Psalms 143:5
Psalms 143:5 in Multiple Translations
I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I consider the work of Your hands.
I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.
I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy doings; I muse on the work of thy hands.
I keep in mind the early days of the past, giving thought to all your acts, even to the work of your hands.
I think of days long ago, and as I meditate I talk to myself about all you have done, I reflect on what you have accomplished.
Yet do I remember the time past: I meditate in all thy workes, yea, I doe meditate in the workes of thine hands.
I have remembered days of old, I have meditated on all Thine acts, On the work of Thy hand I muse.
I remember the days of old. I meditate on all your doings. I contemplate the work of your hands.
I remember the days of old, I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.
Lord, bow down thy heavens and descend: touch the mountains and they shall smoke.
I remember what has happened previously: I ◄meditate on/think about► all the things that you have done; I consider all the great deeds that you [SYN] have performed.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 143:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 143:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
זָ֘כַ֤רְתִּי
יָמִ֨ים
מִ/קֶּ֗דֶם
הָגִ֥יתִי
בְ/כָל
פָּעֳלֶ֑/ךָ
בְּֽ/מַעֲשֵׂ֖ה
יָדֶ֣י/ךָ
אֲשׂוֹחֵֽחַ
זָ֘כַ֤רְתִּי
zâkar
H2142
to remember
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
יָמִ֨ים
yôwm
H3117
day
N-mp
מִ/קֶּ֗דֶם
qedem
H6924
front
Prep | N-ms
הָגִ֥יתִי
hâgâh
H1897
to mutter
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
בְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
פָּעֳלֶ֑/ךָ
pôʻal
H6467
work
N-ms | Suff
בְּֽ/מַעֲשֵׂ֖ה
maʻăseh
H4639
deed
Prep | N-ms
יָדֶ֣י/ךָ
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cd | Suff
אֲשׂוֹחֵֽחַ
sîyach
H7878
to muse
V-o-Imperf-1cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 143:5
זָ֘כַ֤רְתִּי
zâkar
H2142
"to remember"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
To remember means to recall or mark something, like God remembering his covenant with Abraham in Genesis 9:1 and Exodus 2:24.
Definition: 1) to remember, recall, call to mind 1a) (Qal) to remember, recall 1b) (Niphal) to be brought to remembrance, be remembered, be thought of, be brought to mind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to remember, remind 1c2) to cause to be remembered, keep in remembrance 1c3) to mention 1c4) to record 1c5) to make a memorial, make remembrance
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] burn (incense), [idiom] earnestly, be male, (make) mention (of), be mindful, recount, record(-er), remember, make to be remembered, bring (call, come, keep, put) to (in) remembrance, [idiom] still, think on, [idiom] well. See also: Genesis 8:1; Psalms 74:2; Psalms 8:5.
יָמִ֨ים
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-mp
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
מִ/קֶּ֗דֶם
qedem
H6924
"front"
Prep | N-ms
The front or east direction, often used to describe a location or time, such as in the book of Ezekiel where it describes the direction of the temple. It can also mean something is ancient or from the past, like the stories in Genesis.
Definition: : east 1) east, antiquity, front, that which is before, aforetime 1a) front, from the front or east, in front, mount of the East 1b) ancient time, aforetime, ancient, from of old, earliest time 1c) anciently, of old (adverb) 1d) beginning 1e) east
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: aforetime, ancient (time), before, east (end, part, side, -ward), eternal, [idiom] ever(-lasting), forward, old, past. Compare H6926 (קִדְמָה). See also: Genesis 2:8; Nehemiah 12:46; Psalms 44:2.
הָגִ֥יתִי
hâgâh
H1897
"to mutter"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
To mutter or ponder, as seen in Psalm 1:2 where it means to meditate on God's law, and also in Psalm 37:35 where it describes plotting evil.
Definition: 1) to moan, growl, utter, muse, mutter, meditate, devise, plot, speak 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to roar, growl, groan 1a2) to utter, speak 1a3) to meditate, devise, muse, imagine 1b) (Poal) to utter 1c) (Hiphil) to mutter
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: imagine, meditate, mourn, mutter, roar, [idiom] sore, speak, study, talk, utter. See also: Joshua 1:8; Proverbs 8:7; Psalms 1:2.
בְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
פָּעֳלֶ֑/ךָ
pôʻal
H6467
"work"
N-ms | Suff
A work or deed is what this word refers to, describing something that has been done or made. It can also mean wages or the result of an action.
Definition: 1) work, deed, doing 1a) deed, thing done 1b) work, thing made 1c) wages of work 1d) acquisition (of treasure)
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: act, deed, do, getting, maker, work. See also: Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalms 104:23; Psalms 9:17.
