Psalms 42:11
Psalms 42:11 in Multiple Translations
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God; for I shall yet praise him, Who is the help of my countenance, and my God.
Why are you crushed down, O my soul? and why are you troubled in me? put your hope in God; for I will again give him praise who is my help and my God.
Why am I so discouraged? Why do I feel so sad? I will hope in God; I will praise him because he is the one who saves me—my God!
Why art thou cast downe, my soule? and why art thou disquieted within mee? waite on God: for I wil yet giue him thankes: he is my present helpe, and my God.
What! bowest thou thyself, O my soul? And what! art thou troubled within me? Wait for God, for still I confess Him, The salvation of my countenance, and my God!
Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God! For I shall still praise him, the saving help of my countenance, and my God.
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
But I think, “◄Why am I sad and discouraged?/I should not be sad and discouraged!► [RHQ] I will confidently expect God to help me, and I will praise him again, my God, the one who saves me.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 42:11
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 42:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בְּ/רֶ֤צַח
בְּֽ/עַצְמוֹתַ֗/י
חֵרְפ֥וּ/נִי
צוֹרְרָ֑/י
בְּ/אָמְרָ֥/ם
אֵלַ֥/י
כָּל
הַ֝/יּ֗וֹם
אַיֵּ֥ה
אֱלֹהֶֽי/ךָ
בְּ/רֶ֤צַח
retsach
H7524
shattering
Prep | N-ms
בְּֽ/עַצְמוֹתַ֗/י
ʻetsem
H6106
bone
Prep | N-fp | Suff
חֵרְפ֥וּ/נִי
châraph
H2778
to taunt
V-Piel-Perf-3cp | Suff
צוֹרְרָ֑/י
tsârar
H6887
to confine
V-Qal | Suff
בְּ/אָמְרָ֥/ם
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
אֵלַ֥/י
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הַ֝/יּ֗וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Art | N-ms
אַיֵּ֥ה
ʼayêh
H346
where?
Part
אֱלֹהֶֽי/ךָ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 42:11
בְּ/רֶ֤צַח
retsach
H7524
"shattering"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means a crushing or slaughter, often referring to a violent act. It appears in Exodus and Numbers, describing a murder-cry or a loud outcry. This word is about a violent shattering.
Definition: shattering
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: slaughter, sword. See also: Psalms 42:11; Ezekiel 21:27.
בְּֽ/עַצְמוֹתַ֗/י
ʻetsem
H6106
"bone"
Prep | N-fp | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word refers to a bone or the body, and can also mean the substance or essence of something. It is used in many parts of the Bible, including in the book of Genesis and Psalms, to describe the physical body.
Definition: : bone/limb 1) bone, essence, substance 1a) bone 1a1) body, limbs, members, external body 1b) bone (of animal) 1c) substance, self
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: body, bone, [idiom] life, (self-) same, strength, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 2:23; Job 33:19; Psalms 6:3.
חֵרְפ֥וּ/נִי
châraph
H2778
"to taunt"
V-Piel-Perf-3cp | Suff
The Hebrew word 'châraph' means to acquire or expose something, and can also mean to betroth or defame someone. It is translated as 'betroth', 'blaspheme', or 'reproach' in the KJV Bible.
Definition: 1) to reproach, taunt, blaspheme, defy, jeopardise, rail, upbraid 1a) (Qal) to reproach 1b) (Piel) to reproach, defy, taunt
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: betroth, blaspheme, defy, jeopard, rail, reproach, upbraid. See also: Leviticus 19:20; Psalms 55:13; Psalms 42:11.
צוֹרְרָ֑/י
tsârar
H6887
"to confine"
V-Qal | 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.
בְּ/אָמְרָ֥/ם
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
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.
אֵלַ֥/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.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הַ֝/יּ֗וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Art | 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.
אַיֵּ֥ה
ʼayêh
H346
"where?"
