Psalms 118:5
Psalms 118:5 in Multiple Translations
In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered and set me free.
I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place.
Out of my distress I called upon Jehovah: Jehovah answered me and set me in a large place.
I made my prayer to the Lord in my trouble: and the Lord gave me an answer, and put me in a wide place.
I was suffering badly, so I cried out to the Lord for help. He answered me and set me free from my pain.
I called vpon the Lord in trouble, and the Lord heard me, and set me at large.
From the straitness I called Jah, Jah answered me in a broad place.
Out of my distress, I called on the LORD. The LORD answered me with freedom.
I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place.
O! that my ways may be directed to keep thy justifications.
When I was distressed, I called out to Yahweh, and he answered me and set me free from my worries/troubles.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 118:5
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 118:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מִֽן
הַ֭/מֵּצַ֥ר
קָרָ֣אתִי
יָּ֑הּ
עָנָ֖/נִי
בַ/מֶּרְחָ֣ב
יָֽהּ
מִֽן
min
H4480
from
Prep
הַ֭/מֵּצַ֥ר
mêtsar
H4712
terror
Art | N-ms
קָרָ֣אתִי
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
יָּ֑הּ
Yâhh
H3050
LORD
N-proper
עָנָ֖/נִי
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
בַ/מֶּרְחָ֣ב
merchâb
H4800
broad
Prep | N-ms
יָֽהּ
Yâhh
H3050
LORD
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 118:5
מִֽן
min
H4480
"from"
Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
הַ֭/מֵּצַ֥ר
mêtsar
H4712
"terror"
Art | N-ms
Metsar signifies terror or trouble, describing a tight or difficult situation. It represents distress or pain, like being in a strait or narrow place.
Definition: straits, distress
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: distress, pain, strait. See also: Psalms 116:3; Psalms 118:5; Lamentations 1:3.
קָרָ֣אתִי
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
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.
יָּ֑הּ
Yâhh
H3050
"LORD"
N-proper
Jah is a shortened form of the name LORD, used in many compounds, such as names ending in -iah or -jah. It appears in the Bible as a way to refer to God.
Definition: A shortened form of the name ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068) used in many compounds as the letters 'Je' or 'jah'
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: Jah, the Lord, most vehement. Compare names in '-iah,' '-jah.' See also: Exodus 15:2; Psalms 118:17; Psalms 68:5.
עָנָ֖/נִי
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
בַ/מֶּרְחָ֣ב
merchâb
H4800
"broad"
Prep | N-ms
Merchab refers to a broad or roomy place, often describing a wide or expansive area. It symbolizes liberty and openness. This concept is mentioned in the Bible as a desirable state.
Definition: broad or roomy place, wide, expanses
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: breadth, large place (room). See also: 2 Samuel 22:20; Psalms 118:5; Psalms 18:20.
יָֽהּ
Yâhh
H3050
"LORD"
N-proper
Jah is a shortened form of the name LORD, used in many compounds, such as names ending in -iah or -jah. It appears in the Bible as a way to refer to God.
Definition: A shortened form of the name ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068) used in many compounds as the letters 'Je' or 'jah'
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: Jah, the Lord, most vehement. Compare names in '-iah,' '-jah.' See also: Exodus 15:2; Psalms 118:17; Psalms 68:5.
Study Notes — Psalms 118:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 118:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 118:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 118:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 118:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 118:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 118:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 118:5
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 118:5
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 118:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 118:5
- Sermons on Psalms 118:5
Context — The LORD Is on My Side
3Let the house of Aaron say, “His loving devotion endures forever.”
4Let those who fear the LORD say, “His loving devotion endures forever.”
5In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered and set me free.
6The LORD is on my side; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? 7The LORD is on my side; He is my helper. Therefore I will look in triumph on those who hate me.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 18:19 | He brought me out into the open; He rescued me because He delighted in me. |
| 2 | Psalms 18:6 | In my distress I called upon the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for His help reached His ears. |
| 3 | Psalms 120:1 | In my distress I cried to the LORD, and He answered me. |
| 4 | Psalms 107:19 | Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress. |
| 5 | Psalms 130:1–2 | Out of the depths I cry to You, O LORD! O Lord, hear my voice; let Your ears be attentive to my plea for mercy. |
| 6 | Psalms 31:8 | You have not delivered me to the enemy; You have set my feet in the open. |
| 7 | Psalms 107:13 | Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress. |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 30:6–8 | And David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of every man grieved for his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God. Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, “Bring me the ephod.” So Abiathar brought it to him, and David inquired of the LORD: “Should I pursue these raiders? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” the LORD replied, “for you will surely overtake them and rescue the captives.” |
| 9 | Psalms 40:1–3 | I waited patiently for the LORD; He inclined to me and heard my cry. He lifted me up from the pit of despair, out of the miry clay; He set my feet upon a rock, and made my footsteps firm. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD. |
| 10 | Mark 14:31–36 | But Peter kept insisting, “Even if I have to die with You, I will never deny You.” And all the others said the same thing. Then they came to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus told His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took with Him Peter, James, and John, and began to be deeply troubled and distressed. Then He said to them, “My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch.” Going a little farther, He fell to the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour would pass from Him. “Abba, Father,” He said, “all things are possible for You. Take this cup from Me. Yet not what I will, but what You will.” |
Psalms 118:5 Summary
This verse means that when we are in trouble or struggling, we can call out to God and He will answer us and set us free. It's like when a child is scared or hurt and calls out to their parent for help - God is our Heavenly Father who hears our cries and comes to our rescue, as seen in Psalms 107:6. We can trust in God's loving devotion and have confidence that He will be with us and help us, just like He was with the Psalmist in Psalms 118:5. By calling out to God in our distress, we can experience His deliverance and freedom, as promised in Romans 10:13.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'in distress' as mentioned in Psalms 118:5?