בְּֽ/מַעֲשֵׂ֖ה
maʻăseh
H4639
"deed"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to an action or deed, which can be good or bad. It is used to describe various activities, such as work, business, or achievements. The KJV translates it as act, deed, or labor.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) deed, work 1a) deed, thing done, act 1b) work, labour 1c) business, pursuit 1d) undertaking, enterprise 1e) achievement 1f) deeds, works (of deliverance and judgment) 1g) work, thing made 1h) work (of God) 1i) product
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: act, art, [phrase] bakemeat, business, deed, do(-ing), labor, thing made, ware of making, occupation, thing offered, operation, possession, [idiom] well, (handy-, needle-, net-) work(ing, -manship), wrought. See also: Genesis 5:29; Job 1:10; Psalms 8:4.
יָדֶ֣י/ךָ
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cd | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
אֲשׂוֹחֵֽחַ
sîyach
H7878
"to muse"
V-o-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to think deeply about something, like a problem or an idea, and to talk to oneself or others about it, as seen in the book of Psalms where David ponders God's creation.
Definition: 1) to put forth, mediate, muse, commune, speak, complain, ponder, sing 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to complain 1a2) to muse, meditate upon, study, ponder 1a3) to talk, sing, speak 1b) (Polel) to meditate, consider, put forth thoughts
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: commune, complain, declare, meditate, muse, pray, speak, talk (with). See also: Judges 5:10; Psalms 119:15; Psalms 55:18.
Study Notes — Psalms 143:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 143:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 143:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 143:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 143:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 143:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 143:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 143:5
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 143:5
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 143:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 143:5
- Sermons on Psalms 143:5
Context — I Stretch Out My Hands to You
3For the enemy has pursued my soul, crushing my life to the ground, making me dwell in darkness like those long since dead.
4My spirit grows faint within me; my heart is dismayed inside me.
5I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I consider the work of Your hands.
6I stretch out my hands to You; my soul thirsts for You like a parched land. Selah 7Answer me quickly, O LORD; my spirit fails. Do not hide Your face from me, or I will be like those who descend to the Pit.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 77:5–6 | I considered the days of old, the years long in the past. At night I remembered my song; in my heart I mused, and my spirit pondered: |
| 2 | Psalms 77:10–12 | So I said, “I am grieved that the right hand of the Most High has changed.” I will remember the works of the LORD; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old. I will reflect on all You have done and ponder Your mighty deeds. |
| 3 | Micah 6:5 | My people, remember what Balak king of Moab counseled and what Balaam son of Beor answered. Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal, so that you may acknowledge the righteousness of the LORD.’” |
| 4 | Psalms 111:4 | He has caused His wonders to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and compassionate. |
| 5 | Isaiah 63:7–14 | I will make known the LORD’s loving devotion and His praiseworthy acts, because of all that the LORD has done for us— the many good things for the house of Israel according to His great compassion and loving devotion. For He said, “They are surely My people, sons who will not be disloyal.” So He became their Savior. In all their distress, He too was afflicted, and the Angel of His Presence saved them. In His love and compassion He redeemed them; He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old. But they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit. So He turned and became their enemy, and He Himself fought against them. Then His people remembered the days of old, the days of Moses. Where is He who brought them through the sea with the shepherds of His flock? Where is the One who set His Holy Spirit among them, who sent His glorious arm to lead them by the right hand of Moses, who divided the waters before them to gain for Himself everlasting renown, who led them through the depths like a horse in the wilderness, so that they did not stumble? Like cattle going down to the valley, the Spirit of the LORD gave them rest. You led Your people this way to make for Yourself a glorious name. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 17:45–50 | But David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand. This day I will strike you down, cut off your head, and give the carcasses of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the creatures of the earth. Then the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.” As the Philistine started forward to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. Then David reached into his bag, took out a stone, and slung it, striking the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. Thus David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him. |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 17:34–37 | David replied, “Your servant has been tending his father’s sheep, and whenever a lion or a bear came and carried off a lamb from the flock, I went after it, struck it down, and delivered the lamb from its mouth. If it reared up against me, I would grab it by its fur, strike it down, and kill it. Your servant has killed lions and bears; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” David added, “The LORD, who delivered me from the claws of the lion and the bear, will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” “Go,” said Saul, “and may the LORD be with you.” |
| 8 | Psalms 42:6 | O my God, my soul despairs within me. Therefore I remember You from the land of Jordan and the peaks of Hermon— even from Mount Mizar. |
| 9 | Deuteronomy 8:2–3 | Remember that these forty years the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness, so that He might humble you and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commandments. He humbled you, and in your hunger He gave you manna to eat, which neither you nor your fathers had known, so that you might understand that man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. |
Psalms 143:5 Summary
Psalms 143:5 means that when we're going through tough times, we can find comfort and strength by remembering what God has done in the past and thinking about His power and faithfulness. This helps us to trust Him more and have hope for the future, just like it says in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28. By focusing on God's works and faithfulness, we can find peace and comfort, even in the midst of trouble. This is similar to what the psalmist does in Psalms 77:11, where he recalls the mighty deeds of the Lord to strengthen his faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'remember the days of old' in Psalms 143:5?
