Psalms 42:8
Psalms 42:8 in Multiple Translations
The LORD decrees His loving devotion by day, and at night His song is with me as a prayer to the God of my life.
Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.
Yet Jehovah will command his lovingkindness in the day-time; And in the night his song shall be with me, Even a prayer unto the God of my life.
But the Lord will send his mercy in the daytime, and in the night his song will be with me, a prayer to the God of my life.
But every day the Lord shows me his trustworthy love; every night he gives me songs to sing—a prayer to the God of my life.
The Lord will graunt his louing kindenesse in the day, and in the night shall I sing of him, euen a prayer vnto the God of my life.
By day Jehovah commandeth His kindness, And by night a song [is] with me, A prayer to the God of my life.
The LORD will command his loving kindness in the daytime. In the night his song shall be with me: a prayer to the God of my life.
Yet the LORD will command his loving-kindness in the day-time, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer to the God of my life.
Yahweh shows me each day that he faithfully loves me, and each night I sing to him and pray to him, the God who causes me to live.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 42:8
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 42:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
תְּהֽוֹם
אֶל
תְּה֣וֹם
ק֭וֹרֵא
לְ/ק֣וֹל
צִנּוֹרֶ֑י/ךָ
כָּֽל
מִשְׁבָּרֶ֥י/ךָ
וְ֝/גַלֶּ֗י/ךָ
עָלַ֥/י
עָבָֽרוּ
תְּהֽוֹם
tᵉhôwm
H8415
abyss
N-cs
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
תְּה֣וֹם
tᵉhôwm
H8415
abyss
N-cs
ק֭וֹרֵא
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal
לְ/ק֣וֹל
qôwl
H6963
voice
Prep | N-ms
צִנּוֹרֶ֑י/ךָ
tsinnûwr
H6794
water
N-mp | Suff
כָּֽל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
מִשְׁבָּרֶ֥י/ךָ
mishbâr
H4867
wave
N-mp | Suff
וְ֝/גַלֶּ֗י/ךָ
gal
H1530
heap
Conj | N-mp | Suff
עָלַ֥/י
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
עָבָֽרוּ
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 42:8
תְּהֽוֹם
tᵉhôwm
H8415
"abyss"
N-cs
Tehom refers to the deep waters of the ocean or sea, including the subterranean water supply. It can also describe the primeval ocean or the abyss.
Definition: 1) deep, depths, deep places, abyss, the deep, sea 1a) deep (of subterranean waters) 1b) deep, sea, abysses (of sea) 1c) primeval ocean, deep 1d) deep, depth (of river) 1e) abyss, the grave
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: deep (place), depth. See also: Genesis 1:2; Psalms 78:15; Psalms 33:7.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
תְּה֣וֹם
tᵉhôwm
H8415
"abyss"
N-cs
Tehom refers to the deep waters of the ocean or sea, including the subterranean water supply. It can also describe the primeval ocean or the abyss.
Definition: 1) deep, depths, deep places, abyss, the deep, sea 1a) deep (of subterranean waters) 1b) deep, sea, abysses (of sea) 1c) primeval ocean, deep 1d) deep, depth (of river) 1e) abyss, the grave
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: deep (place), depth. See also: Genesis 1:2; Psalms 78:15; Psalms 33:7.
ק֭וֹרֵא
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
לְ/ק֣וֹל
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
Prep | N-ms
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
צִנּוֹרֶ֑י/ךָ
tsinnûwr
H6794
"water"
N-mp | Suff
This word describes a water conduit or pipe, like a gutter or spout, used to channel water. It appears in the Bible in 2 Kings 16:17 and 2 Chronicles 32:30.
Definition: pipe, spout, conduit, water conduit
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: gutter, water-spout. See also: 2 Samuel 5:8; Psalms 42:8.
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.
מִשְׁבָּרֶ֥י/ךָ
mishbâr
H4867
"wave"
N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word means a powerful wave or breaker in the sea, like the ones that crash against the shore. It appears in the Bible to describe the ocean's mighty waves. The KJV translates it as billow or wave.
Definition: breaker, breaking (of sea)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: billow, wave. See also: 2 Samuel 22:5; Psalms 88:8; Psalms 42:8.
וְ֝/גַלֶּ֗י/ךָ
gal
H1530
"heap"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
A gal is a heap of stones, a spring of water, or a wave, used in various contexts like ratifying a covenant or describing God's chastisement.
Definition: : heap/pile 1) heap, spring, wave, billow 1a) heap (of stones) 1a1) over dead body 1a2) alone 1a3) used in ratifying a covenant 1b) waves (fig. of chastisement of Jehovah) 1c) spring Also means: gal (גַּל ": wave" H1530H)
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: billow, heap, spring, wave. See also: Genesis 31:46; Psalms 107:29; Psalms 42:8.
