Psalms 40:2
Psalms 40:2 in Multiple Translations
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 brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay; And he set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
He took me up out of a deep waste place, out of the soft and sticky earth; he put my feet on a rock, and made my steps certain.
He pulled me out of the pit of destruction, out from the mud and the slime. He set me on a rock, and gave me a safe place to stand.
Hee brought mee also out of the horrible pit, out of the myrie clay, and set my feete vpon the rocke, and ordered my goings.
And He doth cause me to come up From a pit of desolation — from mire of mud, And He raiseth up on a rock my feet, He is establishing my steps.
He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay. He set my feet on a rock, and gave me a firm place to stand.
He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
Blessed is he that understandeth concerning the needy and the poor: the Lord will deliver him in the evil day.
When I had many troubles, it was as though I was in a deep pit. But he lifted me up out of the mud and slime of that pit; he set my feet on a solid rock, and enabled me to walk ◄safely/without falling►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 40:2
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 40:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
קַוֺּ֣ה
קִוִּ֣יתִי
יְהוָ֑ה
וַ/יֵּ֥ט
אֵ֝לַ֗/י
וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֥ע
שַׁוְעָתִֽ/י
קַוֺּ֣ה
qâvâh
H6960
to await
V-Piel-Ptc
קִוִּ֣יתִי
qâvâh
H6960
to await
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וַ/יֵּ֥ט
nâṭâh
H5186
to stretch
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֵ֝לַ֗/י
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֥ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
שַׁוְעָתִֽ/י
shavʻâh
H7775
cry
N-fs | Suff
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 40:2
קַוֺּ֣ה
qâvâh
H6960
"to await"
V-Piel-Ptc
This Hebrew word means to collect or gather things together, and can also mean to wait patiently for something. It is used in Psalms and Proverbs to describe waiting on God.
Definition: 1) to wait, look for, hope, expect 1a) (Qal) waiting (participle) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to wait or look eagerly for 1b2) to lie in wait for 1b3) to wait for, linger for
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: gather (together), look, patiently, tarry, wait (for, on, upon). See also: Genesis 1:9; Isaiah 5:2; Psalms 25:3.
קִוִּ֣יתִי
qâvâh
H6960
"to await"
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to collect or gather things together, and can also mean to wait patiently for something. It is used in Psalms and Proverbs to describe waiting on God.
Definition: 1) to wait, look for, hope, expect 1a) (Qal) waiting (participle) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to wait or look eagerly for 1b2) to lie in wait for 1b3) to wait for, linger for
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: gather (together), look, patiently, tarry, wait (for, on, upon). See also: Genesis 1:9; Isaiah 5:2; Psalms 25:3.
יְהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וַ/יֵּ֥ט
nâṭâh
H5186
"to stretch"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.
Definition: 1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer 1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent) 1a3) to bend, turn, incline 1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down 1a3b) to bend, bow 1a3c) to hold out, extend (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stretch out 1c2) to spread out 1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away
Usage: Occurs in 207 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afternoon, apply, bow (down, -ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down, be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched, overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread (out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away), wrest, cause to yield. See also: Genesis 12:8; Psalms 31:3; Psalms 17:6.
אֵ֝לַ֗/י
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֥ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
שַׁוְעָתִֽ/י
shavʻâh
H7775
"cry"
N-fs | Suff
This word means to cry out for help, like a loud cry for assistance. It is used to describe a desperate call for aid. In the Bible, it is translated as crying.
Definition: cry for help
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: crying. See also: Exodus 2:23; Psalms 39:13; Psalms 18:7.
Study Notes — Psalms 40:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 40:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 40:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 40:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 40:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 40:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 40:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 40:2
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 40:2
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 40:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 40:2
- Sermons on Psalms 40:2
Context — I Waited Patiently for the LORD
1I waited patiently for the LORD; He inclined to me and heard my cry.
2He 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.
