Psalms 138:3
Psalms 138:3 in Multiple Translations
On the day I called, You answered me; You emboldened me and strengthened my soul.
In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.
In the day that I called thou answeredst me, Thou didst encourage me with strength in my soul.
When my cry came to your ears you gave me an answer, and made me great with strength in my soul.
On the day I cried out to you for help, you answered me. You encouraged me and made me strong.
When I called, then thou heardest me, and hast encreased strength in my soule.
In the day I called, when Thou dost answer me, Thou dost strengthen me in my soul [with] strength.
In the day that I called, you answered me. You encouraged me with strength in my soul.
In the day when I cried thou didst answer me, and strengthen me with strength in my soul.
Thou hast understood my thoughts afar off: my path and my line thou hast searched out.
On the day when I called out to you, you answered me; you enabled me to be strong and brave.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 138:3
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 138:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בְּ/י֣וֹם
קָ֭רָֽאתִי
וַֽ/תַּעֲנֵ֑/נִי
תַּרְהִבֵ֖/נִי
בְ/נַפְשִׁ֣/י
עֹֽז
בְּ/י֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-ms
קָ֭רָֽאתִי
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
וַֽ/תַּעֲנֵ֑/נִי
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2ms | Suff
תַּרְהִבֵ֖/נִי
râhab
H7292
to be assertive
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms | Suff
בְ/נַפְשִׁ֣/י
nephesh
H5315
soul
Prep | N-cs | Suff
עֹֽז
ʻôz
H5797
strength
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 138:3
בְּ/י֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
קָ֭רָֽאתִי
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.
וַֽ/תַּעֲנֵ֑/נִי
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2ms | 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.
תַּרְהִבֵ֖/נִי
râhab
H7292
"to be assertive"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to be assertive or act proudly, like in Psalm 138:6 where God resists the proud. It involves urging someone severely or acting insolently. The prophet Isaiah used it to describe God's power.
Definition: 1) to behave proudly, act stormily or boisterously or arrogantly 1a) (Qal) to act insolently, storm against, beset, importune 1b) (Hiphil) to disturb, alarm, awe, confuse, make bold or proud
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: overcome, behave self proudly, make sure, strengthen. See also: Psalms 138:3; Song of Solomon 6:5; Proverbs 6:3.
בְ/נַפְשִׁ֣/י
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 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
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
עֹֽז
ʻôz
H5797
"strength"
N-ms
Describes strength or might, including physical power, social status, or boldness, like the strength of God or a strong leader.
Definition: 1) might, strength 1a) material or physical 1b) personal or social or political
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: boldness, loud, might, power, strength, strong. See also: Exodus 15:2; Psalms 84:6; Psalms 8:3.
Study Notes — Psalms 138:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 138:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 138:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 138:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 138:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 138:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 138:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 138:3
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 138:3
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 138:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 138:3
- Sermons on Psalms 138:3
Context — A Thankful Heart
1I give You thanks with all my heart; before the gods I sing Your praises.
2I bow down toward Your holy temple and give thanks to Your name for Your loving devotion and Your faithfulness; You have exalted Your name and Your word above all else.
3On the day I called, You answered me; You emboldened me and strengthened my soul.
4All the kings of the earth will give You thanks, O LORD, when they hear the words of Your mouth. 5They will sing of the ways of the LORD, for the glory of the LORD is great.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Peter 5:10 | And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you. |
| 2 | Psalms 34:4–6 | I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant with joy; their faces shall never be ashamed. This poor man called out, and the LORD heard him; He saved him from all his troubles. |
| 3 | 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. |
| 4 | Isaiah 40:29–31 | He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall. 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. |
| 5 | Zechariah 10:12 | I will strengthen them in the LORD, and in His name they will walk,” declares the LORD. |
| 6 | Philippians 4:13 | I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. |
| 7 | Isaiah 12:2 | Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. For the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and He also has become my salvation.” |
| 8 | Psalms 27:14 | Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD! |
| 9 | Colossians 1:11 | being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have full endurance and patience, and joyfully |
| 10 | Ephesians 6:10 | Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. |
Psalms 138:3 Summary
This verse means that when we pray to God and ask for His help, He will answer us and give us the strength and courage we need. This is a promise that we can trust, just like it says in Jeremiah 33:3, 'Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know'. When we call on God, He will embolden us and strengthen our souls, giving us the confidence to face whatever challenges come our way, as seen in Philippians 4:13, which says 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me'.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'call' on the Lord in Psalms 138:3?