עָלַ֥/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.
עָבָֽרוּ
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
Study Notes — Psalms 42:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 42:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 42:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 42:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 42:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 42:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 42:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 42:8
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 42:8
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 42:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 42:8
- Sermons on Psalms 42:8
Context — As the Deer Pants for the Water
6O 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.
7Deep calls to deep in the roar of Your waterfalls; all Your breakers and waves have rolled over me.
8The LORD decrees His loving devotion by day, and at night His song is with me as a prayer to the God of my life.
9I say to God my Rock, “Why have You forgotten me? Why must I walk in sorrow because of the enemy’s oppression?” 10Like the crushing of my bones, my enemies taunt me, while they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 63:6 | When I remember You on my bed, I think of You through the watches of the night. |
| 2 | Psalms 16:7 | I will bless the LORD who counsels me; even at night my conscience instructs me. |
| 3 | Psalms 149:5 | Let the saints exult in glory; let them shout for joy upon their beds. |
| 4 | Job 35:10 | But no one asks, ‘Where is God my Maker, who gives us songs in the night, |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 28:8 | The LORD will decree a blessing on your barns and on everything to which you put your hand; the LORD your God will bless you in the land He is giving you. |
| 6 | Psalms 133:3 | It is like the dew of Hermon falling on the mountains of Zion. For there the LORD has bestowed the blessing of life forevermore. |
| 7 | Colossians 3:3 | For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. |
| 8 | Psalms 44:4 | You are my King, O God, who ordains victories for Jacob. |
| 9 | Acts 16:25 | About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. |
| 10 | Matthew 8:8 | The centurion answered, “Lord, I am not worthy to have You come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. |
Psalms 42:8 Summary
[This verse means that God loves us and takes care of us all the time, both during the day and at night, as seen in Psalms 42:8. He is always with us and wants us to know His love, as also seen in Jeremiah 31:3. Even when things seem tough or scary, God is still loving us and singing a song of love over us, similar to what is described in Zephaniah 3:17. We can trust in His love and presence, just like the psalmist did, and find comfort in His promises, as seen in Romans 8:35-39.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the LORD to decree His loving devotion by day?
This means that God's love and care for us are constant and intentional, as seen in Psalms 42:8, and is a theme that is also found in other scriptures like Jeremiah 31:3, which says God loves us with an everlasting love.
How can I experience God's song with me at night as a prayer?
This can be experienced by seeking a deep and personal relationship with God, as described in Psalms 119:148, where the psalmist rises before dawn to meditate on God's promises, and also by trusting in His presence and love, as seen in Romans 8:35-39.
What is the God of my life, as mentioned in this verse?
This refers to God as the One who gives us life, sustains us, and is our ultimate source of hope and strength, similar to what is described in Colossians 1:16-17, where all things were created by and for Him.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter, which seems to be about sorrow and despair?
This verse is a statement of faith and trust in the midst of sorrow, as seen in the surrounding verses, and is a reminder that even in difficult times, God's love and presence are still with us, as also seen in Isaiah 43:2, which says that when we pass through the waters, God will be with us.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can intentionally seek God's loving devotion in my daily life, and how can I be more mindful of His presence with me?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of trust in God's love and care for me, especially during difficult or trying times?
- What does it mean for God's song to be with me as a prayer, and how can I experience this in my own life?