3He 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. 4Blessed is the man who has made the LORD his trust, who has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 37:23 | The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey. |
| 2 | Psalms 119:133 | Order my steps in Your word; let no sin rule over me. |
| 3 | Psalms 27:5 | For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter; He will conceal me under the cover of His tent; He will set me high upon a rock. |
| 4 | Psalms 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. |
| 5 | Psalms 71:20 | Though You have shown me many troubles and misfortunes, You will revive me once again. Even from the depths of the earth You will bring me back up. |
| 6 | Matthew 7:24–25 | Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock. |
| 7 | Psalms 86:13 | For great is Your loving devotion to me; You have delivered me from the depths of Sheol. |
| 8 | Psalms 69:2 | I have sunk into the miry depths, where there is no footing; I have drifted into deep waters, where the flood engulfs me. |
| 9 | Jonah 2:5–6 | The waters engulfed me to take my life; the watery depths closed around me; the seaweed wrapped around my head. To the roots of the mountains I descended; the earth beneath me barred me in forever! But You raised my life from the pit, O LORD my God! |
| 10 | Psalms 69:14–15 | Rescue me from the mire and do not let me sink; deliver me from my foes and out of the deep waters. Do not let the floods engulf me or the depths swallow me up; let not the Pit close its mouth over me. |
Psalms 40:2 Summary
This verse is saying that God can lift us up from really tough situations, like feeling stuck or helpless, and put us on solid ground, like a rock, as seen in Psalms 27:5 and Matthew 7:24-25. He helps us feel stable and secure, so we can walk with confidence, like the idea in Psalms 119:133 and Proverbs 4:12. This means we can trust God to help us through anything, no matter what, as mentioned in Romans 8:28 and 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. When we trust God, He gives us a firm foundation, so we can live our lives with purpose and hope, like the idea in Psalms 138:8 and 2 Thessalonians 3:3, where God is faithful to complete the work He started in us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'pit of despair' mentioned in Psalms 40:2?
The 'pit of despair' refers to a state of deep emotional or spiritual distress, as seen in Psalms 38:6, where the psalmist is overwhelmed by his own sin and suffering, and in Psalms 88:6, where the psalmist feels abandoned by God, much like the feelings of desperation described in Jeremiah 38:6, where Jeremiah is thrown into a cistern and left to die.
How does God 'set my feet upon a rock'?
When God sets our feet upon a rock, He provides a firm foundation for our lives, as mentioned in Psalms 27:5, where the psalmist takes refuge in God and finds safety, and in Matthew 7:24-25, where Jesus teaches that building our lives on the rock of His words will keep us from falling, illustrating the idea that our stability and security come from trusting in Him, as seen in Psalms 16:8 and Proverbs 10:25, where the righteous are not shaken.
What does it mean to have 'footsteps firm'?
Having firm footsteps means that our walk with God is stable and secure, as seen in Psalms 119:133, where the psalmist asks God to direct his steps according to His word, and in Proverbs 4:12, where the path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter, illustrating the idea that as we walk with God, our steps become more confident and sure, like the idea in Psalms 37:23-24 and Isaiah 40:31, where the righteous are upheld by God.
How does this verse relate to my everyday life?
This verse reminds us that no matter what difficulties we face, God is always able to lift us up and provide a firm foundation for our lives, as seen in Romans 8:28, where all things work together for our good, and in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, where God comforts us in our troubles so that we can comfort others, illustrating the idea that our experiences, whether joy or sorrow, can be used by God to help others, as mentioned in Psalms 138:8 and 2 Thessalonians 3:3, where God is faithful to complete the work He started in us.
Reflection Questions
- What are some 'pits of despair' that I have experienced in my own life, and how has God lifted me out of them?
- In what ways do I need God to 'set my feet upon a rock' right now, and how can I trust Him to do so?
- What are some areas of my life where I feel like my 'footsteps are not firm', and what steps can I take to find greater stability and security in God?