Part
The Hebrew word for where, used to ask for the location of someone or something. It appears in various biblical contexts, including rhetorical questions.
Definition: 1) where? 1a) of persons, things 1b) rhetorical
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: where. See also: Genesis 18:9; Isaiah 33:18; Psalms 42:4.
אֱלֹהֶֽי/ךָ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
Study Notes — Psalms 42:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 42:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 42:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 42:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 42:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 42:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 42:11
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 42:11
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 42:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 42:11
- Sermons on Psalms 42:11
Context — As the Deer Pants for the Water
9I say to God my Rock, “Why have You forgotten me? Why must I walk in sorrow because of the enemy’s oppression?”
10Like the crushing of my bones, my enemies taunt me, while they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?”
11Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 42:5 | Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him for the salvation of His presence. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 33:6 | Nevertheless, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal its people and reveal to them the abundance of peace and truth. |
| 3 | Psalms 43:5 | Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 30:17 | But I will restore your health and heal your wounds, declares the LORD, because they call you an outcast, Zion, for whom no one cares.” |
| 5 | Matthew 9:12 | On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. |
Psalms 42:11 Summary
[This verse is about talking to yourself when you feel sad or discouraged, and reminding yourself to trust in God. It's like giving yourself a pep talk, but instead of just trying to make yourself feel better, you're choosing to focus on God's goodness and love. As it says in Psalms 34:18, God is near to the brokenhearted, and as seen in Psalms 130:5, we can wait for Him and put our hope in His word. By choosing to put your hope in God, you can start to feel better and remember that God is your Savior and your God.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be downcast in my soul?
To be downcast in your soul means to feel deeply sad, discouraged, or hopeless, as expressed in Psalms 42:11, but as seen in Psalms 34:18, God is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
Why does the Psalmist ask himself why he is downcast?
The Psalmist asks himself why he is downcast as a way of self-reflection and to remind himself of God's presence and promise, similar to what is seen in Psalms 13:1-2 where David also questions God's silence but ultimately trusts in Him.
What does it mean to put my hope in God?
To put your hope in God means to trust in His goodness, love, and power, as stated in Psalms 42:11, and to wait expectantly for His deliverance, as seen in Psalms 130:5 where it says, 'I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in His word I put my hope.'
How can I praise God when I am feeling downcast?
You can praise God when feeling downcast by remembering His past faithfulness, as seen in Psalms 42:11, and by choosing to trust in His goodness, as expressed in Habakkuk 3:17-19, where the prophet chooses to rejoice in God despite difficult circumstances.
Reflection Questions
- What are the things that make you feel downcast in your soul, and how can you bring them before God in prayer?
- In what ways can you put your hope in God today, even if you are feeling discouraged or sad?
- What are some truths about God's character that you can remember when you are feeling downcast, and how can you use those truths to encourage yourself?
- How can you choose to praise God today, even if you don't feel like it, and what difference can that make in your life?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 42:11
Why art thou cast down, O my soul?.... The same expostulation as in Psalms 42:5; and so is what follows, and why art thou disquieted within me?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 42:11
Why art thou cast down O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 42:11
The health of my countenance, Heb. the salvations of my face i.e. either, 1. Which are present and manifest, being before my face. Or, 2. Which will make my face to shine, and my countenance cheerful, which supposeth the gladness of the heart, and the bettering of his condition. Or, 3. Of his person; as the face sometimes signifies, as . As also the Greek word signifying face, is very frequently put for the person, whereof the face is an eminent part. My God: as he formerly was, so he still is, and ever will be, and will suddenly show himself to be, my God, although for a season he may hide his face, or withdraw his help from me.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 42:11
Psalms 42:11 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, [who is] the health of my countenance, and my God.Ver. 11. Why art thou cast down] See Psalms 42:5. Who is the health of my countenance] i.e. The Author of my manifold, present, and apparent safety; such as shall make me look blithe and beautiful, cheery and chirp.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 42:11
Verse 11. Why art thou cast down] There is no reason why thou shouldst despair. God will appear and release thee and thy brother captives and soon thy sighing and sorrowing shall flee away. Who is the health of my countenance] As a healthy state of the constitution shows itself in the appearance of the face; God will so rejoice thy heart, heal all thy spiritual maladies, that thy face shall testify the happiness that is within thee. There is a curious gloss on the first verse of this Psalm in my old Psalter, which I cannot withhold from the reader. The author translates and paraphrases the verse thus: - Trans. Als the Hert yernes til the welles of waters; so my saule yernes til the God. Par. This Psalm es al of perfite men, that er brinnand in the flamme of Goddes luf, and passes in til the contemplatyf lif: and tharfore it es sungen in the office of the dede men: for than haf thai, that thai yearned; that es, the syght of God. Far thi, sais he, als the Hert that has eten the nedder, gretely yernes to com til the welles of waters for to drynk and wax yong opayne: so destroyed in me vices and unclennes, my saule desyres with brinnand yernyng, to come til the God.
