Psalms 40:12
Psalms 40:12 in Multiple Translations
For evils without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, so that I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart has failed within me.
For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me.
For innumerable evils have compassed me about; Mine iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to look up; They are more than the hairs of my head; And my heart hath failed me.
For unnumbered evils are round about me; my sins have overtaken me, so that I am bent down with their weight; they are more than the hairs of my head, my strength is gone because of them.
For I'm experiencing so many problems—I can't even count them! My sins have piled up so high I can't see over them. They're more than the number of hairs on my head! I feel like giving up!
For innumerable troubles haue compassed mee: my sinnes haue taken such holde vpon me, that I am not able to looke vp: yea, they are moe in nomber then the heares of mine head: therefore mine heart hath failed me.
For compassed me have evils innumerable, Overtaken me have mine iniquities, And I have not been able to see; They have been more than the hairs of my head, And my heart hath forsaken me.
For innumerable evils have surrounded me. My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to look up. They are more than the hairs of my head. My heart has failed me.
For innumerable evils have encompassed me: my iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of my head: therefore my heart faileth me.
By this I know, that thou hast had a good will for me: because my enemy shall not rejoice over me.
I have many troubles; so many that I cannot count them. My sins are like a flood that has covered me [PRS, MET]; they are so many that I cannot find my way. The sins that I have committed are more than the hairs on my head. I am very discouraged.
And I have lots of troubles now. It feels like there are troubles all around me, lots of troubles, so I can’t count them all. It’s like all the bad things I did are here with me, and I don’t know the right thing to do. I did lots of bad things, more bad things than the number of hairs on my head, so now I feel weak inside.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 40:12
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 40:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַתָּ֤ה
יְהוָ֗ה
לֹא
תִכְלָ֣א
רַחֲמֶ֣י/ךָ
מִמֶּ֑/נִּי
חַסְדְּ/ךָ֥
וַ֝/אֲמִתְּ/ךָ֗
תָּמִ֥יד
יִצְּרֽוּ/נִי
אַתָּ֤ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
יְהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִכְלָ֣א
kâlâʼ
H3607
to restrain
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
רַחֲמֶ֣י/ךָ
racham
H7356
womb
N-mp | Suff
מִמֶּ֑/נִּי
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
חַסְדְּ/ךָ֥
chêçêd
H2617
kindness
N-ms | Suff
וַ֝/אֲמִתְּ/ךָ֗
ʼemeth
H571
truth
Conj | N-fs | Suff
תָּמִ֥יד
tâmîyd
H8548
continually
N-ms
יִצְּרֽוּ/נִי
nâtsar
H5341
to watch
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 40:12
אַתָּ֤ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
יְהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
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.
תִכְלָ֣א
kâlâʼ
H3607
"to restrain"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to hold something back or restrict it, often used in the Bible to describe God's control over human actions. It appears in books like Leviticus and Psalms, where it talks about restraining evil or withholding punishment. English Bibles translate it as 'restrain' or 'withhold'.
Definition: 1) to restrict, restrain, withhold, shut up, keep back, refrain, forbid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shut up 1a2) to restrain 1a3) to withhold 1b) (Niphal) to be restrained 1c) (Piel) to finish
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: finish, forbid, keep (back), refrain, restrain, retain, shut up, be stayed, withhold. See also: Genesis 8:2; Psalms 88:9; Psalms 40:10.
רַחֲמֶ֣י/ךָ
racham
H7356
"womb"
N-mp | Suff
This word refers to compassion or tender love, often describing God's feelings towards people. It can also mean the womb, symbolizing care and nurturing. The KJV translates it as compassion, mercy, or pity.
Definition: womb Another spelling of re.chem (רֶ֫חֶם "womb" H7358)
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: bowels, compassion, damsel, tender love, (great, tender) mercy, pity, womb. See also: Genesis 43:14; Psalms 106:46; Psalms 25:6.
מִמֶּ֑/נִּי
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
חַסְדְּ/ךָ֥
chêçêd
H2617
"kindness"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to kindness, mercy, or pity, often used to describe God's loving actions towards humanity. It is translated as 'favour', 'kindness', or 'mercy' in the KJV. It emphasizes God's loving character.
Definition: goodness, kindness, faithfulness
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: favour, good deed(-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing. See also: Genesis 19:19; Psalms 51:3; Psalms 5:8.
וַ֝/אֲמִתְּ/ךָ֗
ʼemeth
H571
"truth"
Conj | N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word means truth, faithfulness, or stability, and is often used to describe God's character and promises. In Psalm 100:5, it says God's truth endures forever, and in Proverbs 12:17, it emphasizes the importance of truthful speech.
Definition: : faithful 1) firmness, faithfulness, truth 1a) sureness, reliability 1b) stability, continuance 1c) faithfulness, reliableness 1d) truth 1d1) as spoken 1d2) of testimony and judgment 1d3) of divine instruction 1d4) truth as a body of ethical or religious knowledge 1d5) true doctrine adv 2) in truth, truly
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: assured(-ly), establishment, faithful, right, sure, true (-ly, -th), verity. See also: Genesis 24:27; Psalms 111:7; Psalms 15:2.
