רעה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 41:9 (structural): Immediate continuation of the thought—identifies a trusted companion who betrays, sharpening the theme of enemies conspiring against the psalmist.
- Psalm 55:12-14 (thematic): Laments betrayal by a close friend/companion who sat with the psalmist, echoing the pain of secret plotting and treachery.
- Psalm 31:13 (verbal): Uses the phrase 'the whispering of many' and depicts conspirators scheming against the speaker—verbal and thematic parallel to enemies whispering together.
- Psalm 64:2-3 (allusion): Speaks of secret counsel and whispered plots from the wicked aimed at the righteous—an allusive match to the imagery of enemies whispering together.
Alternative generated candidates
- All who hate me whisper together against me; those who watch my life plot evils for me.
- All who hate me whisper together against me; they devise hurt for me.
Psa.41.9 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בליעל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יצוק: VERB,qal,ptc,m,sg
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ואשר: CONJ+PRON,rel
- שכב: VERB,qal,inf
- לא: PART_NEG
- יוסיף: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לקום: VERB,qal,inf
Parallels
- John 13:18 (quotation): Jesus cites Psalm 41:9 directly (one who ate my bread has lifted up his heel), applying the Psalm's betrayal motif to Judas' imminent betrayal.
- Psalm 55:12-14 (verbal): Speaks of betrayal by a close companion and familiar friend—language and theme closely parallel the Psalm's complaint about intimate treachery.
- Matthew 26:50 (allusion): At Judas' arrest Jesus addresses him as 'Friend' before betrayal is carried out, echoing the irony of trusted companions who betray in Psalm 41:9.
- Proverbs 27:6 (thematic): Contrasts faithful wounds and deceitful friendship; thematically related to the pain of betrayal by one regarded as a friend.
Alternative generated candidates
- A thing of worthlessness is poured into him; and he who once lay with him will not rise again.
- A thing of worthlessness has been poured into him; he who lay with me will not rise again.
Psa.41.10 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- גם: ADV
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שלומי: NOUN,m,sg,suff1s
- אשר: PRON,rel
- בטחתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,sg
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- אוכל: VERB,qal,part,1,m,sg
- לחמי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+1s
- הגדיל: VERB,hif,perf,3,m,sg
- עלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- עקב: PREP
Parallels
- Ps.41:9 (verbal): Immediate parallel/near-duplicate wording: the psalmist says a close friend in whom he trusted, who ate his bread, has lifted his heel against him (same scene of betrayal).
- Ps.55:13-14 (thematic): Speaks of betrayal by a companion and intimate friend who shared counsel and fellowship—same theme of treachery by one formerly close.
- John 13:18 (quotation): Jesus explicitly cites the psalm (cf. Ps 41:9) when predicting Judas' betrayal, applying the psalm's language to the Last Supper.
- Matt.26:21-25 (allusion): At the Last Supper Jesus announces a betrayer among his companions; the scene of betrayal by one sharing a meal with the victim echoes the psalm's situation.
- Ps.109:5 (thematic): Describes those who repay love with hatred and become adversaries—a related motif of friends turning into enemies/betrayers.
Alternative generated candidates
- Even my close companion, in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.
- Yea, even my companion, the man in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.
Psa.41.11 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ואתה: CONJ+PRON,2,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- חנני: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- והקימני: VERB,hiph,imp,2,m,sg
- ואשלמה: VERB,qal,impf,1,c,sg
- להם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Romans 12:19 (thematic): Commands believers not to avenge themselves—'Vengeance is mine; I will repay'—contrasting the psalmist's desire to be raised so he may repay his enemies; both center on repayment/vengeance.
- Proverbs 20:22 (thematic): 'Do not say, “I will recompense evil” — wait on the LORD'—a wisdom saying that thematically contrasts the psalmist’s wish to repay enemies and emphasizes leaving repayment to God.
