Psalms 31:9
Psalms 31:9 in Multiple Translations
Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes fail from sorrow, my soul and body as well.
Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly.
Have mercy upon me, O Jehovah, for I am in distress: Mine eye wasteth away with grief, yea, my soul and my body.
Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am in trouble; my eyes are wasted with grief, I am wasted in soul and body.
Be kind to me Lord, for I am upset. I can hardly see from so much crying. I am completely wasting away.
Haue mercie vpon mee, O Lord: for I am in trouble: mine eye, my soule and my bellie are consumed with griefe.
Favour me, O Jehovah, for distress [is] to me, Mine eye, my soul, and my body Have become old by provocation.
Have mercy on me, LORD, for I am in distress. My eye, my soul, and my body waste away with grief.
Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble: my eye is consumed with grief, yes , my soul and my belly.
Do not become like the horse and the mule, who have no understanding. With bit and bridle bind fast their jaws, who come not near unto thee.
But now, Yahweh, be kind to me again because I am distressed. Because I cry so much, I cannot see well, and I am completely exhausted.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 31:9
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 31:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/לֹ֣א
הִ֭סְגַּרְתַּ/נִי
בְּ/יַד
אוֹיֵ֑ב
הֶֽעֱמַ֖דְתָּ
בַ/מֶּרְחָ֣ב
רַגְלָֽ/י
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
הִ֭סְגַּרְתַּ/נִי
çâgar
H5462
to shut
V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms | Suff
בְּ/יַד
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs
אוֹיֵ֑ב
ʼôyêb
H341
enemy
V-Qal
הֶֽעֱמַ֖דְתָּ
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms
בַ/מֶּרְחָ֣ב
merchâb
H4800
broad
Prep | N-ms
רַגְלָֽ/י
regel
H7272
foot
N-fd | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 31:9
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
הִ֭סְגַּרְתַּ/נִי
çâgar
H5462
"to shut"
V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms | Suff
To shut means to close something, like a door or a container. In the Bible, this word is used to describe surrendering or giving something up, like in the book of Ezra where the Israelites shut themselves in to pray.
Definition: 1) to shut, close 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shut 1a2) to close, close up 1a3) closed up, closely joined, shut up 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be shut up 1b2) to be shut or closed 1c) (Piel) to shut up, deliver up 1d) (Pual) to be shut up 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to deliver up 1e2) to shut up, imprison 2) pure gold Aramaic equivalent: se.gar (סְגַר "to shut" H5463)
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: close up, deliver (up), give over (up), inclose, [idiom] pure, repair, shut (in, self, out, up, up together), stop, [idiom] straitly. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Kings 11:27; Psalms 17:10.
בְּ/יַד
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs
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.
אוֹיֵ֑ב
ʼôyêb
H341
"enemy"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means enemy or adversary, referring to someone who hates or opposes another person or nation. It is used to describe personal or national enemies in the Bible.
Definition: 1) (Qal) enemy 1a) personal 1b) national
Usage: Occurs in 275 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe. See also: Genesis 22:17; 2 Samuel 22:1; Psalms 3:8.
הֶֽעֱמַ֖דְתָּ
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
בַ/מֶּרְחָ֣ב
merchâb
H4800
"broad"
Prep | N-ms
Merchab refers to a broad or roomy place, often describing a wide or expansive area. It symbolizes liberty and openness. This concept is mentioned in the Bible as a desirable state.
Definition: broad or roomy place, wide, expanses
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: breadth, large place (room). See also: 2 Samuel 22:20; Psalms 118:5; Psalms 18:20.
רַגְלָֽ/י
regel
H7272
"foot"
N-fd | Suff
This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.
Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)
Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.
Study Notes — Psalms 31:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 31:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 31:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 31:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 31:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 31:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 31:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 31:9
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 31:9
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 31:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 31:9
- Sermons on Psalms 31:9
Context — Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit
7I will be glad and rejoice in Your loving devotion, for You have seen my affliction; You have known the anguish of my soul.
