Psalms 41:5
Psalms 41:5 in Multiple Translations
My enemies say with malice: “When will he die and be forgotten?”
Mine enemies speak evil of me, When shall he die, and his name perish?
Mine enemies speak evil against me, saying, When will he die, and his name perish?
My haters say evil against me, When will he be dead, and his name come to an end?
Those who hate me only say evil things about me. “When is he going to die, and people forget all about him?” they ask.
Mine enemies speake euill of me, saying, When shall he die, and his name perish?
Mine enemies say evil of me: When he dieth — his name hath perished!
My enemies speak evil against me: “When will he die, and his name perish?”
My enemies speak evil of me, When shall he die, and his name perish?
These things I remembered, and poured out my soul in me: for I shall go over into the place of the wonderful tabernacle, even to the house of God: With the voice of joy and praise; the noise of one feasting.
My enemies say cruel things about me; they say, “How soon will he die, and then everyone will forget about him [MTY]? (OR, he will not have any descendants to continue his name).”
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 41:5
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 41:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֲֽנִי
אָ֭מַרְתִּי
יְהוָ֣ה
חָנֵּ֑/נִי
רְפָאָ֥/ה
נַ֝פְשִׁ֗/י
כִּי
חָטָ֥אתִי
לָֽ/ךְ
אֲֽנִי
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
אָ֭מַרְתִּי
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
חָנֵּ֑/נִי
chânan
H2603
be gracious
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
רְפָאָ֥/ה
râphâʼ
H7495
to heal
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
נַ֝פְשִׁ֗/י
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
חָטָ֥אתִי
châṭâʼ
H2398
to sin
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
לָֽ/ךְ
Prep | 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 41:5
אֲֽנִי
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
אָ֭מַרְתִּי
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יְהוָ֣ה
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.
חָנֵּ֑/נִי
chânan
H2603
"be gracious"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to show kindness or favor, often by bending or stooping to help someone in need, as seen in the actions of God towards his people.
Definition: 1) to be gracious, show favour, pity 1a) (Qal) to show favour, be gracious 1b) (Niphal) to be pitied 1c) (Piel) to make gracious, make favourable, be gracious 1d) (Poel) to direct favour to, have mercy on 1e) (Hophal) to be shown favour, be shown consideration 1f) (Hithpael) to seek favour, implore favour
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: beseech, [idiom] fair, (be, find, shew) favour(-able), be (deal, give, grant (gracious(-ly), intreat, (be) merciful, have (shew) mercy (on, upon), have pity upon, pray, make supplication, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 33:5; Psalms 37:21; Psalms 4:2.
רְפָאָ֥/ה
râphâʼ
H7495
"to heal"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to heal or mend, often referring to God's power to cure physical or emotional hurts, as seen in Psalm 103:3.
Definition: 1) to heal, make healthful 1a) (Qal) to heal 1a1) of God 1a2) healer, physician (of men) 1a3) of hurts of nations involving restored favour (fig) 1a4) of individual distresses (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be healed 1b1) literal (of persons) 1b2) of water, pottery 1b3) of national hurts (fig) 1b4) of personal distress (fig) 1c) (Piel) to heal 1c1) literal 1c2) of national defects or hurts (fig) 1d) (Hithpael) in order to get healed (infinitive)
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: cure, (cause to) heal, physician, repair, [idiom] thoroughly, make whole. See H7503 (רָפָה). See also: Genesis 20:17; Psalms 107:20; Psalms 6:3.
נַ֝פְשִׁ֗/י
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
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.
כִּי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
חָטָ֥אתִי
châṭâʼ
H2398
"to sin"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
To sin means to miss the mark or go wrong, incurring guilt or penalty, and can also mean to repent or make amends. It is used in the Bible to describe wrongdoing and its consequences.
Definition: 1) to sin, miss, miss the way, go wrong, incur guilt, forfeit, purify from uncleanness 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to miss 1a2) to sin, miss the goal or path of right and duty 1a3) to incur guilt, incur penalty by sin, forfeit 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to bear loss 1b2) to make a sin-offering 1b3) to purify from sin 1b4) to purify from uncleanness 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to miss the mark 1c2) to induce to sin, cause to sin 1c3) to bring into guilt or condemnation or punishment 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to miss oneself, lose oneself, wander from the way 1d2) to purify oneself from uncleanness
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: bear the blame, cleanse, commit (sin), by fault, harm he hath done, loss, miss, (make) offend(-er), offer for sin, purge, purify (self), make reconciliation, (cause, make) sin(-ful, -ness), trespass. See also: Genesis 20:6; 1 Kings 15:34; Psalms 4:5.
לָֽ/ךְ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Psalms 41:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 41:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 41:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 41:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 41:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 41:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 41:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 41:5
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 41:5
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 41:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 41:5
- Sermons on Psalms 41:5
Context — Victory over Betrayal
3The LORD will sustain him on his bed of illness and restore him from his bed of sickness.
4I said, “O LORD, be gracious to me; heal me, for I have sinned against You.”
5My enemies say with malice: “When will he die and be forgotten?”