Being in distress refers to a state of trouble, hardship, or suffering, as seen in Psalms 107:6, where people cried out to the Lord in their distress and He rescued them.
How does God answer and set people free in their distress?
According to Psalms 118:5, God answers and sets people free when they call to Him in their distress, as also seen in Exodus 2:23-25, where God heard the Israelites' cry and remembered His covenant with them.
Is this promise of deliverance only for certain people or can anyone experience it?
The promise of deliverance is available to all who call on the Lord in their distress, as stated in Romans 10:13, which says that 'everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved'.
How can we apply this verse to our everyday lives?
We can apply this verse by trusting in God's loving devotion, as mentioned in Psalms 118:3-4, and having confidence that He will answer and set us free when we call to Him in our times of need, just like the Psalmist did in Psalms 118:5.
Reflection Questions
- What are some specific areas in my life where I am currently experiencing distress, and how can I call out to God for help in those areas?
- How has God answered and set me free in the past, and what can I learn from those experiences to apply to my current situation?
- What does it mean for me to trust in God's loving devotion, and how can I cultivate that trust in my daily life?
- How can I use my experiences of God's deliverance to encourage and help others who may be going through similar struggles?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 118:5
I called upon the Lord in distress,.... Or "out of that strait" (q); when David was encompassed by Saul and his men, or when at the court of Achish, or when his own people talked of stoning him.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 118:5
I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. -At the beginning (Psalms 118:5) and at the close of this division (Psalms 118:13-14) the salvation already received is described.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 118:5
Set me; which verb is tacitly included in the former, and is easily understood out of , where the full phrase is expressed, and from the following word. See the like examples in the Hebrew text, , &c.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 118:5
Psalms 118:5 I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, [and set me] in a large place.Ver. 5. I called upon the Lord in distress] Heb. out of distress, q.d. I celebrate not God’ s mercy of course, but out of experience. The Lord answered me] Heb. Yah answered me with a large roomth. See Psalms 4:2.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 118:5
(5) I called.—Better, out of the straitness I cried to Jah; answered me, with freedom, Jah. The meaning of the last clause (literally, with room. Comp.: “Ay, marry, now my soul has elbow-room”—King John) is determined by the parallelism of Psa 18:19. The versions read “freedom of Jah,” i.e., boundless freedom,”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 118:5
Verse 5. I called upon the Lord] I am a standing proof and living witness of God's mercy. Take encouragement from me.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 118:5
5–9. Israel speaks as one man; acknowledging that it is Jehovah Who has delivered them. With Him as their ally they have nothing to fear.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 118:5
I called upon the Lord in distress - Margin, as in Hebrew, “out of distress.” In the very midst of trouble he called upon the Lord; his voice was heard, as it were, coming from the depth of his sorrows.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 118:5
5. In distress—Literally, From the strait. Same word as is rendered pain, Psalms 116:3, where see note. Large place—A wide, open field or space, standing opposed to the strait, narrow gorge, or exigency, in the previous line.
Sermons on Psalms 118:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Thou Hast Set My Feet in a Large Place by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by referencing Isaiah 4 and Psalms 42, focusing on the theme of finding hope and help in God's presence. He encourages the congregation to refle |
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I Cried by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the power of crying out to God in prayer, illustrating how a child's cries can lead to affection and support. He highlights that true prayer is not measure |
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Letter 49 by James Bourne | James Bourne, in a letter to Revelation C. J. regarding his friend Mr. Maddy, emphasizes the importance of seeking God's presence and mercy in times of distress. He encourages them |
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Faith Unto Enlargement Through Adversity by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks preaches on Psalms 118, known as the 'Passover Hosanna Psalms', emphasizing faith unto enlargement through adversity. The Psalm reflects the nation's collective ex |
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Return Unto Thy Rest O My Soul by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that God waits for the cry of His people, when they come to the realization that they cannot fulfill their own promises to Him. The speaker e |
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Full of Hope by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the unwavering hope and faith of Joshua and Caleb, who, despite the daunting challenges they faced, returned from the Promised Land filled with joy and c |
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Accusing God of Child Neglect! by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson addresses the misconception of accusing God of child neglect, emphasizing that God communicates with His children through probing questions that reveal our innermos |