Psalms 129:2
Psalms 129:2 in Multiple Translations
many a time they have persecuted me from my youth, but they have not prevailed against me.
Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth: yet they have not prevailed against me.
Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth up: Yet they have not prevailed against me.
Great have been my troubles from the time when I was young, but my troubles have not overcome me.
Many enemies have attacked from the time I was young, but they never defeated me.
They haue often times afflicted me from my youth: but they could not preuaile against me.
Often they distressed me from my youth, Yet they have not prevailed over me.
many times they have afflicted me from my youth up, yet they have not prevailed against me.
Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth: yet they have not prevailed against me.
Lord, hear my voice. Let thy ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
“Our enemies have afflicted us since our nation began, but they have not defeated us!
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 129:2
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 129:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
רַ֭בַּת
צְרָר֣וּ/נִי
מִ/נְּעוּרָ֑/י
גַּ֝ם
לֹא
יָ֥כְלוּ
לִֽ/י
רַ֭בַּת
rab
H7227
many
Adj
צְרָר֣וּ/נִי
tsârar
H6887
to confine
V-Qal-Perf-3cp | Suff
מִ/נְּעוּרָ֑/י
nâʻûwr
H5271
youth
Prep | N-cp | Suff
גַּ֝ם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יָ֥כְלוּ
yâkôl
H3201
be able
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
לִֽ/י
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 129:2
רַ֭בַּת
rab
H7227
"many"
Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
צְרָר֣וּ/נִי
tsârar
H6887
"to confine"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp | Suff
To rival means to oppose or afflict someone. In the Bible, this word is used to describe the struggles of the Israelites, such as when they were oppressed by their enemies or faced internal conflicts and afflictions.
Definition: to confine, besiege Another spelling of tsur (צוּר "to confine" H6696A)
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: adversary, (be in) afflict(-ion), beseige, bind (up), (be in, bring) distress, enemy, narrower, oppress, pangs, shut up, be in a strait (trouble), vex. See also: Exodus 12:34; Psalms 8:3; Psalms 6:8.
מִ/נְּעוּרָ֑/י
nâʻûwr
H5271
"youth"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the state of being young or a group of young people, as seen in Isaiah 47:12. It describes a stage of life, like childhood or adolescence. This concept is also mentioned in Jeremiah 31:19.
Definition: youth, early life Also means: na.ur (נְעוּרוֹת "youth" H5271B)
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: childhood, youth. See also: Genesis 8:21; Isaiah 54:6; Psalms 25:7.
גַּ֝ם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יָ֥כְלוּ
yâkôl
H3201
"be able"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to be able or have power, used in various contexts, such as overcoming or enduring, and is translated as 'be able' or 'have power' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to prevail, overcome, endure, have power, be able 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be able, be able to gain or accomplish, be able to endure, be able to reach 1a2) to prevail, prevail over or against, overcome, be victor 1a3) to have ability, have strength Aramaic equivalent: ye.khel (יְכִל "be able" H3202)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer. See also: Genesis 13:6; 1 Kings 14:4; Psalms 13:5.
לִֽ/י
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Psalms 129:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 129:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 129:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 129:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 129:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 129:2
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 129:2
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 129:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 129:2
- Sermons on Psalms 129:2
Context — The Cords of the Wicked
1Many a time they have persecuted me from my youth— let Israel now declare—
2many a time they have persecuted me from my youth, but they have not prevailed against me.
3The plowmen plowed over my back; they made their furrows long. 4The LORD is righteous; He has cut me from the cords of the wicked.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 34:19 | Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him from them all. |
| 2 | Matthew 16:18 | And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. |
| 3 | 2 Corinthians 4:8–9 | We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. |
| 4 | Revelation 12:8–9 | But the dragon was not strong enough, and no longer was any place found in heaven for him and his angels. And the great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. |
| 5 | John 16:33 | I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!” |
| 6 | Romans 8:35–39 | Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
| 7 | Psalms 118:13 | I was pushed so hard I was falling, but the LORD helped me. |
| 8 | Psalms 42:1 | As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after You, O God. |
| 9 | Psalms 125:1 | Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion. It cannot be moved; it abides forever. |
| 10 | Job 5:19 | He will rescue you from six calamities; no harm will touch you in seven. |
Psalms 129:2 Summary
[This verse is saying that the speaker has faced a lot of opposition and hardship throughout their life, but they have not been defeated because of their trust in God. As it says in Psalms 55:22, 'Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.' The speaker is confident that God is with them and will bring them through to victory, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. This is a great reminder for us today that we are not alone in our struggles, and that God is always with us to help us through.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the verse mean by 'many a time they have persecuted me from my youth'?
