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Psalms 41:8

Psalms 41:8 in Multiple Translations

“A vile disease has been poured into him; he will never get up from where he lies!”

An evil disease, say they, cleaveth fast unto him: and now that he lieth he shall rise up no more.

An evil disease, say they, cleaveth fast unto him; And now that he lieth he shall rise up no more.

They say, He has an evil disease, which will not let him go: and now that he is down he will not get up again.

“He's been cursed with some terrible disease,” they say. “Now he's bed-ridden he'll never recover!”

A mischiefe is light vpon him, and he that lyeth, shall no more rise.

A thing of Belial is poured out on him, And because he lay down he riseth not again.

“An evil disease”, they say, “has afflicted him. Now that he lies he shall rise up no more.”

An evil disease, say they , cleaveth fast to him: and now that he lieth he shall rise no more.

Deep calleth on deep, at the noise of thy flood-gates. All thy heights and thy billows have passed over me.

They say, “He will soon die because of his being sick; he will never get up from his bed before he dies.”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 41:8

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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 41:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB יַ֗חַד עָלַ֣/י יִ֭תְלַחֲשׁוּ כָּל שֹׂנְאָ֑/י עָלַ֓/י יַחְשְׁב֖וּ רָעָ֣ה לִֽ/י
יַ֗חַד yachad H3162 unitedness Adv
עָלַ֣/י ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff
יִ֭תְלַחֲשׁוּ lâchash H3907 to whisper V-Hithpael-Imperf-3mp
כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms
שֹׂנְאָ֑/י sânêʼ H8130 to hate V-Qal | Suff
עָלַ֓/י ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff
יַחְשְׁב֖וּ châshab H2803 to devise V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
רָעָ֣ה raʻ H7451 bad N-fs
לִֽ/י Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 41:8

יַ֗חַד yachad H3162 "unitedness" Adv
This adverb means together, describing people doing something in unity, like in Psalm 133:1.
Definition: 1) union, unitedness
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: alike, at all (once), both, likewise, only, (al-) together, withal. See also: Genesis 13:6; Psalms 62:10; Psalms 2:2.
עָלַ֣/י ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
יִ֭תְלַחֲשׁוּ lâchash H3907 "to whisper" V-Hithpael-Imperf-3mp
To whisper can mean to speak softly, but in the Bible it can also mean to cast a spell or charm someone. It is often associated with magic or deception.
Definition: 1) to whisper, charm, conjure 1a) (Piel) charmers, conjurers, whisperers (participle) 1b) (Hithpael) to whisper to each other
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: charmer, whisper (together). See also: 2 Samuel 12:19; Psalms 41:8; Psalms 58:6.
כָּל 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.
שֹׂנְאָ֑/י sânêʼ H8130 "to hate" V-Qal | Suff
To hate means to feel intense dislike or hostility, as seen in the actions of enemies or foes in the Bible. It can also describe God's hatred of sin.
Definition: 1) to hate, be hateful 1a) (Qal) to hate 1a1) of man 1a2) of God 1a3) hater, one hating, enemy (participle) (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be hated 1c) (Piel) hater (participle) 1c1) of persons, nations, God, wisdom Aramaic equivalent: se.ne (שְׂנָא "to hate" H8131)
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe, (be) hate(-ful, -r), odious, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 24:60; Psalms 50:17; Psalms 5:6.
עָלַ֓/י ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
יַחְשְׁב֖וּ châshab H2803 "to devise" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To devise means to think or plan something, often in a clever way. In the Bible, it can mean to plot or contrive, as seen in the story of David and Goliath.
Definition: : count/regard_as 1) to think, plan, esteem, calculate, invent, make a judgment, imagine, count 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to think, account 1a2) to plan, devise, mean 1a3) to charge, impute, reckon 1a4) to esteem, value, regard 1a5) to invent 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be accounted, be thought, be esteemed 1b2) to be computed, be reckoned 1b3) to be imputed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to think upon, consider, be mindful of 1c2) to think to do, devise, plan 1c3) to count, reckon 1d) (Hithpael) to be considered
Usage: Occurs in 122 OT verses. KJV: (make) account (of), conceive, consider, count, cunning (man, work, workman), devise, esteem, find out, forecast, hold, imagine, impute, invent, be like, mean, purpose, reckon(-ing be made), regard, think. See also: Genesis 15:6; Psalms 35:4; Psalms 10:2.
רָעָ֣ה raʻ H7451 "bad" N-fs
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
לִֽ/י "" Prep | Suff