6My visitor speaks falsehood; he gathers slander in his heart; he goes out and spreads it abroad. 7All who hate me whisper against me; they imagine the worst for me:Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 10:7 | The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot. |
| 2 | Psalms 102:8 | All day long my enemies taunt me; they ridicule me and curse me. |
| 3 | Psalms 38:12 | Those who seek my life lay snares; those who wish me harm speak destruction, plotting deceit all day long. |
| 4 | Job 20:7 | he will perish forever, like his own dung; those who had seen him will ask, ‘Where is he?’ |
| 5 | Psalms 22:6–8 | But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people. All who see me mock me; they sneer and shake their heads: “He trusts in the LORD, let the LORD deliver him; let the LORD rescue him, since He delights in him.” |
| 6 | Job 18:17 | The memory of him perishes from the earth, and he has no name in the land. |
Psalms 41:5 Summary
[Psalms 41:5 shows us that even when we are suffering or facing hardship, there may be people who are actually wishing for our harm or downfall, but we can trust in God's love and care for us, as seen in Psalms 41:3. We can also learn to respond to our enemies with love and forgiveness, as Jesus taught in the book of Matthew 5:43-48. By doing so, we can reflect the character of God and point others to His love and mercy, just like the psalmist does in this psalm.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the attitude of the enemies in Psalms 41:5?
The enemies in Psalms 41:5 speak with malice, showing a hateful and resentful attitude towards the psalmist, similar to what we see in Psalms 38:12 where enemies seek to destroy the psalmist.
Why do the enemies want the psalmist to die and be forgotten?
The enemies want the psalmist to die and be forgotten because they are motivated by a desire to see him suffer and be removed from the scene, much like what we see in the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis 37:18-28 where his brothers sought to kill him.
How does this verse relate to the concept of persecution in the Bible?
This verse illustrates the reality of persecution faced by believers, as seen in Matthew 5:10-12 where Jesus teaches that those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake are blessed, and in Acts 7:54-60 where Stephen is martyred for his faith.
What can we learn from the psalmist's response to his enemies?
Although Psalms 41:5 only records the enemies' words, the surrounding context in Psalms 41:4 shows the psalmist's humble and repentant heart, seeking God's healing and grace, which serves as a model for how we should respond to our own enemies and persecutors, as taught in Luke 6:27-36.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have experienced malice or hatred from others, and how can I respond in a way that honors God?
- How can I cultivate a heart of forgiveness and love towards those who seek to harm me, as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:43-48?
- In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in the face of persecution or hardship, as seen in Psalms 41:3?
- What are some practical ways that I can 'bless those who curse me' and 'pray for those who mistreat me', as taught in Luke 6:27-28?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 41:5
Mine enemies speak evil of me,.... That is, the Jews, who were enemies to his person, people, doctrines and ordinances, and would not have him to reign over them; these spake evil of him, charged him
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 41:5
Mine enemies speak evil of me, When shall he die, and his name perish? Mine enemies speak evil of me, When shall he die, and his name perish?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 41:5
Speak evil of me; vent their ill wishes against me, in the following words.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 41:5
Psalms 41:5 Mine enemies speak evil of me, When shall he die, and his name perish?Ver. 5. Mine enemies speak evil of me] Notwithstanding my piety and devotion; that is no target against persecution. David’ s integrity and the severity of his discipline displeased these yokeless Belialists; they were sick of his strict government, and longed for a new king who would favour their wicked practices; such as was Absalom, whom they shortly after set up. David they could not endure, because he did justice and judgment to all the people. These libertines were of the Egyptian mode; loquaces et ingeniosi in praefectorum contumeliam, its ut qui vitaverit culpam, infamiam non effugiat, such as loved to speak evil of dignities; and could not give their governors (how blameless soever) a good word (Seneca). When shall he die, and his name perish?] Nothing less would satisfy their malice than utter extermination. But David recovereth, and his name surviveth, when they lie wrapt up in the sheet of shame.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 41:5
(5) Shall he die . . . perish.—Better, When will he die, and his name have perished.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 41:5
Verse 5. Mine enemies speak evil] It is often a good man's lot to be evil spoken of; to have his motives, and even his most benevolent acts, misconstrued.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 41:5
5. speak evil of me] R.V. against me. Psalms 41:5 takes up Psalms 41:2, as Psalms 41:4 answers to Psalms 41:3. When &c.] The words of the enemies, expressing their impatient eagerness for his death, and even for the extinction of his posterity. Cp. Psalms 109:13; 2 Samuel 18:18; Psalms 9:6.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 41:5
Mine enemies speak evil of me - They take occasion to speak evil of me in my weak and feeble state, thus adding to my sorrows. The word “evil” here refers to their calumnies or reproaches.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 41:5
5. When shall he die—This shows that his death was expected, and his enemies were impatient for it. His name perish—His memorial perish. They wished to blot out his fame, and influence, and posterity.
Sermons on Psalms 41:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Jonathan Edwards by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill reflects on the life and impact of Jonathan Edwards, highlighting him as a profound preacher and theologian whose passionate sermons ignited spiritual awakenings. |
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The Future Life - Personal Recognition in Heaven by W.B. Dunkum | W.B. Dunkum preaches about the composition of individuality symbolizing two worlds, with the body representing the present world and the soul representing the spiritual world. He d |
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Death-Beds by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot reflects on the blessed memory of the righteous, especially in their peaceful and triumphant death-beds, which serve as a powerful testimony to God's faithfulness and |
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Enduring Monuments by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot speaks about the desire for enduring monuments that outlast death, highlighting how individuals seek to be remembered even after they pass away. He contrasts physical |
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K-058 Restoring the Tabernacle of David by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the prophecy of the valley of dry bones and the restoration of a nation from death. The sermon focuses on Ezekiel 37:21, which states that Go |
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Psalms - Part 1 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of filling one's heart with the Word of God rather than simply avoiding evil. He references the story of a demon being cast ou |
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Job #2: The Soul's Searching by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Job and his friends in the Bible. He suggests that the conversations between Job and his friends can be seen as an allegory or p |