תָּמִ֥יד
tâmîyd
H8548
"continually"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means continually or constantly, like the daily sacrifice in the Bible. It describes something that happens regularly, like every day. It is used in books like Leviticus and Numbers to describe regular offerings.
Definition: 1) continuity, perpetuity, to stretch 1a) continually, continuously (as adverb) 1b) continuity (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 103 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), continual (employment, -ly), daily, (n-)ever(-more), perpetual. See also: Exodus 25:30; Nehemiah 10:34; Psalms 16:8.
יִצְּרֽוּ/נִי
nâtsar
H5341
"to watch"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
This word means to watch or guard something, like the Israelites watching over the Passover in Exodus 12:42 or God watching over his people in Psalm 121:4.
Definition: 1) to guard, watch, watch over, keep 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to watch, guard, keep 1a2) to preserve, guard from dangers 1a3) to keep, observe, guard with fidelity 1a4) to guard, keep secret 1a5) to be kept close, be blockaded 1a6) watchman (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: besieged, hidden thing, keep(-er, -ing), monument, observe, preserve(-r), subtil, watcher(-man). See also: Exodus 34:7; Proverbs 2:8; Psalms 12:8.
Study Notes — Psalms 40:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 40:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 40:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 40:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 40:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 40:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 40:12
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 40:12
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 40:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 40:12
- Sermons on Psalms 40:12
Context — I Waited Patiently for the LORD
10I have not covered up Your righteousness in my heart; I have declared Your faithfulness and salvation; I have not concealed Your loving devotion and faithfulness from the great assembly.
11O LORD, do not withhold Your mercy from me; Your loving devotion and faithfulness will always guard me.
12For evils without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, so that I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart has failed within me.
13Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me; hurry, O LORD, to help me. 14May those who seek my life be ashamed and confounded; may those who wish me harm be repelled and humiliated.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 38:4 | For my iniquities have overwhelmed me; they are a burden too heavy to bear. |
| 2 | Psalms 73:26 | My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. |
| 3 | Psalms 69:4 | Those who hate me without cause outnumber the hairs of my head; many are those who would destroy me— my enemies for no reason. Though I did not steal, I must repay. |
| 4 | Psalms 116:3 | The ropes of death entangled me; the anguish of Sheol overcame me; I was confronted by trouble and sorrow. |
| 5 | Psalms 19:12 | Who can discern his own errors? Cleanse me from my hidden faults. |
| 6 | Luke 18:13–14 | But the tax collector stood at a distance, unwilling even to lift up his eyes to heaven. Instead, he beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man, rather than the Pharisee, went home justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” |
| 7 | Isaiah 53:6 | We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all. |
| 8 | Psalms 22:11–19 | Be not far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help. Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me. They open their jaws against me like lions that roar and maul. I am poured out like water, and all my bones are disjointed. My heart is like wax; it melts away within me. My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You lay me in the dust of death. For dogs surround me; a band of evil men encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet. I can count all my bones; they stare and gloat over me. They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing. But You, O LORD, be not far off; O my Strength, come quickly to help me. |
| 9 | Luke 21:26 | Men will faint from fear and anxiety over what is coming upon the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. |
| 10 | Hebrews 4:15 | For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin. |
Psalms 40:12 Summary
Psalms 40:12 is a honest and heartfelt cry to God from someone who feels completely overwhelmed by their sins and the pressures of life. The psalmist feels like they are drowning in their mistakes and can't see a way out, much like Peter felt when he was sinking in the water in Matthew 14:30. But even in the midst of this desperation, the psalmist is reaching out to God for help, just as we can in our own times of need (Psalms 40:13). By acknowledging our own helplessness and sinfulness, we can cry out to God for mercy and deliverance, and trust in His faithfulness to see us through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that 'evils without number surround me' in Psalms 40:12?
This phrase suggests that the psalmist feels overwhelmed by the challenges and pressures of life, much like Paul felt in 2 Corinthians 1:8-9, where he described being burdened beyond measure.
How can my sins overtake me like they did the psalmist in Psalms 40:12?
When we allow sin to go unchecked in our lives, it can quickly spiral out of control, leading to feelings of guilt, shame, and hopelessness, as seen in Romans 6:23, where sin leads to death.
What does it mean for the heart to 'fail within me' as mentioned in Psalms 40:12?
This phrase indicates a deep sense of emotional and spiritual exhaustion, where the psalmist feels like he cannot cope with the pressures of life, much like Elijah felt in 1 Kings 19:4, where he wanted to give up.
How can I apply Psalms 40:12 to my own life when I feel overwhelmed by sin and pressure?
We can apply this verse by acknowledging our own sinfulness and helplessness, and then crying out to God for mercy and deliverance, just like the psalmist does in Psalms 40:13, and as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:3, where we recognize our poverty of spirit.
