Psalms 94:19 — Word Study
WLCבְּרֹ֣ב שַׂרְעַפַּ֣י בְּקִרְבִּ֑י תַּ֝נְחוּמֶ֗יךָ יְֽשַׁעַשְׁע֥וּ נַפְשִֽׁי׃
BSAWhen anxietysarʻaph [in the multitude of my thoughts, with anxious worries, disquieting thoughts, troubled mind] overwhelms merôb Your consolationtanchûwm [Thy, divine, comforts, solace, to bring joy] delightsshâʻaʻ▸ [to take pleasure, to find joy] my soulnephesh [inner, living being, the essence of a person, living being]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| בְּרֹ֣ב | in [the] multitude of | Preposition, noun common masculine singular construct |
| שַׂרְעַפַּ֣י | disquieting thoughts my | Noun common masculine plural construct, suffix |
| בְּקִרְבִּ֑י | in inner being my | Preposition, noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| תַּ֝נְחוּמֶ֗יךָ | consolations your | Noun common masculine plural construct, suffix |
| יְֽשַׁעַשְׁע֥וּ | they delighted | Verb, Piel, imperfect third person masculine plural |
| נַפְשִֽׁי׃ | self my | Noun common feminine singular construct, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | When anxiety overwhelms me, Your consolation delights my soul. |
| KJV | In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul. |
| ASV | In the multitude of my thoughts within me Thy comforts delight my soul. |
| YLT | In the abundance of my thoughts within me, Thy comforts delight my soul. |
| WEB | In the multitude of my thoughts within me, your comforts delight my soul. |
| BBE | Among all my troubled thoughts, your comforts are the delight of my soul. |
All translations agree on the meaning of תַּנְחוּמֶ֗יךָ.
The main clause introduces the experience of anxiety, supported by phrases that provide context and describe the source of joy.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbשָׁעַע
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Psalms 94:19
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Comfort of God in Distressgenerated
Psalms 94:19 reflects the psalmist's experience of anxiety and how God's consolation brings delight to his soul. This verse sits within a broader context of seeking refuge in God's faithfulness during times of trouble, as seen in the surrounding verses that highlight the tension between human distress and divine support.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 43:2–5 | 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? |
| 2 | Psalm 61:2 | From the ends of the earth I call out to You whenever my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. |
| 3 | Psalm 63:5–6 | My soul is satisfied as with the richest of foods; with joyful lips my mouth will praise You. |
| 4 | Psalm 73:12–16 | Behold, these are the wicked— always carefree as they increase their wealth. |
| 5 | Psalm 77:2–10 | In the day of trouble I sought the Lord; through the night my outstretched hands did not grow weary; my soul refused to be comforted. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 10 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — תַּנְחוּמֶ֗יךָ, tan.chu.Mei.khagenerated
The word תַּנְחוּם (tanchuwm) signifies comfort or solace. It is derived from a root meaning compassion and is often used to describe the emotional relief that God provides in difficult times. This word captures the essence of God's nurturing presence, especially when one is troubled.
In this verse, it emphasizes that God's consolation is not just a passing comfort but a profound source of joy that uplifts the psalmist's inner being, contrasting sharply with the anxiety he feels.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
All translations agree on the meaning of תַּנְחוּמֶ֗יךָ as 'Your consolation' in this verse.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The structure of the verse centers around the finite verb יְֽשַׁעַשְׁע֥וּ, they delighted, which governs the subject of the sentence, the psalmist's soul, and is supported by prepositional phrases that elaborate on the source of delight and the context of anxiety.
The Hebrew syntax emphasizes the contrast between overwhelming anxiety and the joy derived from God's consolation, creating a poignant reflection on the emotional state of the speaker.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, the word for consolation is rendered as παρηγορία, which conveys a sense of encouragement and comfort. This choice highlights the supportive nature of God's presence, aligning with the Hebrew meaning but also suggesting a broader interpretation of divine comfort.
The translation reflects a consistent understanding of God's role as a source of solace, reinforcing the emotional depth of the psalmist's experience.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalms 94:19 expresses that when the psalmist feels overwhelmed by anxiety, the comfort from God brings joy to his soul. This verse highlights the relationship between human distress and divine support.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
The psalmist refers to troubling thoughts and mental turmoil that can overwhelm a person, reflecting a common human experience.
God's consolation brings joy and delight to the psalmist's soul, providing emotional relief during times of distress.