- Psalm 18:48 (verbal): Davidic thanksgiving describing God lifting him up and delivering him from enemies ('thou hast delivered me... thou hast set me up'), echoing the language of being raised by the LORD to confront opponents.
- Psalm 109:26–27 (thematic): A plea for God’s help and vindication so that enemies may see God's hand—similar motive to Ps 41:11, asking God to intervene so consequences fall on adversaries and God is glorified.
Alternative generated candidates
- But you, O LORD, have mercy on me; raise me up, that I may repay them.
- But you, O LORD, be gracious to me; raise me up, and I will repay them.
Psa.41.12 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- בזאת: PREP
- ידעתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,?,sg
- כי: CONJ
- חפצת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- בי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- כי: CONJ
- לא: PART_NEG
- יריע: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- איבי: NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss=1s
- עלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 41:11 (structural): Immediate context in the same psalm: verse 11 speaks of God upholding the psalmist for his integrity, which leads into verse 12's confidence that God delights in him and his enemies do not triumph.
- Proverbs 16:7 (thematic): Expresses the same principle: when a person's ways please the LORD (i.e., God is favorable to him), even his enemies are made to be at peace—paralleling 'because you delight in me, my enemy does not rejoice.'
- Psalm 21:6–7 (thematic): Speaks of God's favor toward the king ('you make him glad with the joy of your presence' and 'through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall not be moved'), linking divine delight with the defeat/non-prevailing of foes.
- Genesis 39:21, 23 (allusion): In Joseph's story the LORD is with him and shows him steadfast love so that those around him cannot prosper against him—an illustrative narrative parallel to God’s favor preventing an enemy’s triumph.
Alternative generated candidates
- By this I know that you delight in me: that my enemy will not shout over me.
- By this I know that you delight in me: for my enemy will not shout over me in triumph.
Psa.41.13 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ואני: PRON,1,sg
- בתמי: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- תמכת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- בי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- ותציבני: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg,obj:1,sg
- לפניך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- לעולם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 25:21 (verbal): Both speak of integrity/uprightness being preserved because of trust in God (Heb. integrity theme and divine preservation).
- Psalm 26:1,11 (verbal): The psalmist claims innocence/integrity ('I have walked in my integrity') and asks for vindication—parallels the self‑presentation in integrity and God's sustaining action in Ps 41:13.
- Psalm 17:15 (thematic): Speaks of seeing God's face and being satisfied in his presence—resonates with Ps 41:13's language of being set before God 'forever' (presence before the Lord).
- Psalm 37:24 (verbal): Uses the verb 'uphold' for God's sustaining of the righteous ('the LORD upholdeth him with his hand'), paralleling Ps 41:13's 'you uphold me.'
- Psalm 73:23-24 (thematic): Describes God's continual presence and holding/leading the psalmist (sustaining, guidance, eventual reception into God's presence), echoing the motifs of divine support and being set before God in Ps 41:13.
Alternative generated candidates
- And as for me, you uphold me in integrity and set me before you forever.
- As for me, you uphold me in integrity and set me in your presence forever.
For the leader; a Psalm of David.
Blessed is the one who has regard for the poor; in the day of trouble the LORD will deliver him.
The LORD will preserve him and keep him alive; he will be blessed in the land; the LORD will not give him over to the will of his enemies.
The LORD will sustain him on his sickbed; you restore him on his couch in his illness.
I said, "O LORD, have mercy on me; heal my soul, for I have sinned against you."
My enemies say evil of me: "When will he die, and when will his name perish?"
When one comes to visit, he utters emptiness; his heart gathers wickedness; when he goes out he tells it.
They whisper together against me; all who hate me plot evil against me.
A worthless thing is poured out against him: "He who lies down will not rise again."
Even my close companion, in whom I trusted, who shared my bread, has lifted his heel against me. But you, O LORD, be gracious to me; raise me up, that I may repay them.
By this I know that you delight in me: my enemy will not exult over me. And I, in integrity, am sustained by you; you set me before your presence forever.