This phrase refers to reflecting on the past experiences and works of God, as seen in Psalms 77:11 and Psalms 105:5, where the psalmist recalls the mighty deeds of the Lord.
Why is meditating on God's works important in times of trouble?
Meditating on God's works helps us to focus on His power and faithfulness, rather than our current circumstances, as encouraged in Philippians 4:8 and Psalms 119:148.
How can considering the work of God's hands bring comfort?
Considering the work of God's hands reminds us of His creation and provision, as seen in Psalms 8:3-8 and Job 38:1-7, which can bring comfort and assurance of His care for us.
Is this verse encouraging us to focus on the past rather than the present?
No, this verse is not encouraging us to focus solely on the past, but rather to use our memories of God's faithfulness in the past to inform and strengthen our faith in the present, as seen in Romans 8:28 and Hebrews 13:8.
Reflection Questions
- What are some specific 'days of old' that you can remember when God worked powerfully in your life, and how can you apply those memories to your current situation?
- How can you make meditating on God's works a regular part of your daily routine, especially in times of trouble or uncertainty?
- What are some specific works of God's hands that you can consider and reflect on, such as creation, redemption, or provision, and how can they bring you comfort and strength?
- In what ways can you use the memories of God's faithfulness in the past to inform and strengthen your faith in the present, and what difference can that make in your life?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 143:5
I remember the days of old,.... Former times he had read and heard of, in which the Lord appeared for his people that trusted in him; or the former part of his own life, his younger days, when the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 143:5
I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 143:5
I remember the days of old, i.e. what thou hast done for thy servants in former times; which he mentions either, 1. As matter of terror, to consider how unlike God now was unto himself and to his former dealings; or, 2. As matter of support from former experience, because God was still the same. Either way it drives him to his prayers, which here follow.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 143:5
Psalms 143:5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.Ver. 5. I remember the days of old] Wherein I was delivered from the lion and the bear; yea, from the hand of all mine enemies, and from the hand of Saul, Psalms 18:1, title. More than this, Saecula antiquitus praeterita recolo, I run over and ruminate all the ancient monuments of thy mercy to the patriarchs and others; since all that is written was "written for our instruction, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope," Romans 15:4. See Psalms 77:4; Psalms 77:6.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 143:5
(5) See Psalms 77:5-6.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 143:5
Verse 5. I remember the days of old] Thou hast often helped me, often delivered me. I will therefore trust in thee, for thy mercy is not clean gone from me.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 143:5
5, 6. The thought of all that God wrought in ancient times makes him long for a fresh manifestation of His power.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 143:5
I remember the days of old - Former times. (1) as contrasted with my present condition. (2) as times when I called upon thee, and thou didst interpose.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 143:5
5. I remember the days of old—This refers to no far antiquity, but only to the deliverances of David’s earlier life in perils with Goliath and with Saul.
Sermons on Psalms 143:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Diary - Northampton Pastorate - 1726 by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards reflects on his spiritual journey over the past few years, noting moments of revival and divine contemplation. He emphasizes the importance of rising early for spi |
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God Is Speaking; Are You Listening? by Lewis Gregory | Lewis Gregory emphasizes the importance of listening to God through meditation, following the example of King David who frequently sat before the Lord in quiet expectancy. He share |
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Meditate Long and Often by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of meditation for Christians seeking deeper spiritual growth, urging believers to reflect on God's works and presence. He asserts that true know |
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Spiritual Revival: The Need of the Christian by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the urgent need for spiritual revival among Christians, urging believers to recognize that true religion is solely the work of God. He points out that many |
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The Thorn in the Flesh, or Strength Made Perfect in Weakness by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the trials and temptations faced by the servants of God, using the example of the apostle Paul's thorn in the flesh and the messenger of Satan to highli |
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"Thy Way Was in the Sea" (Psalm 77) by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks reflects on Psalm 77, where Asaph, a once joyful choir master, finds himself in despair due to the absence of God's evident presence and power in his life. Asaph's |
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Forward by Robert Ellis | Robert Ellis delivers a sermon reflecting on the decline of Christianity in the country, noting dwindling church attendance and a shift towards secular activities. Despite the blea |