Psalms 40:17
Psalms 40:17 in Multiple Translations
But I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my helper and deliverer; O my God, do not delay.
But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.
But I am poor and needy; Yet the Lord thinketh upon me: Thou art my help and my deliverer; Make no tarrying, O my God.
Though I am poor and in need, the Lord has me in mind; you are my help and my saviour; let there be no waiting, O my God.
As for me, I am poor and needy. May the Lord think about me. Help me! Save me! My God, please don't wait!
Though I be poore and needie, the Lord thinketh on mee: thou art mine helper and my deliuerer: my God, make no tarying.
And I [am] poor and needy, The Lord doth devise for me. My help and my deliverer [art] Thou, O my God, tarry Thou not.
But I am poor and needy. May the Lord think about me. You are my help and my deliverer. Don’t delay, my God.
But I am poor and needy; yet the LORD thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no delay, O my God.
As for me, I am poor and needy [DOU]; but I know that Yahweh has not forgotten me. O my God, you are the one who saves and helps me, so please come quickly and help me!
But what about me? I have lots of trouble and I need help, so I want God to think about me. God, you are the one that helps me and saves me. God, my God, please come and help me now and don’t wait.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 40:17
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 40:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יָ֘שִׂ֤ישׂוּ
וְ/יִשְׂמְח֨וּ
בְּ/ךָ֗
כָּֽל
מְבַ֫קְשֶׁ֥י/ךָ
יֹאמְר֣וּ
תָ֭מִיד
יִגְדַּ֣ל
יְהוָ֑ה
אֹֽ֝הֲבֵ֗י
תְּשׁוּעָתֶֽ/ךָ
יָ֘שִׂ֤ישׂוּ
sûws
H7797
to rejoice
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
וְ/יִשְׂמְח֨וּ
sâmach
H8055
to rejoice
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
בְּ/ךָ֗
Prep | Suff
כָּֽל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
מְבַ֫קְשֶׁ֥י/ךָ
bâqash
H1245
to seek
V-Piel | Suff
יֹאמְר֣וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
תָ֭מִיד
tâmîyd
H8548
continually
N-ms
יִגְדַּ֣ל
gâdal
H1431
to magnify
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֹֽ֝הֲבֵ֗י
ʼâhab
H157
to love
V-Qal
תְּשׁוּעָתֶֽ/ךָ
tᵉshûwʻâh
H8668
deliverance
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 40:17
יָ֘שִׂ֤ישׂוּ
sûws
H7797
"to rejoice"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to feel joyful or cheerful, like a bright and happy feeling. It appears in the Bible when people are celebrating or giving thanks. In the KJV, it is often translated as 'rejoice' or 'be glad'.
Definition: 1) to exult, rejoice 1a) (Qal) to exult, display joy
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: be glad, [idiom] greatly, joy, make mirth, rejoice. See also: Deuteronomy 28:63; Isaiah 61:10; Psalms 19:6.
וְ/יִשְׂמְח֨וּ
sâmach
H8055
"to rejoice"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This verb means to rejoice or be glad, often used in a religious sense, like when the Israelites rejoiced at the dedication of the temple in 1 Kings 8:66.
Definition: 1) to rejoice, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rejoice 1a2) to rejoice (arrogantly), exult (at) 1a3) to rejoice (religiously) 1b) (Piel) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: cheer up, be (make) glad, (have, make) joy(-ful), be (make) merry, (cause to, make to) rejoice, [idiom] very. See also: Exodus 4:14; Psalms 92:5; Psalms 5:12.
בְּ/ךָ֗
""
Prep | Suff
כָּֽל
kôl
H3605
"all"
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.
מְבַ֫קְשֶׁ֥י/ךָ
bâqash
H1245
"to seek"
V-Piel | Suff
This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.
Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.
יֹאמְר֣וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
תָ֭מִיד
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.