- In what ways can I declare God as the God of my life, and what difference would this make in my daily thoughts and actions?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 42:8
[Yet] the Lord will command his lovingkindness in the daytime,.... Which is a tender affection in God towards his people, springs from his sovereign will and pleasure, is from everlasting, is ever
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 42:8
Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 42:8
Will command i.e. will effectually procure or confer upon me, as this verb is used, , &c. The verb is future, but some render it by the time past, the Lord hath commanded; making this rehearsal of his former experiences of God’ s goodness his argument to support himself, and to prevail with God in prayer; which may seem to suit best with the foregoing and following verses. But we must remember that David’ s hopes and fears were strangely mixed, and his expressions of them are commonly interwoven in the same Psalm, and sometimes in one and the same verse, as it is here, ,11. And therefore there is no necessity of departing from the proper signification of the verb. His loving-kindness, i.e. his blessings, the effects of his loving-kindness, which God is oft said to command, as . And in the night; both day and night, i.e. continually. His song shall be with me, i.e. I shall have constant matter of singing and praising God for his loving-kindness. My prayer shall be unto the God; and therefore I will boldly and believingly direct my prayers to him, of whose readiness to hear and help me I have had such ample experience. The God of my life; the giver and preserver of my life from time to time.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 42:8
Psalms 42:8 [Yet] the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song [shall be] with me, [and] my prayer unto the God of my life.Ver. 8. Yet the Lord will command his lovingkindness] He will after all this misery send forth a commission and a command to set me free; and his mandamus command will do it at any time. And in the night his song shall be with me] When others that are without God in the world have restless nights, the gnats of cares and griefs molesting them, a saint can sing away care, and call his soul to rest, as Psalms 116:7, being filled with peace and joy through believing; such as setteth him a singing to God’ s glory. And my prayer unto the God of my life] i.e. My praises, which are a chief part of prayer, 1 Timothy 6:1. Thanksgiving is an artificial begging, Gratiarum actio est ad plus dandum invitatio.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 42:8
(8) Yet the Lord.—Better, By day Jehovah shall command (or, literally, Jehovah command) his grace.And in the night his song—i.e., a song to Him; but the emendation shîrah, “song,” for shîrôh, “his song,” commends itself. The parallelism of this verse seems to confirm the conclusion drawn from the sentence at end of Book II., that the title “prayer,” and “song” were used indiscriminately for any of the hymns in religious use.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 42:8
Verse 8. The Lord will command] Every day the Lord will give an especial commission to his loving-kindness to visit me. During the night I shall sing of his mercy and goodness; and alternately mingle my singing with prayer for a continuance of his mercy, and for power to make the best use of these visitations.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 42:8
8. According to the rendering of the A.V., retained by the R.V., this verse expresses the Psalmist’s confidence that he will soon again experience the favour of God, and give Him thanks for His goodness. But it is equally possible to render In the day-time Jehovah used to give his lovingkindness charge concerning me, And in the night his song was with me, Even prayer unto the God of my life. This rendering gives the best connexion of thought. The verse is a retrospect like Psalms 42:4, and is a further explanation of the ‘remembering God’ of which he speaks in Psalms 42:6. He contrasts the present, in which tears are his constant food (Psalms 42:3) and God’s indignation seems to be let loose upon him, with the past, in which God’s lovingkindness constantly watched over him, and glad songs of praise to Him were his constant companions. In the day-time and in the night, though divided between the two lines for rhythmical reasons, are to be connected together (= continually), and taken as referring equally to both clauses. Cp. Psalms 92:2. God’s lovingkindness, like His light and truth in Psalms 43:3, is almost personified as the Psalmist’s guardian angel.
Prayer denotes any form of communion with God—here predominantly thanksgiving. Cp. 1 Samuel 2:1; Habakkuk 3:1. With the beautiful phrase the God of my life cp. Psalms 66:9; and Sir 23:1; Sir 23:4, “O Lord, Father and Master” (δέσποτα) of mylife”: … “Father and God of my life.” The Lord] Contrary to the general rule in Book ii (Introd. p. lv.) the name Jehovah has been retained here; unless it is the insertion or alteration of a later editor.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 42:8
Yet the Lord will command his loving-kindness in the daytime - literally, “By day the Lord will command his mercy;” that is, he will so order or direct his mercy or his favor.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 42:8
8. In the daytime, and in the night—Faith here rallies. God shall command, or make sure, confirm, his mercy to me by day, and in the night his song shall be with me; a picture of unintermitted trust, prayer, and praise.
Sermons on Psalms 42:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Singing Before Suffering. by Andrew Bonar | Andrew Bonar emphasizes the significance of singing in the face of suffering, highlighting that Jesus sang a hymn with His disciples just before His impending crucifixion, demonstr |
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Lxi. to Mr James Wilson by Samuel Rutherford | Samuel Rutherford preaches a message of encouragement and exhortation to a struggling believer, addressing doubts about being in Christ and feeling lost in spiritual exercises. He |
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Fill the Night With Song by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about finding solace and songs in the night through God, our Maker. He encourages seeking God's presence during sleepless nights, times of bereavement, a |
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The Cellars of Affliction by John Henry Jowett | John Henry Jowett emphasizes the importance of finding spiritual deliverance and strength in the midst of afflictions by seeking the promises of God and experiencing His vitalizing |
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None Saith, Where Is God My Maker, by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of seeking God during our darkest nights, whether they be filled with doubt, bereavement, or discouragement. He encourages believers to turn th |
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Yet the Lord Will Command His Loving-Kindness by Octavius Winslow | Octavius Winslow emphasizes that despite life's trials, God commands His loving-kindness, providing comfort and songs in the night. He illustrates how true joy and peace can exist |
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Evening Thoughts - January by Octavius Winslow | Octavius Winslow emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's faithfulness as we enter a new year, encouraging believers to trust in His unwavering support through life's uncerta |