8You have not delivered me to the enemy; You have set my feet in the open.
9Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes fail from sorrow, my soul and body as well.
10For my life is consumed with grief and my years with groaning; my iniquity has drained my strength, and my bones are wasting away. 11Among all my enemies I am a disgrace, and among my neighbors even more. I am dreaded by my friends— they flee when they see me on the street.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 6:7 | My eyes fail from grief; they grow dim because of all my foes. |
| 2 | Psalms 88:9 | My eyes grow dim with grief. I call to You daily, O LORD; I spread out my hands to You. |
| 3 | Psalms 73:26 | My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. |
| 4 | Psalms 38:1–10 | O LORD, do not rebuke me in Your anger or discipline me in Your wrath. For Your arrows have pierced me deeply, and Your hand has pressed down on me. There is no soundness in my body because of Your anger; there is no rest in my bones because of my sin. For my iniquities have overwhelmed me; they are a burden too heavy to bear. My wounds are foul and festering because of my sinful folly. I am bent and brought low; all day long I go about mourning. For my loins are full of burning pain, and no soundness remains in my body. I am numb and badly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart. O Lord, my every desire is before You; my groaning is not hidden from You. My heart pounds, my strength fails, and even the light of my eyes has faded. |
| 5 | Psalms 107:10 | Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in affliction and chains, |
| 6 | Psalms 6:1–2 | O LORD, do not rebuke me in Your anger or discipline me in Your wrath. Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am frail; heal me, O LORD, for my bones are in agony. |
| 7 | Job 17:7 | My eyes have grown dim with grief, and my whole body is but a shadow. |
| 8 | Psalms 88:3–5 | For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to Sheol. I am counted among those descending to the Pit. I am like a man without strength. I am forsaken among the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave, whom You remember no more, who are cut off from Your care. |
| 9 | Job 33:19–22 | A man is also chastened on his bed with pain and constant distress in his bones, so that he detests his bread, and his soul loathes his favorite food. His flesh wastes away from sight, and his hidden bones protrude. He draws near to the Pit, and his life to the messengers of death. |
| 10 | Psalms 66:14 | the vows that my lips promised and my mouth spoke in my distress. |
Psalms 31:9 Summary
[Psalms 31:9 is a heartfelt cry to God for mercy in the midst of great distress and sorrow. The psalmist is overwhelmed by his emotions and physical suffering, and he turns to God for comfort and help, just as we can do when we are struggling (Psalms 107:6, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4). This verse reminds us that God is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit (Psalms 34:18), and that He cares about our whole being, including our physical and emotional well-being (Matthew 22:37-40). By bringing our distress and sorrow before God, we can experience His mercy and comfort, and find strength to carry on.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'in distress' as mentioned in Psalms 31:9?
Being in distress refers to a state of extreme difficulty or suffering, as seen in David's plea for mercy, similar to the distress experienced by the psalmist in Psalms 107:6, where he cries out to God in his trouble.
Why does the psalmist say his 'eyes fail from sorrow'?
The psalmist's eyes failing from sorrow is a physical manifestation of the emotional toll of his suffering, much like how Jesus wept with those who were mourning in John 11:35, showing that even in sorrow, God is near.
How can I apply the concept of God's mercy in Psalms 31:9 to my own life?
You can apply God's mercy to your life by recognizing your own distress and sorrow, and crying out to God for help, just as the psalmist does, trusting in God's promise to comfort the afflicted as seen in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.
What is the relationship between the psalmist's physical and emotional distress?
The psalmist's physical and emotional distress are intertwined, as his sorrow affects not just his soul but also his body, highlighting the holistic nature of human suffering, a concept also seen in Matthew 22:37-40 where Jesus teaches about loving God with all our heart, soul, and body.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways am I currently experiencing distress or sorrow, and how can I bring these feelings before God in prayer?
- How does my physical health affect my emotional and spiritual well-being, and vice versa?