יִגְדַּ֣ל
gâdal
H1431
"to magnify"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To make something or someone great, important, or powerful. This Hebrew word means to magnify or grow, and is used in the Bible to describe God's power and greatness. The KJV translates it as 'magnify' or 'great'.
Definition: 1) to grow, become great or important, promote, make powerful, praise, magnify, do great things 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to grow up 1a2) to become great 1a3) to be magnified 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to cause to grow 1b2) to make great, powerful 1b3) to magnify 1c) (Pual) to be brought up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to make great 1d2) to magnify 1d3) to do great things 1e) (Hithpael) to magnify oneself
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: advance, boast, bring up, exceed, excellent, be(-come, do, give, make, wax), great(-er, come to... estate, [phrase] things), grow(up), increase, lift up, magnify(-ifical), be much set by, nourish (up), pass, promote, proudly (spoken), tower. See also: Genesis 12:2; Psalms 35:27; Psalms 18:51.
יְהוָ֑ה
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.
אֹֽ֝הֲבֵ֗י
ʼâhab
H157
"to love"
V-Qal
To love means to have affection for someone or something, including family, romance, or God. It can also describe being a friend or having appetite for things like food or wisdom.
Definition: : lover 1) to love 1a) (Qal) 1a1) human love for another, includes family, and sexual 1a2) human appetite for objects such as food, drink, sleep, wisdom 1a3) human love for or to God 1a4) act of being a friend 1a4a) lover (participle) 1a4b) friend (participle) 1a5) God's love toward man 1a5a) to individual men 1a5b) to people Israel 1a5c) to righteousness 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) lovely (participle) 1b2) loveable (participle) 1c) (Piel) 1c1) friends 1c2) lovers (fig. of adulterers) 2) to like Also means: a.hav (אָהֵב ": friend" H0157H)
Usage: Occurs in 195 OT verses. KJV: (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend. See also: Genesis 22:2; Psalms 116:1; Psalms 4:3.
תְּשׁוּעָתֶֽ/ךָ
tᵉshûwʻâh
H8668
"deliverance"
N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, this word means salvation or deliverance, often describing God's rescue of his people. It appears in books like Psalms and Isaiah, where God promises to save and deliver his people.
Definition: : salvation 1) salvation, deliverance 1a) deliverance (usually by God through human agency) 1b) salvation (spiritual in sense) Also means: te.shu.ah (תְּשׁוּעָה ": victory" H8668H)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: deliverance, help, safety, salvation, victory. See also: Judges 15:18; Psalms 40:17; Psalms 33:17.
Study Notes — Psalms 40:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 40:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 40:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 40:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 40:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 40:17
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 40:17
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 40:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 40:17
- Sermons on Psalms 40:17
Context — I Waited Patiently for the LORD
15May those who say to me, “Aha, aha!” be appalled at their own shame.
16May all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; may those who love Your salvation always say, “The LORD be magnified!”
17But I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my helper and deliverer; O my God, do not delay.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 70:5 | But I am poor and needy; hurry to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD, do not delay. |
| 2 | Hebrews 13:6 | So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” |
| 3 | Isaiah 41:17 | The poor and needy seek water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. I, the LORD, will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. |
| 4 | Psalms 34:6 | This poor man called out, and the LORD heard him; He saved him from all his troubles. |
| 5 | 1 Peter 5:7 | Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. |
| 6 | Psalms 54:4 | Surely God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my soul. |
| 7 | Psalms 86:1 | Incline Your ear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. |
| 8 | Psalms 143:7–8 | Answer 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. Let me hear Your loving devotion in the morning, for I have put my trust in You. Teach me the way I should walk, for to You I lift up my soul. |
| 9 | Psalms 40:5 | Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders You have done, and the plans You have for us— none can compare to You— if I proclaim and declare them, they are more than I can count. |
| 10 | Psalms 69:33 | For the LORD listens to the needy and does not despise His captive people. |
Psalms 40:17 Summary
[Psalms 40:17 is a prayer of humility and dependence on God, where the psalmist acknowledges their poverty and need, and asks God to think of them and provide help and deliverance. This verse reminds us that we can bring our needs and struggles to God in prayer, and trust Him to provide, as seen in Philippians 4:19, where it is written that God will supply all our needs. By acknowledging our dependence on God, we can experience His help and deliverance, and live a life that magnifies and honors Him, as mentioned in Psalms 40:16.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be poor and needy in Psalms 40:17?