To call on the Lord means to cry out to Him in prayer, seeking His help and guidance, as seen in Psalms 50:15, which says to 'call upon Me in the day of trouble'.
How does God 'embolden' and 'strengthen' us when we call on Him?
God gives us courage and confidence to face challenges when we call on Him, as stated in Deuteronomy 31:6, which says 'Be strong and courageous' and in Isaiah 41:10, which says 'Do not be afraid, for I am with you'.
Is this promise of God's answer and strengthening only for certain people?
No, this promise is for all who call on the Lord in faith, as stated in Romans 10:13, which says 'everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved'.
How can we be sure that God will answer us when we call on Him?
We can be sure because God's word promises that He will answer those who call on Him in truth, as seen in Psalms 145:18, which says 'The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth'.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have called out to the Lord and He has answered me?
- How has God emboldened and strengthened me in the past, and how can I trust Him to do so again in the future?
- What are some challenges I am currently facing that I need to call on the Lord about, and how can I trust Him to answer me?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my faith and trust in God's promise to answer and strengthen me when I call on Him?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 138:3
In the day when I cried thou answeredst me,.... When in distress through Saul's persecution, he cried to the Lord, and he immediately answered him, and delivered him out of his troubles; and such
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 138:3
In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul. In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 138:3
The last clause limits and explains the former, how God answered him so speedily, not by giving him the thing which he desired in that very instant, but by giving him inward support and patience to wait God’ s time, and to bear all his troubles cheerfully in the mean time, which was a singular mercy, and indeed greater than the actual donation of any temporal blessing.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 138:3
Psalms 138:3 In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, [and] strengthenedst me [with] strength in my soul.Ver. 3. In the day when I cried, &c.] This he worthily celebrateth as a singular favour, a badge of grace, Psalms 66:18, and pledge of glory, Acts 2:21. And strengthenedst me with strength in my soul] With strength in the inward man, Ephesians 3:16; Ephesians 3:20, with spiriual mettle, with supporting grace; keeping head above water. My body is weak, my soul is well, said that dying saint. I am as full of comfort as heart can hold, said a certain martyr. The apostle speaketh of the new supplies of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, επιχορηγεω, Philippians 1:19; the joy of the Lord is strengthening, Nehemiah 8:10.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 138:3
(3) Strengthenedst me with strength.—Or, encouragest me strongly. (See Note to Son 6:5, where the same Hebrew form occurs.) In my soul.—Or, at my desire.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 138:3
Verse 3. With strength in my soul.] Thou hast endued my soul with many graces, blessings, and heavenly qualities.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 138:3
3. and strengthenedst me] R.V. thou didst encourage me, giving me a proud consciousness of strength; a bold use of the word, which elsewhere denotes pride in a bad sense.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 138:3
In the day when I cried - Referring to some former period of his life when he was in trouble. Thou answeredst me - In the very day when I called, thou gavest me the answer: that is, immediately.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 138:3
3. Strengthenedst—Literally, Thou hast caused me to rise up. With strength in my soul—A more clear, direct profession of spiritual strength supernaturally bestowed could not be given in the words of any language.
Sermons on Psalms 138:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
In the Day When I Cried by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the importance of crying out to God in times of trouble and not relying on human ingenuity or strength. It highlights the need for humility, acknowledging ou |
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Encourage Yourself in the Lord by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of encouraging oneself in the Lord, acknowledging that even the most faithful believers experience pain, confusion, and sorrow. He uses th |
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Divine Strengthening by H.J. Vine | H.J. Vine preaches about the divine strengthening provided by God according to the riches of His glory, enabling believers to be filled with power by the Holy Spirit in their inner |
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Christian Joy by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches about the Christian joy that comes from the Holy Spirit, which is a delightful passion arising from the feeling of God's love and favor, supporting the soul |
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The Thorn in the Flesh, or Strength Made Perfect in Weakness by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the trials and temptations faced by the servants of God, using the example of the apostle Paul's thorn in the flesh and the messenger of Satan to highli |
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Chastening Love! by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that God's chastening love is a sign of His care for us, aimed at cleansing and correcting those who repent and return to Him. He acknowledges the pain t |
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We May Puff and Blow Our Hearts Out by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes that our strength and ability to thrive in various circumstances come solely through Christ. He illustrates that despite our efforts to cultivate our spiri |