- What does it mean for me to trust in God's mercy when I am struggling, and how can I practically apply this trust in my daily life?
- In what ways can I, like the psalmist, acknowledge my weakness and limitations before God, and ask for His strength and comfort?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 31:9
Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am in trouble,.... A sudden change of case and frame this!
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 31:9
Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly. The second strophe. His distress, and his commission of it to the Lord in prayer.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 31:9
With grief; with continual weeping. See Poole "". My soul; my sorrows are not counterfeit or slight, but inward and hearty; my mind is oppressed, my heart is ready to sink under my burden. My belly, i.e. my bowels contained in my belly; which are the seat of the affections, and fountains of support and nourishment to the whole body. Thus the whole man, both soul and body, inside and outside, are consumed.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 31:9
Psalms 31:9 Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, [yea], my soul and my belly.Ver. 9. Have mercy upon me, O Lord] Antiquum obtine, Do now, Lord, as thou hitherto hast done. For I am in trouble] Overwhelmed with the terrors of death, and ready to sink, animus mihi pendet, I know not what to do. Mine eye is consumed with grief] Computruit facies mea, mine eye ( nitor oculi, vel facies) is gnawn away, or worm-eaten. Yea, my soul, and my belly] Belly may be taken for the whole body, which was pined away and infeebled with pensiveness. Vatablus by soul understandeth the natural appetite after meat, and by belly the digestion, both which were decayed.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 31:9
(9) Mine eye is consumed . . .—Comp. Psalms 6:7. It was an old idea that the eye could weep itself away. It is an actual fact that the disease glaucoma is very much influenced by mental emotions. Belly.—Better, body—both mind and body were suffering.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 31:9
Verse 9. Mine eye is consumed] He now returns, and speaks of his present situation. Grief had brought many tears from his eyes, many agonies into his soul, and many distressful feelings into his whole frame. My soul and my belly.] The belly is often taken for the whole body. But the term belly or bowels, in such as case as this, may be the most proper; for in distress and misery, the bowels being the most tender part, and in fact the very seat of compassion, they are often most affected. In Greek the word σπλαγχνον signifies a bowel, and σπλαγχνιζομαι signifies to be moved with compassion; to feel misery in the bowels at the sight of a person in pain and distress.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 31:9
9–18. The tone of the Psalm changes. The recollection of past mercies brings present suffering into sharper relief. “A sorrow’s crown of sorrow is remembering happier things.” This part of the Psalm reminds us of Psalms 6, and of Jeremiah’s complaints.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 31:9
Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am in trouble - The nature and sources of his trouble are specified in the verses following.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 31:9
9. I am in trouble—He had escaped, and his “feet” were “in a large room,” (Psalms 31:8,) but he was not out of danger or suffering.
Sermons on Psalms 31:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Glorious Opposites by Teresa Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about his son going skydiving and the intense emotions he experienced during the jump. He relates this to the need for believers |
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Psalm 31 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches about the believer's security in God during trials, life, and death, emphasizing the importance of faith unto eternal life. The sermon delves into the thoughts a |
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The Ground of Davidic Reality by Bryan Anthony | Bryan Anthony preaches on the significance of embracing our human weaknesses, as seen in the Psalms, as a provision for the Church. He emphasizes the importance of coming to God in |
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Hebrews 9:24-10:9 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the significance of Christ's sacrifice, emphasizing how He entered Heaven to appear in the presence of God for us, offering Himself once to put away |
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The Seventh Degree of Humility by St. Benedict of Nursia | St. Benedict of Nursia preaches on the seventh degree of humility, emphasizing the importance of considering oneself lower and of less account than anyone else, not just in words b |
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Battling the Unbelief of Despondency by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of finding trusted friends to open up to and seek support from during difficult times. He uses the example of Jesus choosing P |
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One of the Master's Choice Sayings by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that as believers, we should not be burdened by excessive serving or suffering. Our surroundings should not have control over us, but rather |