The soul represents the essence of a person, encompassing emotions and thoughts, making the joy from God's comfort deeply significant.
This verse teaches that seeking God's comfort can provide joy and relief from overwhelming anxiety.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways have I experienced God's comfort during times of anxiety?
- How can I remind myself of God's presence when I feel overwhelmed?
- What practices can help me cultivate a deeper awareness of God's consolation in my life?
- How can I support others who are struggling with anxiety and point them to God's comfort?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early church fathers, including Augustine, have commented on this verse, using it to illustrate the struggle against anxiety and the importance of divine comfort.
And thus the devil, the prince of the impious city, when he stirs up his own vessels against the city of God that sojourns in this world, is permitted to do her no harm.Early Church Fathers on Psalms 94 →
This, then, is the way now in which one living according to Christ acts in regard to his flesh when he struggles against his evil lustfulness.Early Church Fathers on Psalms 94 →
Dearly beloved, as I have already said, the devil is always either raging or lying in ambush. So, it behooves us to be always prepared by keeping our hearts fixed on the Lord.Early Church Fathers on Psalms 94 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 94:19 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleIn the multitude of my thoughts within me,.... The word for thoughts is used of branches of trees, thick and entwined, and so denotes perplexed and distressing thoughts; such as good men sometimes
Read John Gill on Psalms 94 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryIn the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul. In the multitude of my thoughts within me, thy comforts delight my soul.
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 94 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleIn the multitude of my thoughts; whilst my heart was filled with various and perplexing thoughts, as this Hebrew word signifies, and tormented with cares and fears about my future state. Thy comforts; thy promises contained in thy word, and set home by thy Spirit upon my soul, and the remembrance of my former experiences of thy care and kindness to me. Compare ,76.
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 94 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 94:19 In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.Ver. 19. In the multitude of my thoughts within me] My perplexed, intricated, ensnarled, intertwined (as the branches of a tree) cogitations and ploddings upon my daily sufferings; when I know not what to think, or which way to take to. Thy comforts delight my soul] The believer is never without his cordial; he hath comforts that the world knows nothing about. The good Landgrave of Hesse, being held prisoner for a long time together by Charles V, emperor, said that he could never have held it out so, but that he felt the divine consolations of the martyrs. Martyr etiam in catena gaudet, &c., saith Austin.…
Read John Trapp on Psalms 94 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(19) Thoughts.—Properly, dividing—i.e., “perplexing” or “anxious” thoughts. (See Job 4:13; Job 20:2.) LXX. and Vulg., “griefs.” We may compare the Virgilian “animum nunc huc celerem, nunc dividit illuc,” imitated by Tennyson: This way and that dividing his swift mind, In act to throw.” Delight.—Literally, stroke, and so soothe. The Hebrew word is used in Isaiah 66:11 of a mother quieting her child with the breast, and in Jeremiah 16:7 of the cup of consolation given to mourners at funerals.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Psalms 94 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 19. In the multitude of my thoughts] Of my griefs, (dolorum, Vulgate;) my sorrows, (οδυνων, Septuagint.) According to the multitude of my trials and distresses, have been the consolations which thou hast afforded me. Or, While I have been deeply meditating on thy wondrous grace and mercy, Divine light has broken in upon my soul, and I have been filled with delight.
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 94 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges19. thoughts] Or, as R.V. marg., doubts; distracting thoughts which divide and perplex the mind.
Read Cambridge on Psalms 94 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleIn the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul - The Septuagint and the Latin Vulgate render this, “In the multitude of my griefs within me,” etc.
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 94 →The verse in English, compared — 16 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
When anxiety overwhelms me, Your consolation delights my soul.
In the multitude of my thoughts within me, your comforts delight my soul.
When anxiety overwhelms me, Your consolation delights my soul.
When worries threaten to overwhelm me, your soothing touch makes me happy.
Tyndale line
In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.
In the multitude of my thoughts within me Thy comforts delight my soul.
In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.
In the multitude of my thoughts within me, thy comforts delight my soul.
In the multitude of my thoughts in mine heart, thy comfortes haue reioyced my soule.
Strictly literal
In the multitude of my anxious thoughts within me thy comforts have delighted my soul.
In the abundance of my thoughts within me, Thy comforts delight my soul.
In the abundance of my thoughts within me, || Your comforts delight my soul.