Reflection Questions
- What are some 'evils' in my life that feel like they are surrounding me, and how can I surrender them to God?
- In what ways have my sins 'overtaken' me, and what steps can I take to confess and repent of them?
- What does it mean for my heart to 'fail within me', and how can I find spiritual strength in times of weakness?
- How can I, like the psalmist, declare God's faithfulness and salvation to others, even when I feel overwhelmed by my own sin and pressure?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 40:12
For innumerable evils have compassed me about,.... Like floods of water all around him; see Psalms 18:4; these are the evils of punishment inflicted on him, as the surety and Saviour of his people;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 40:12
For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 40:12
Mine iniquities; either, 1. The punishment of mine iniquities, as . Or, 2. The iniquities themselves. This phrase cannot be understood of Christ. For although our sins are said to be laid upon Christ, Isaiah 53, and upon that account he is said to be made sin for us, ; yet the Scripture every where represents him as one that never knew nor did any sin, as in that place, and , and elsewhere; and even when his punishment is described, yet it is expressly noted, that he did not suffer for himself, or for his own sins, but only for us, and for our sins, as ,5 Daniel 9:26 . And therefore it is not probable that the Holy Ghost would use such an expression concerning the sinless Christ of God, as is never used in Scripture, but either of a man’ s own sins, or of the punishment deserved by his own sins. Have taken hold upon me: men’ s sins are figuratively said to follow them, , and to find them out, , and here to take hold of them, as a serjeant takes hold of a man whom he arrests. To look up unto God or men, with any comfort and confidence; I am ashamed and confounded, by reason of my numberless sins. Or, so that I was not able to see; either because he was as it were drowned or overwhelmed with his sins; or because his eyes did fail or were consumed through grief, as he complains, 38:10.
Or he means that he could not foresee them; the simple verb being put for the compound, as it is frequently among the Hebrews. They came upon him unawares, and therefore were the more grievous to him. They, to wit, mine iniquities here mentioned, properly so called; for God’ s people are more apt to aggravate their sins than the punishments of them. See ,14.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 40:12
Psalms 40:12 For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me.Ver. 12. For innumerable evils have compassed me] Heb. have mustered upon me. Many (or millions) are the troubles of the righteous; none out of hell ever suffered more than they: an elegant exaggeration of their afflictions we have in this verse, and such as cannot well be understood by any but those that have been wellbeaten porters to the cross of Christ. Mine iniquities have taken hold upon me] i.e. The punishment of mine iniquities, Genesis 4:13, my sin hath found me out. If this be taken of Christ, he is Maximus peccatorum, the greatest of sinners by imputation, 2 Corinthians 5:20 Isaiah 53:6, for our sins (which here he calleth his) he suffered; and here his bitter agony in the garden is graphically described; neither is it absurd to say, that as he bore our sins in his own body upon the tree, he was first redeemed by himself, and afterwards we. Therefore my heart faileth me] i.e. My wit, courage, counsel is wasted by earnest thinking upon them. Scientia mea eis numerandis deficit, as Kimchi glosseth.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 40:12
Verse 12. Innumerable evils have compassed me about] This part does not comport with the preceding; and either argues a former experience, or must be considered a part of another Psalm, written at a different time, and on another occasion, and, were we to prefix the two first verses of the seventieth Psalm to it we should find it to be a Psalm as complete in itself as that is. They are more than the hairs of mine head] This could not be said by any person who was exulting in the pardoning mercy of God, as David was at the time he penned the commencement of this Psalm.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 40:12
12–17. The scene is changed. The sky is overclouded. Supplication for speedy help in time of danger takes the place of joyous thanksgiving.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 40:12
For innumerable evils have compassed me about - Have surrounded me, or have beset me on every side.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 40:12
12. Innumerable evils—The complaint is an echo of Psa 31:9-13. Iniquities—The word is sometimes used for sin, and sometimes for punishment of sin.
Sermons on Psalms 40:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Walking in the Power of the New Convenant by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher explores the story of Isaac sending his son Jacob on a journey with nothing, despite being a wealthy man. The preacher questions why a rich father woul |
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The Living Water by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of staying focused on the path of righteousness and not being distracted by worldly temptations. He shares a personal story of |
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He Claimed Our Sins as His Own (Part 1) by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about two brothers. One brother commits a crime and asks for help from the other brother. The guilty brother gives his stained clothes to |
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Praise God for His Tender Mercies by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson delivers a heartfelt message to those enduring deep sorrow and overwhelming situations, emphasizing that God is aware of their pain and is actively thinking of them |
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On Prayer by St. John Climacus | St. John Climacus preaches about the profound nature of prayer as a dialogue and union with God, emphasizing its role in maintaining harmony in the world and achieving reconciliati |
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The Heaviest Burden in All the World! by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes that sin is the heaviest burden one can carry, as it overwhelms the soul and leads to deep sorrow and despair. He reflects on the anguish caused by sin, wh |
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(Revelation) the Church at Sardis by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of remembering the glorious gospel that we have received and holding fast to it. He warns that there are many dedicated churc |