Study Notes — Psalms 41:8

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Psalms 71:11 saying, “God has forsaken him; pursue him and seize him, for there is no one to rescue him.”
2 Job 2:7–8 So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and infected Job with terrible boils from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head. And Job took a piece of broken pottery to scrape himself as he sat among the ashes.
3 Matthew 27:41–46 In the same way, the chief priests, scribes, and elders mocked Him, saying, “He saved others, but He cannot save Himself. He is the King of Israel! Let Him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in Him. He trusts in God. Let God deliver Him now if He wants Him. For He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” In the same way, even the robbers who were crucified with Him berated Him. From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”
4 Psalms 3:2 Many say of me, “God will not deliver him.” Selah
5 Matthew 27:63–64 “Sir,” they said, “we remember that while He was alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ So give the order that the tomb be secured until the third day. Otherwise, His disciples may come and steal Him away and tell the people He has risen from the dead. And this last deception would be worse than the first.”
6 Psalms 38:3–7 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.
7 Luke 13:16 Then should not this daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be released from her bondage on the Sabbath day?”

Psalms 41:8 Summary

[Psalms 41:8 tells us that the enemies of the psalmist are wishing for him to be afflicted with a serious disease, and that they think he will never recover. This shows us the harsh reality of opposition and persecution that many people face, including the psalmist. However, as Christians, we can trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even in the face of suffering, and pray for our enemies instead of wishing harm on them, as seen in Matthew 5:44. We can also find comfort in God's promise to be with us and to raise us up, as stated in Psalms 41:10.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the nature of the vile disease mentioned in Psalms 41:8?

The vile disease mentioned in Psalms 41:8 is likely a physical affliction, but it can also symbolize spiritual sickness, as seen in Psalms 38:3, where the psalmist's sins have made him feel weak and ill.

Why do the enemies of the psalmist wish for him to be afflicted with a disease?

The enemies of the psalmist wish for him to be afflicted with a disease because they hate him and want to see him suffer, as stated in Psalms 41:7, where they imagine the worst for him and whisper against him.

Is it okay to wish harm on our enemies like the psalmist's enemies do in Psalms 41:8?

No, it is not okay to wish harm on our enemies, as Jesus teaches us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, as seen in Matthew 5:44.

How can we apply the lesson of Psalms 41:8 to our lives?

We can apply the lesson of Psalms 41:8 by trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness, even in the face of suffering or persecution, as the psalmist does in Psalms 41:10, and by praying for our enemies instead of wishing harm on them, as seen in Luke 6:27-28.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I have experienced opposition or persecution from others, and how can I respond to them in a way that honors God?
  2. How can I cultivate a heart of trust and faith in God, even when faced with difficult circumstances or negative comments from others?
  3. What are some ways that I can pray for my enemies or those who have wronged me, and how can I show them love and kindness?
  4. How can I use my experiences of suffering or persecution to minister to others and point them to God's love and redemption?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 41:8

An evil disease, [say they], cleaveth fast unto him,.... Not any bodily one, of which they might hope he would die; much less any foul disease, the disease of sin; but, as the phrase may be rendered,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 41:8

An evil disease, say they, cleaveth fast unto him: and now that he lieth he shall rise up no more.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 41:8

An evil disease, Heb. a word or thing of Belial, i.e. either, 1. Some wicked calumny which they had raised, and which stuck close to him. Or, 2. His great wickedness, whereof this is a sign. Or rather, 3. This sore disease or mischief; either sent upon him in way of vengeance for his horrid crimes; or such as God useth to inflict upon the sons of Belial, to show that he is in truth such a one, whatsoever he pretends to the contrary. He shall rise up no more; seeing God hath begun to punish him, he will make an end of him.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 41:8

Psalms 41:8 An evil disease, [say they], cleaveth fast unto him: and [now] that he lieth he shall rise up no more.Ver. 8. An evil disease, say they, cleaveth fast unto him] Heb. A thing of Belial, a vengeance, hath befallen him; God, for his foul offence, hath put him over to the devil to be tormented by a pestilential disease, that will surely make an end of him, Omnes impietates quas perpetravit (R. Solom.). So Genebrard (that mad dog), in the fourth book of his Chronology, A. D. 1563, reckoning up those divers diseases whereof Calvin died, all which was well known to be false, addeth, An Herodes terribilius animam Satanae reddiderit, equidem nescio, Whether Herod yielded up his soul to the devil in a more horrible manner, I know not. With as little charity did Evagrius say of Justinian, the great lawgiver, ad supplicia iusto Dei iudicio apud iuferos luenda profectus est, he went to hell torments, when he died by God’ s just judgment. And Luther of OEolampadius, Se credere (OEcolampadium ignitis Satanae telis et hastis confossum subitanea morte periisse (Lib. de Missa privata, A. D. 1533) - tantaene animis caelestibus irae? This false conceit is sufficiently confuted by the history of his life and death set forth by Simon Grynaeus, as also is that concerning Calvin, by his Life written by Beza, and others.

Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 41:8

(8) An evil disease.—Margin, thing of Belial. (For “Belial,” see Deuteronomy 13:13.) The expression may mean, as in LXX. and Vulg., “a lawless speech,” so the Chaldee, “a perverse word.” Syriac, “a word of iniquity,” or “a physical evil,” as in Authorised Version, or “a moral evil.” The verse is difficult, not only from this ambiguity, but also from that of the verb, which, according to the derivation we take, may mean “cleave” or “pour forth.” Modern scholars prefer the latter, understanding the image as taken from the process of casting metal. An incurable wound is poured out (welded) upon him. (Comp. “molten,” 1 Kings 7:24; 1 Kings 7:30.) This does not, however, suit the context nearly so well as the reading, “A wicked saying have they directed against me: Let the sick man never rise again,” which has the support of the LXX. and Vulg., though they make of the last clause a question, “Shall not the sleeper rise again?”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 41:8

Verse 8. An evil disease, say they, cleaveth fast unto him] דבר בליעל יצוק בו debar beliyaal yatsuk bo, a thing, word, or pestilence of Belial, is poured out upon him. His disease is of no common sort; it is a diabolical malady. He shall rise up no more.] His disease is incurable without a miracle; and he is too much hated of God to have one wrought for him. Some apply this to the death and resurrection of Christ; he lieth-he is dead and buried; he shall never rise again from the dead.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 41:8

8. Render: A deadly mischief is poured out upon him. The phrase a thing of belial is variously explained to mean an incurable disease or a matter of wickedness (cp. note on Psalms 18:4). The use of it in Psalms 101:3 (base thing), and Deuteronomy 15:9 (base thought) points to the latter as the primary sense. But probably the speakers do not distinguish between the moral cause—some monstrous crime—and the physical effect—a fatal illness—; but include the latter in the former. Cp. Shimei’s taunt, 2 Samuel 16:7. cleaveth fast unto him] R.V. marg., is poured out upon him; perhaps, is molten, or, welded fast upon him. He will never be free from his guilt and its punishment. The rendering in P.B.V., Let the sentence of guiltiness proceed against him, is quite impossible. now that he lieth &c.] Now that he has taken to his bed he will never leave it again.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 41:8

An evil disease - Margin, “a thing of Belial.” The Hebrew is literally “a word of Belial.” This has been very variously understood and interpreted.

Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 41:8

8. An evil disease… cleaveth fast unto him—Hebrew, An affair of Belial is firm in him. On Belial, see Psalms 18:4.

Sermons on Psalms 41:8

SermonDescription
Willie Mullan (Depressed Disciples) False Teaching by Willie Mullan In this sermon, the preacher discusses the current state of the world and how it reflects the perilous times mentioned in the Bible. He emphasizes the storms and challenges that pe
Willie Mullan (Depressed Disciples) the Storms of Life by Willie Mullan In this sermon, the preacher discusses the current state of the world and how it reflects the perilous times mentioned in the Bible. He emphasizes the storms and challenges that pe
Robert F. Adcock Job 1 by Robert F. Adcock In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a plan and following the will of God. He encourages young people to avoid disobedience and mistakes, and to strive t
Favell Lee Mortimer John 5:10-16. Christ's Interview With the Restored Paralytic. by Favell Lee Mortimer Favell Lee Mortimer delves into the story of the restored paralytic man to highlight the bitter hatred of men towards the truth, showcasing how the Jews accused Jesus of breaking t
St. John Chrysostom Three Homilies on the Devil - Part 2 by St. John Chrysostom John Chrysostom preaches about the story of Adam and Job, highlighting the contrast between their responses to temptation and suffering. He emphasizes the importance of vigilance,
Zac Poonen The Secret of Discernment by Zac Poonen Zac Poonen delves into the story of the thief on the cross, highlighting how despite the religious rulers, soldiers, and even the other criminal mocking Jesus, the thief recognized
St. John Chrysostom John 18:37-19:15 by St. John Chrysostom John Chrysostom preaches on the humility and endurance of Jesus during His trial before Pilate, highlighting how Jesus exhibited gentleness, mildness, and silence in the face of fa

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