- How can I use my experiences of God's deliverance to help others who are struggling, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 and Psalms 107:2?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 40:2
He brought me up also out of an horrible pit,.... Which, with the following phrase, out of the miry clay, expresses the state and condition Christ was in at the time of his bloody sweat, his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 40:2
He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 40:2
I waited patiently, Heb. in waiting I waited; which doubling of the word notes that he waited diligently and earnestly, patiently and perseveringly, until God should please to help him. He inclined, or, bowed, to wit, himself, as this very word is rendered, ; or, his ear, as it is more fully expressed, 31:2. Such ellipses or defects are frequent in Scripture, as 10:1 7:15. Out of an horrible pit; or, out of a sounding pit so called either from the clamours of men or beasts falling into it; or from the many waters which fall down into it, not without a great noise. I was not only upon the brink, but in the very bottom of the pit, i.e. in desperate dangers and calamities, as this phrase signifies, 69:1,2. Out of the miry clay; in which my feet stuck fast. Upon a rock; a place of strength and safety. My goings, or, my steps, i.e. kept me from stumbling or falling into mischief.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 40:2
Psalms 40:2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, [and] established my goings.Ver. 2. He brought me up also out of a horrible pit] E puteo sonitus, ut Isaiah 51:14, out of a noiseful pit, where there is a continual hurry by the great tall of waters into it: he meaneth out of dreadful dangers, out of a desperate disease, saith R. Obadiah; who also by rock here understandeth perfect health, Sanitatem in corpore, sanctitatem in corde. Out of the miry clay] E luto, luto, saith Kimchi, for here are two words used of one and the same sense; to show that, as a bemired beast, he was in a perishing condition till God pulled him out, and set him on firm ground. And established my goings] That I might not relapse into the same or fall into another malady or mischief.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 40:2
(2) Horrible pit.—The rendering of the margin, “pit of noise,” takes shaôn in its primary sense, as in Isaiah 17:12, Psalms 65:7, and the idea of a noise of rushing water suits this passage. Most commentators, however, take it here in the sense the cognate bears in Psalms 35:8, “destruction.” The LXX. and Vulg. have “misery.” Miry clay.—The word translated “clay” (comp. Psalms 69:2) is from a root meaning to boil up, or ferment. (One of its derivatives means “wine.”) Hence “froth,” or “slime.” LXX., ilus; Vulg., fœx. A verse of R. Browning’s perhaps expresses the poet’s image:— “It frothed by, A black eddy, bespate with flakes and fumes.” Rock.—The common image of security (Psalms 18:2; Psalms 27:5), the occurrence of which makes it probable that the “pit” and “clay” are also not realities, but emblems of confusion and danger.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 40:2
Verse 2. A horrible pit] Literally, the sounding pit; where nothing was heard except the howlings of wild beasts, or the hollow sounds of winds reverberated and broken from the craggy sides and roof. The miry clay] Where the longer I stayed the deeper I sank, and was utterly unable to save myself. The Syriac and Arabic translate "The pit of perdition, and the mud of corruption." These are figurative expressions to point out the dreary, dismal, ruinous state of sin and guilt, and the utter inability of a condemned sinner to save himself either from the guilt of his conscience, or the corruption of his heart. Set my feet upon a rock] Thou hast changed my state from guilt to pardon; from corruption to holiness; in consequence of which my goings are established. I have now power over all sin, and can walk steadily in the way that leads to God's kingdom.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 40:2
2. And brought me up out of a pit of destruction, out of the miry slough: And set my feet upon a rock, made firm my steps. A literal reference to Jeremiah’s imprisonment in the dungeon can hardly be intended. The second line, set … rock, makes it plain that the whole verse is to be understood figuratively. He compares his plight to that of a prisoner in a dungeon (Lamentations 3:53; Lamentations 3:55), or even a dead man in the grave (Psalms 28:1; Psalms 88:4; Psalms 88:6); to that of a traveller floundering in a morass, or quicksand. Quagmires, ‘treacherous to the last degree,’ are common in Palestine. Thomson’s Land and the Book, p. 360. Now he has been given firm footing (Psalms 27:5), and the possibility of secure advance (Psalms 17:5; Psalms 37:31).
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 40:2
He brought me up also out of an horrible pit - Margin: “A pit of noise.” The word used here means a pit; a cistern; a prison; a dungeon; a grave.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 40:2
2. Horrible pit—The first word may be translated noise, in which sense we get the idea of a deep “pit” which resounds at the least noise; or it may be rendered desolation, a “pit” of desolation. The latter is the probable idea.
Sermons on Psalms 40:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Life of Elijah - Part 3 by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the speaker shares stories of individuals who were at the end of their rope and on the verge of quitting. However, in these moments of despair, God showed His kindn |
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How to Walk the Gospel Out #1 by Milton Green | This sermon emphasizes the importance of praising God and trusting in Him, highlighting the transformation and blessings that come from putting our trust in the Lord. It also addre |
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Brought Up, Set Up, Kept Up and Tuned Up by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching with a broken heart and being deeply moved by the message of sin and redemption. He highlights the need for the |
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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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Personal Testimony - Part 3 by Milton Green | This sermon shares a powerful testimony of transformation and redemption, highlighting the journey from a place of deep despair and self-condemnation to experiencing God's grace an |
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The Anatomy of Prayer by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the predictions he made about the consequences of communism in Russia. He acknowledges that his warnings of devastation, violence, and dest |
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A Vision of My Mission (Field)—part 1 by Aaron Hurst | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a clear mission and vision in life. He asks thought-provoking questions about the purpose of our existence and the g |