Being poor and needy in this context refers to a spiritual state of humility and recognition of one's dependence on God, as seen in Psalms 70:5 and Psalms 72:13, where the psalmist acknowledges their need for God's help and deliverance.
Why does the psalmist ask God not to delay in Psalms 40:17?
The psalmist asks God not to delay because they are in a state of distress and need God's immediate help and deliverance, similar to the cry for help in Psalms 38:21-22, where the psalmist implores God to hasten to their aid.
How does this verse relate to the concept of faith and trust in God?
This verse demonstrates the psalmist's faith and trust in God, as they acknowledge their dependence on Him and ask for His help, which is a key aspect of the Christian faith, as seen in Hebrews 11:6, where it is written that without faith it is impossible to please God.
What does it mean for God to be our helper and deliverer?
For God to be our helper and deliverer means that He is our source of strength, comfort, and rescue in times of need, as seen in Psalms 121:1-2, where the psalmist looks to God as their helper and protector.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways do I feel poor and needy, and how can I bring these needs to God in prayer?
- What are some areas of my life where I need God's help and deliverance, and how can I trust Him to provide?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of dependence on God, and what are some practical ways to live out this dependence in my daily life?
- What does it mean for me to magnify the Lord, as mentioned in the preceding verse, Psalms 40:16, and how can I do this in my own life?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 40:17
But I [am] poor and needy,.... As Christ was literally, 2 Corinthians 8:9; and in a spiritual sense, when deserted by his Father, forsaken by his disciples, and surrounded by his enemies; and had the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 40:17
But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 40:17
Psalms 40:17 But I [am] poor and needy; [yet] the Lord thinketh upon me: thou [art] my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.Ver. 17. But I am poor and needy] A stark beggar neither will I hide from my Lord (as once Joseph’ s brethren said to him, when they came for corn) mine extreme indigence, my necessitous condition; I am one that get my living by begging. Yet the Lord thinketh upon me] He is the poor man’ s King, as hath been said; and Christ is cum Patre dator, inter nos petitor, as Augustine hath it; that is, he gives with the Father, and at the same time prays with the suitor, who must therefore needs speed. Thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying] Deliver me speedily, lest I perish utterly. God, saith one, is sometimes troubled with too much help, but never with too little; we are sometimes too soon, but he is never too late.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 40:17
Verse 17. But I am poor] עני ani, afflicted, greatly depressed. And needy] אביון ebyon, a beggar. One utterly destitute, and seeking help. The Lord thinketh upon me] The words are very emphatic; אדני Adonai, my prop, my support, thinketh, יחשב yachshab, meditateth, upon me. On which he concludes: "Thou art my help and deliverer." Seeing that my miserable state occupies thy heart, it will soon employ thy hand. Thou, who meditatest upon me, wilt deliver me. Make no tarrying] Seeing thou art disposed to help, and I am in such great necessity, delay not, but come speedily to my assistance. The old Psalter speaks to this effect: "Let us not be so long under distress and misery that we lose our patience, or our love to thee." ANALYSIS OF THE FORTIETH PSALM There are two main parts in this Psalm: - I. A thanksgiving, Psalms 40:1-11.