In the multitude of my [painful] thoughts within me, thy consolations delight my soul.
When cares within me are many, your consolations make me happy.
Simplified
When my mind was full of worries, you comforted me and encouraged me.
Among all my troubled thoughts, your comforts are the delight of my soul.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint largely agree in this verse, with five of the six words matched. The Septuagint's rendering reflects the same themes of anxiety and divine consolation, though its word order differs.
בְּרֹ֣ב שַׂרְעַפַּ֣י בְּקִרְבִּ֑י תַּ֝נְחוּמֶ֗יךָ יְֽשַׁעַשְׁע֥וּ נַפְשִֽׁי׃
5 of the 6 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Psalms 94:19
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
רֹב (rov) refers to a multitude or abundance, encompassing ideas of greatness and numerousness. It is derived from a related root and can describe anything from a large quantity to excellence. The entries consistently highlight its use in various contexts, emphasizing its broad application in the Old Testament.
רֹב 151 n.m. multitude, abundance, greatness
base
H7230 רֹב multitude, abundance, greatness
7230 rob robe
from 7231; abundance (in any respect):--abundance(- antly),
all, X common (sort), excellent, great(-ly, -ness, number),
huge, be increased, long, many, more in number, most, much,
multitude, plenty(-ifully), X very (age).
see HEBREW for 07231
רֹב (rov) — abundance.
1) multitude, abundance, greatness
1a) multitude
1a1) abundance, abundantly
1a2) numerous
1b) greatness
Prep | N-cs — Preposition · noun common masculine singular constructHR/Ncmsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
שַׂרְעַפִּים (sar'aphim) refers to disquieting or anxious thoughts. It is a plural noun that captures the idea of troubling mental states. The entries highlight its connection to the concept of thought, but do not provide specific verse references.
[שַׂרְעַפִּים] n.[m.]pl. disquieting thoughts
base
H8312 שַׂרְעַפִּים, שַׂרְעַף
8312 sar`aph sar-af'
for 5587; cogitation:--thought.
see HEBREW for 05587
שַׂרְעַפִּים (sar.aph) — anxiety.
disquieting thoughts, thoughts
N-mp | Suff — Noun common masculine plural construct · suffixHNcmpc/Sp1bs
קֶ֫רֶב (qereb) refers to the inward part or midst of something, encompassing both physical and figurative meanings. It can denote the center of a person or object, as well as the seat of thought and emotion. The term also relates to the entrails of sacrificial animals. It is used in various contexts, including references to being among or within a group.
קֶ֫רֶב 227 n.[m.] inward part, midst
base
H7130 קֶ֫רֶב inward part, midst
7130 qereb keh'-reb
from 7126; properly, the nearest part, i.e. the center,
whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with
preposition):--X among, X before, bowels, X unto charge, +
eat (up), X heart, X him, X in, inward (X -ly, part, -s,
thought), midst, + out of, purtenance, X therein, X through, X
within self.
see HEBREW for 07126
קֶ֫רֶב (qe.rev) — entrails: among.
: among/within
1) midst, among, inner part, middle
1a) inward part
1a1) physical sense
1a2) as seat of thought and emotion
1a3) as faculty of thought and emotion
1b) in the midst, among, from among (of a number of persons)
1c) entrails (of sacrificial animals)
Also means: qe.rev (קֶ֫רֶב ": inner_parts" H7130H)
קֶ֫רֶב (qe.rev) — entrails: inner parts.
: inner_parts
1) midst, among, inner part, middle
1a) inward part
1a1) physical sense
1a2) as seat of thought and emotion
1a3) as faculty of thought and emotion
1b) in the midst, among, from among (of a number of persons)
1c) entrails (of sacrificial animals)
HR/Ncmsc/Sp1bs — Preposition · noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHR/Ncmsc/Sp1bs
תַּנְחוּם (tanchuwm) means 'consolation' or 'comfort.' It is derived from the root meaning compassion or solace. The word is used in contexts related to providing comfort and support, reflecting emotional relief.