AElian, Appian, Aristotle, Nicander, and Pliny, all inform us that one cause why the hart thirsts for the waters is, that they eat serpents, and that the poison of them diffused through their entrails produces a burning heat and fever, to ease and cure themselves of which they have recourse to water. Many of the fathers tell the same tale, and from them the paraphrast in the old Psalter has borrowed what is inserted above: "Like as the hart, which has eaten the adder, greatly longs to come to the fountains of water to drink, that he may grow young again." The hart is undoubtedly a cunning animal; but it would be as difficult to believe that he eats serpents as it would be to believe that he seeks for and eats the fresh water crab or cray fish, in order to cure and make him grow young again, as Eusebius, Didymus, Theodoret, Jerome, Epiphanies, Gregory Nyssen, and others of the primitive fathers gravely inform us. ANALYSIS OF THE FORTY-SECOND PSALM The psalmist, driven from the assemblies of Modes people, complains; and as men overwhelmed with troubles are also oppressed with grief, so is he; and as they abruptly express their thoughts, so does he; for sometimes he expostulates, sometimes he complains! sometimes he corrects and checks himself for his weakness. One while he opens his doubts, and presently again sets forth his confidence in God. It is difficult on this account to analyze this Psalm; but it may be reduced to these four heads: - I. The zeal of the psalmist to serve God in God's own house; Psalms 42:1-2; Psalms 42:4; Psalms 42:6. II.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 42:11
6–11. From self he turns to God and pleads his cause.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 42:11
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? - This closes the second strophe of the psalm, and, with one or two slight and immaterial variations, is the same as that which closes the first Psalms 42:5.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 42:11
11. Why art thou cast down, O my soul—The refrain is repeated from Psalms 42:5, where see note.
Sermons on Psalms 42:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Your Passion for God by Gbile Akanni | In this sermon, the preacher shares his personal experience of longing for something more in his preaching and his relationship with God. He expresses a dissatisfaction with just g |
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Do You Really Trust God by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker begins by praying for a quickening of the body, spirit, and mind to deliver the word of God effectively. He emphasizes the importance of surrendering to |
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Fighting the Blues by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing that we are not alone in facing challenges and doubts. He encourages listeners to reject negative thoughts and |
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(Through the Bible) Nehemiah 1-7 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of discouragement and fear that can hinder people from pursuing the word of God. He encourages the listeners to remember the Lord as |
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Overcoming Depression by Neil T. Anderson | Neil T. Anderson addresses the pervasive issue of depression, sharing personal experiences and emphasizing the importance of understanding both the emotional and spiritual dimensio |
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(Through the Bible) Romans 15-16 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker expresses his concern about television preachers who deceive believers with clever and entertaining speeches. He emphasizes the importance of being wise |
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(Through the Bible) Psalms 41-46 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the deep spiritual thirst that people have and the various ways they try to satisfy it. They observe that many individuals seek fulfillment th |