This phrase suggests that the speaker has faced opposition and hardship throughout their life, beginning from a young age, as seen in Jeremiah 1:7 where God calls Jeremiah to speak to the nations, despite his youth.
How can the speaker say that their persecutors 'have not prevailed against me'?
The speaker's confidence in the face of persecution comes from their trust in God's sovereignty and power, as expressed in Psalms 23:4, which says 'Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me.'
What can we learn from the speaker's experience of persecution?
We can learn that even in the midst of hardship and opposition, God is still with us and will ultimately bring us through to victory, as promised in Romans 8:37, which says 'No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.'
How can we apply this verse to our own lives when facing persecution or hardship?
We can apply this verse by remembering that we are not alone in our struggles, and that God is our rock and refuge, as stated in Psalms 46:1, which says 'God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that you have experienced persecution or hardship in your own life, and how have you seen God work through those experiences?
- How can you trust in God's sovereignty and power when faced with opposition or difficulty, just like the speaker in this verse?
- What are some ways that you can stand firm in your faith, even when faced with persecution or hardship, and how can you encourage others to do the same?
- How can you use your own experiences of persecution or hardship to minister to others who may be going through similar struggles?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 129:2
Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth,.... This is repeated for the confirmation of it, to excite attention to it, and to express the vehement affection of the speaker; yet they have not
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 129:2
Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth: yet they have not prevailed against me. Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth; yet they have not prevailed against me.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 129:2
Psalms 129:2 Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth: yet they have not prevailed against me.Ver. 2. Many a time, &c.] Anadiplosis ad exaggerationem, q.d. They have done it and done it again, but could never achieve their design, viz. to supplant and eradicate me; which might not be. Oppugnarunt (non expugnarunt, however the Vulgate so rendereth here). The Church is invincible. Athens took upon her of old to be so; and Venice alate boasteth the like; but time hath confuted the one, and may soon do the other; when the Church shall stand firm, because founded on a rock. More truly may it be said of it than it was once of Troy, Victa tamen vinces, eversaque Troia resurges: Obruet hostiles illa ruina domes (Ovid. de Fast.).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 129:2
Verse 2. Yet they have not prevailed] They endeavoured to annihilate us as a people; but God still preserves us as his own nation.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 129:2
2. yet they have not prevailed against me] Cp. 2 Corinthians 4:8-10.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 129:2
Many a time ... - This repetition is designed to fix the thoughts on the fact, and to impress it on the mind. The mind dwells on the fact as important in its bearing on the present occasion or emergency.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 129:2
2. Not prevailed—Because God was on their side. See Psalms 124:1, etc.
Sermons on Psalms 129:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Nicaragua) the Lord Has Promised to Deliver You by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher, who has been preaching for over 54 years, emphasizes the faithfulness of God throughout his ministry. He mentions that he and another pastor, Gary, wi |
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(2008 Usa Tour) the Secret Place by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for addressing important matters from the Bible in every congregation. They urge for a sense of urgency and carefulness in addressin |
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Ever-Present Help in the Time of Trouble by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a conversation with God. He highlights the fact that God is always near and ready to listen and deliver us from trou |
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Bearing Fruit - Part 3 by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the reality of trials, tribulations, and persecution that believers may face, contrary to the false teachings of prosperity and guaranteed healing. It highli |
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Mr. Fearing Comforted by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the minister addresses the issue of doubt and the tendency to focus on visible circumstances rather than trusting in God. He uses the example of Peter walking on wa |
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(The Man God Blesses) Psalm 73 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that God allows trials in our lives to develop our character and strengthen our ability to stand up for what is right. He points out that man |
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The Mind of Christ by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following Christ rather than Satan. He encourages the audience to be willing to be thought of as nothing so that Christ can |