II. A prayer, from Psalms 40:12-17. Thankfulness consists in the exercise of two virtues, truth and justice. 1. Truth calls upon us to acknowledge the benefit, and him from whom we receive it. 2. Justice obliges us to be grateful, and to perform some duties as evidences of our thankful minds; and both these we meet with in the first part. I. David begins with a profession of thankfulness; shows his confidence: "I waited patiently for the Lord;" then shows the success, or what God did for him. 1. "He inclined his ear, and heard my cry." 2. "He brought me out of the horrible pit, and out of the miry clay." 3. "He set my feet upon a rock." Being redeemed from danger, he set me in a safe place. 4.
"He established my goings." He confirmed my steps, so that I slipped and slided no more. 5. And he hath moved me to be thankful: "He hath put a new song in my mouth." The deliverance was not common, and therefore the praise should not be common, but expressed by a new and exquisite song. And in this he supposed his example would be a common document. Many shall see my deliverance and my thanksgiving, and shall fear God, and acknowledge his grace, his providence, and protection; and be led thereby to put their trust in him. And then he produces his form of thanksgiving. First, He pronounces the man blessed who relies on God. 1. "Blessed is the man that maketh the Lord his trust." 2. "And blessed is he who respects not the proud;" men proud of their wealth and power, or such as turn aside to lies. Secondly, Then by exclamation admires God's mercies, and goodness to his people. 1. For their grandeur and multitude: "Many, O Lord my God, are thy works." 2.
For their supernatural appearance: "Thy wonderful works." 3. For the incomparable wisdom by which they are ordered: "Many, O Lord, are thy wondrous works; and thy thoughts to us-ward, they cannot be reckoned up," c.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 40:17
17. The Psalmist reverts to his own need, but in calm assurance that he is not forgotten. But I, who am afflicted and needy:— The Lord will take thought for me. For afflicted and needy, see Psalms 9:18; Psalms 35:10; Psalms 37:14; Psalms 86:1; Psalms 109:22. With will take thought for me, cp. Psalms 40:5 (thoughts): Jonah 1:6. Psalms 70:5 reads O God, make haste unto me, probably an alteration suggested by the parallelism, make no tarrying. My help, as in Psalms 27:9 : my deliverer, as in Psalms 18:2; Psalms 18:48 (a different word from deliver in Psalms 40:13). make no tarrying] Cp. Daniel’s prayer, Daniel 9:19 (A.V. defer not); and the promise, Isaiah 46:13
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 40:17
But I am poor and needy - More literally, “I am afflicted and poor.” The language would describe the condition of one who was afflicted and was at the same time poor; of one who had no resource but
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 40:17
17. Thinketh upon me—The word denotes special thought, either in the sense of esteem, value, or of plan, device. Both united in David. God regarded him with marked favour, and devised for his deliverance.
Sermons on Psalms 40:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Snare of the Satisfied by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker begins by asking God to give them His Word and for it to burn within them. They ask God to keep them from laziness and the snares of victory. The speake |
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(The Lord - Merciful and Gracious) 3. the Lord on the Side of the Poor and Needy by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the speaker begins by describing the dramatic and thunderous opening of the sermon, comparing it to the witches in Hammett's play. The speaker then mentions a beaut |
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He Thinks of Us by John McGregor | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Psalm 40 and specifically looks at the last verse. The psalmist expresses gratitude for God's faithfulness and deliverance, as well as the tr |
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Objections to Inability and Reflection by John Murray | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the analogy of an alcoholic to illustrate a principle about the church and the gospel. The speaker emphasizes that the church cannot effective |
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A Christian on Earth, Still in Heaven by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches about the spiritual paradise found in the Scriptures, particularly in the book of Psalms, which offers both delight and usefulness to every Christian. He hig |
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Jeremiah 29:11 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith reflects on the profound nature of God's thoughts towards us, emphasizing that God is always aware of our circumstances and never forgets us, even in times of hardship. |
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The Art of Pleading to God by Tim Conway | This sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer and the art of pleading with God. It delves into the disciples' request to Jesus to teach them to pray, highlighting the need for Go |