[תַּנְחוּם] n.m. consolation
base
H8575 [תַּנְחוּם] consolation
8575 tanchuwm tan-khoom'
or tanchum {tan-khoom'}; and (feminine) tanchuwmah
{tan-khoo-maw'}; from 5162; compassion, solace:--comfort,
consolation.
see HEBREW for 05162
תַּנְחוּם (tan.chum) — consolation.
consolation(s)
N-cp | Suff — Noun common masculine plural construct · suffixHNcmpc/Sp2ms
שָׁעַע (sha`a`) has meanings related to both being smeared or blinded and taking delight or sport. It can describe the act of smearing eyes shut or delighting oneself in various activities. The entries indicate a range of uses, from physical actions to emotional states, but do not present any significant disagreement among the lexicons.
[שָׁעַע] vb. be smeared over, blinded
Qal Hithpalp. blind yourselves and be blind!
Hiph. and its eyes besmear!
base
[שָׁעַע] vb. Pilp., etc., sport, take delight in, delight
Pilp. the suckling shall sport on the cobra’s hole
Palp. upon the knees shall ye be fondled.
Hithpalp. in thy statutes will I delight myself
base
H8173a שָׁעַע be smeared over, blinded H8173b שָׁעַע sport, take delight in, delight
8173 sha`a` shaw-ah'
a primitive root; (in a good acceptation) to look upon (with
complacency), i.e. fondle, please or amuse (self); (in a bad
one) to look about (in dismay), i.e. stare:--cry (out) (by
confusion with 7768), dandle, delight (self), play, shut.
see HEBREW for 07768
שָׁעַע (sha.a) — to smear.
1) to be smeared over, be blinded
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to be smeared over, be blinded
1a2) to smear eyes shut
1b) (Hiphil) to besmear (of eyes), smear over eyes
1c) (Hithpalpel) to blind oneself, be blinded
שָׁעַע (sha.a) — to delight.
1) to sport, take delight in
1a) (Pilpel) to sport, delight in, take delight in, delight oneself
1b) (Palpal) to be fondled
1c) (Hithpalpel) to delight oneself
V-l-Imperf-3mp — Verb · Piel · imperfect third person masculine pluralHVpi3mp
The Hebrew word נֶ֫פֶשׁ (*nephesh*) broadly means 'soul' or 'living being,' encompassing concepts like life, self, person, desire, and emotion. It is derived from the root meaning 'to breathe' and signifies both physical and mental aspects of existence. The lexicons note its use in various contexts, including as the seat of appetites and emotions, though its application to will and character is uncertain.
נֶ֫פֶשׁ 756 n.f. soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, appetite, emotion, and passion
= that which breathes, the breathing substance or being
The נפשׁ becomes a living being
The נפשׁ is specif.
The נפשׁ as the essential of man stands for the man himself
נפשׁ = seat of the appetites, in all periods (46 t.)
נ׳ = seat of emotions and passions
נפשׁ is used occasionally for mental acts
נפשׁ for acts of the will is dub.
נפשׁ = character is still more dub.
נ׳ in D
base
H5315 נֶ֫פֶשׁ soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, appetite, emotion, and passion . = that which breathes, the breathing substance or being
. The נפשׁ becomes a living being
. The נפשׁ is specif.
. The נפשׁ as the essential of man stands for the man himself
. נפשׁ = seat of the appetites, in all periods (46 t.)
. נ׳ = seat of emotions and passions
. נפשׁ is used occasionally for mental acts
. נפשׁ for acts of the will is dub.
. נפשׁ = character is still more dub.
. נ׳ in D
5315 nephesh neh'-fesh
from 5314; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of
(abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal,
accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or mental):--any,
appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, X dead(-ly), desire,
X (dis-)contented, X fish, ghost, + greedy, he, heart(-y),
(hath, X jeopardy of) life (X in jeopardy), lust, man, me,
mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-,
thy-)self, them (your)-selves, + slay, soul, + tablet, they,
thing, (X she) will, X would have it.
see HEBREW for 05314
נֶ֫פֶשׁ (ne.phesh) — soul.
1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion
1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man
1b) living being
1c) living being (with life in the blood)
1d) the man himself, self, person or individual
1e) seat of the appetites
1f) seat of emotions and passions
1g) activity of mind
1g1) uncertain
1h) activity of the will
1h1) uncertain
1i) activity of the character
1i1) uncertain
נֶ֫פֶשׁ (ne.phesh) — soul: life.
1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion
1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man
1b) living being
1c) living being (with life in the blood)
1d) the man himself, self, person or individual
1e) seat of the appetites
1f) seat of emotions and passions
1g) activity of mind
N-cs | Suff — Noun common feminine singular construct · suffixHNcfsc/Sp1bs