Psalms 43:2
Psalms 43:2 in Multiple Translations
For You are the God of my refuge. Why have You rejected me? Why must I walk in sorrow because of the enemy’s oppression?
For thou art the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
For thou art the God of my strength; why hast thou cast me off? Why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
You are the God of my strength; why have you put me from you? why do I go in sorrow because of the attacks of my haters?
For you, God, are my protection—so why have you turned your back on me? Why must I go around weeping because of the attacks of my enemies?
For thou art the God of my strength: why hast thou put me away? why goe I so mourning, when the enemie oppresseth me?
For thou [art] the God of my strength. Why hast Thou cast me off? Why mourning do I go up and down, In the oppression of an enemy?
For you are the God of my strength. Why have you rejected me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
For thou art the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
We have heard, O God, with our ears: our fathers have declared to us, The work, thou hast wrought in their days, and in the days of old.
You are God, the one who protects me; ◄why have you abandoned me?/it seems that you have abandoned me!► [RHQ] It does not seem right that [RHQ] I am forced to mourn/cry constantly because my enemies are cruel to me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 43:2
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 43:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
אַתָּ֤ה
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
מָֽעוּזִּ/י֮
לָ/מָ֪ה
זְנַ֫חְתָּ֥/נִי
לָֽ/מָּה
קֹדֵ֥ר
אֶתְהַלֵּ֗ךְ
בְּ/לַ֣חַץ
אוֹיֵֽב
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אַתָּ֤ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
מָֽעוּזִּ/י֮
mâʻôwz
H4581
security
N-ms | Suff
לָ/מָ֪ה
mâh
H4100
what?
Prep | Part
זְנַ֫חְתָּ֥/נִי
zânach
H2186
to reject
V-Qal-Perf-2ms | Suff
לָֽ/מָּה
mâh
H4100
what?
Prep | Part
קֹדֵ֥ר
qâdar
H6937
be dark
V-Qal
אֶתְהַלֵּ֗ךְ
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Hithpael-Imperf-1cs
בְּ/לַ֣חַץ
lachats
H3906
oppression
Prep | N-ms
אוֹיֵֽב
ʼôyêb
H341
enemy
V-Qal
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 43:2
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
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.
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
מָֽעוּזִּ/י֮
mâʻôwz
H4581
"security"
N-ms | Suff
A fortified place or stronghold, like a rock or harbor, providing safety and protection, is what this Hebrew word represents.
Definition: 1) place or means of safety, protection, refuge, stronghold 1a) place of safety, fastness, harbour, stronghold 1b) refuge (of God) (fig.) 1c) human protection (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: force, fort(-ress), rock, strength(-en), ([idiom] most) strong (hold). See also: Judges 6:26; Isaiah 23:14; Psalms 27:1.
לָ/מָ֪ה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Prep | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
זְנַ֫חְתָּ֥/נִי
zânach
H2186
"to reject"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms | Suff
To stink or be rejected is the meaning of this Hebrew word. It's used in the Bible to describe something that's disgusting or unwanted, like in the book of Psalm 38:5. The KJV translates it as 'cast away' or 'remove far away'.
Definition: 1) to cast off, reject, spurn 1a) (Qal) to reject 1b) (Hiphil) to forcefully reject someone
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: cast away (off), remove far away (off). See also: 1 Chronicles 28:9; Psalms 88:15; Psalms 43:2.
לָֽ/מָּה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Prep | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
קֹדֵ֥ר
qâdar
H6937
"be dark"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to be dark or mournful, often describing someone wearing dark clothes to show sadness. It appears in various forms, like being dark or causing darkness. In the Bible, it's used to describe mourning or being gloomy.
Definition: 1) to mourn, be dark 1a) (Qal) to be dark 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to darken 1b2) to cause to mourn 1c) (Hithpael) to grow dark
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: be black(-ish), be (make) dark(-en), [idiom] heavily, (cause to) mourn. See also: 1 Kings 18:45; Jeremiah 4:28; Psalms 35:14.
אֶתְהַלֵּ֗ךְ
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
V-Hithpael-Imperf-1cs
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
בְּ/לַ֣חַץ
lachats
H3906
"oppression"
Prep | N-ms
Oppression is when someone is treated unfairly or cruelly, often by those in power. It can cause distress and suffering for the person being oppressed.
Definition: oppression, distress, pressure
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: affliction, oppression. See also: Exodus 3:9; Job 36:15; Psalms 42:10.
אוֹיֵֽב
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.
Study Notes — Psalms 43:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 43:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 43:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 43:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 43:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 43:2
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 43:2
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 43:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 43:2
- Sermons on Psalms 43:2
Context — Send Out Your Light
1Vindicate me, O God, and plead my case against an ungodly nation; deliver me from deceitful and unjust men.
2For You are the God of my refuge. Why have You rejected me? Why must I walk in sorrow because of the enemy’s oppression?
3Send out Your light and Your truth; let them lead me. Let them bring me to Your holy mountain and to the place where You dwell. 4Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my greatest joy. I will praise You with the harp, O God, my God.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 42:9 | I say to God my Rock, “Why have You forgotten me? Why must I walk in sorrow because of the enemy’s oppression?” |
| 2 | Psalms 28:7 | The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart rejoices, and I give thanks to Him with my song. |
| 3 | Ephesians 6:10 | Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. |
| 4 | Psalms 94:14 | For the LORD will not forsake His people; He will never abandon His heritage. |
| 5 | Isaiah 40:31 | But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint. |
| 6 | Psalms 44:9 | But You have rejected and humbled us; You no longer go forth with our armies. |
| 7 | Psalms 77:7 | “Will the Lord spurn us forever and never show His favor again? |
| 8 | Psalms 140:7 | O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You shield my head in the day of battle. |
| 9 | Psalms 71:9 | Do not discard me in my old age; do not forsake me when my strength fails. |
| 10 | Zechariah 10:12 | I will strengthen them in the LORD, and in His name they will walk,” declares the LORD. |
Psalms 43:2 Summary
[Psalms 43:2 shows us that even when we feel like God has rejected us, He is still our safe haven and place of protection. This means we can run to Him for comfort and trust in His goodness, just like David did in Psalms 23:4. When we feel overwhelmed by our enemies or struggles, we can remember that God is our refuge and that He loves us, as stated in Psalms 91:2 and John 3:16. By trusting in God's love and care, we can find peace and hope, even in the midst of sorrow.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the psalmist feel rejected by God in Psalms 43:2?
The psalmist feels rejected because they are experiencing sorrow and oppression from their enemies, despite knowing that God is their refuge, as seen in Psalms 43:2 and similar feelings expressed in Psalms 22:1-2.
What does it mean to call God our 'refuge' in this verse?
Calling God our 'refuge' means that He is our safe haven and place of protection, as stated in Psalms 91:2 and reinforced in Proverbs 18:10, where it says 'The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.'
How can we trust God when we feel like He has rejected us?
We can trust God because His rejection is not the same as His abandonment; as Romans 8:35-39 reminds us, nothing can separate us from God's love, and even in times of sorrow, He is working for our good, as seen in Romans 8:28.
What is the significance of the 'enemy's oppression' in Psalms 43:2?
The enemy's oppression refers to the pressures and hardships faced by the believer, which can be spiritual, emotional, or physical, and are not uncommon for followers of God, as seen in the experiences of David in Psalms 23:4 and the early church in Acts 8:1-3.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways do you feel like God has rejected you, and how can you trust in His goodness despite these feelings?
- What are some areas in your life where you feel like you are walking in sorrow, and how can you apply the truth of God being your refuge to these situations?
- How does remembering that God is your refuge impact your daily life and interactions with others?
- In what ways can you practically seek refuge in God when faced with the enemy's oppression, as mentioned in Psalms 43:2?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 43:2
For thou [art] the God of my strength,.... Who being the strong and mighty God was able to deliver and save him, as well as to plead his cause; and was the author and giver of strength, natural and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 43:2
For thou art the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 43:2
Psalms 43:2 For thou [art] the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?Ver. 2. For thou art the God of my strength] As being in covenant with me, both offensive and defensive. In the Lord Jehovah is a Rock of ages, or everlasting strength, Isaiah 26:4, for God of my strength, Psalms 42:9, is my rock. Why go I mourning] See Psalms 42:9.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 43:2
Verse 2. For thou art the God of my strength] The psalmist speaks here, as in other places, in the person of the whole Israelitish people then captive in Babylon. We still acknowledge thee for our God. Why are we cast off? Now that we are humbled and penitent, why are we not enlarged? Why are we not saved from this oppression of the Babylonians?
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 43:2
2. the God of my strength] Or, my stronghold God: my natural refuge and protector. Cp. Psalms 18:2; Psalms 42:9. But facts seem to contradict faith, and the expostulation of Psa 42:9 is repeated in a stronger form: Why hast thou cast me off (Psalms 44:9; Psalms 44:23)? and in the next line a more emphatic form of the verb go is used, meaning go about by myself.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 43:2
For thou art the God of my strength - See Psalms 18:2, note; Psalms 28:7, note. Why dost thou cast me off? - As if I were none of thine; as if I were wholly abandoned. Compare the notes at Psalms 22:1.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 43:2
2. The God of my strength—The psalmist ascribes to God such appellative titles as befit his condition. He needed “strength,” and that belonged to God only. Why go I mourning—Why these delays of justice?
Sermons on Psalms 43:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Psalm 43 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches on the psalms of David, highlighting the deep expressions of the mind in times of trouble and oppression, the importance of seeking God's strength and guidance i |
|
Do You Really Trust God by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker begins by praying for a quickening of the body, spirit, and mind to deliver the word of God effectively. He emphasizes the importance of surrendering to |
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Oh My Soul by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on two important questions asked by Jesus in Mark's Gospel. The first question is about the value of gaining the whole world but losing one's ow |
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After the Frost by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about finding hope and trust in God during times of mourning and despair, reminding believers that God's faithfulness surpasses all fears and disappointm |
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Letter 7 by James Bourne | James Bourne, in a letter to W. J. Brook in London, 1808, expresses deep struggles with feeling separated from God's people, walking in darkness, and being held in perpetual contem |
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Experiencing Jesus by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal experience of receiving a text message from his son with a Bible verse that he had been contemplating preaching on. He emphasizes the |
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Setting Fire to Satan's Harvest - Part 2 by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the need to identify and address the negative influences and complaints that hinder our relationship with God, urging believers to set fire to the harvest of |