Psalms 42:2
Psalms 42:2 in Multiple Translations
My soul thirsts for God, the living God. When shall I come and appear in God’s presence?
My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?
My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: When shall I come and appear before God?
My soul is dry for need of God, the living God; when may I come and see the face of God?
I am thirsty for God, the living God. When can I go and see God's face?
My soule thirsteth for God, euen for the liuing God: when shall I come and appeare before the presence of God?
My soul thirsted for God, for the living God, When do I enter and see the face of God?
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?
My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?
For thou art God my strength: why hast thou cast me off? and why do I go sorrowful whilst the enemy afflicteth me?
I desire to have fellowship with [MET] you, the all-powerful God. I wonder, “When will I be able to go back to the temple in Israel and worship in your presence again?”
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 42:2
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 42:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כְּ/אַיָּ֗ל
תַּעֲרֹ֥ג
עַל
אֲפִֽיקֵי
מָ֑יִם
כֵּ֤ן
נַפְשִׁ֨/י
תַעֲרֹ֖ג
אֵלֶ֣י/ךָ
אֱלֹהִֽים
כְּ/אַיָּ֗ל
ʼayâl
H354
deer
Prep | N-cs
תַּעֲרֹ֥ג
ʻârag
H6165
to long for
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
אֲפִֽיקֵי
ʼâphîyq
H650
channel
N-mp
מָ֑יִם
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp
כֵּ֤ן
kên
H3651
right
Part
נַפְשִׁ֨/י
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
תַעֲרֹ֖ג
ʻârag
H6165
to long for
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
אֵלֶ֣י/ךָ
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
אֱלֹהִֽים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
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 42:2
כְּ/אַיָּ֗ל
ʼayâl
H354
"deer"
Prep | N-cs
A male deer, also known as a stag or hart, found in the Bible. The KJV translation uses the term hart to describe this animal.
Definition: stag, deer, hart
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: hart. See also: Deuteronomy 12:15; Psalms 42:2; Isaiah 35:6.
תַּעֲרֹ֥ג
ʻârag
H6165
"to long for"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
To long for something means to strongly desire or yearn for it. In the Bible, this word is used to describe a deep emotional or physical need, like crying out or panting after something. It expresses a strong sense of desire.
Definition: (Qal) to long for, pant after
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: cry, pant. See also: Psalms 42:2; Joel 1:20.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
אֲפִֽיקֵי
ʼâphîyq
H650
"channel"
N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to a channel or stream, and can also mean a strong or mighty thing. It appears in various forms, such as a brook or river, and is used to describe a powerful object or hero. In the Bible, it is used to describe natural features like streams and valleys.
Definition: 1) channel 2) ravine 3) of hollow bones (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: brook, channel, mighty, river, [phrase] scale, stream, strong piece. See also: 2 Samuel 22:16; Isaiah 8:7; Psalms 18:16.
מָ֑יִם
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
כֵּ֤ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
נַפְשִׁ֨/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.
תַעֲרֹ֖ג
ʻârag
H6165
"to long for"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
To long for something means to strongly desire or yearn for it. In the Bible, this word is used to describe a deep emotional or physical need, like crying out or panting after something. It expresses a strong sense of desire.
Definition: (Qal) to long for, pant after
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: cry, pant. See also: Psalms 42:2; Joel 1:20.
אֵלֶ֣י/ךָ
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.
אֱלֹהִֽים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
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 42:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 42:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 42:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 42:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 42:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 42:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 42:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 42:2
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 42:2
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 42:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 42:2
- Sermons on Psalms 42:2
Context — As the Deer Pants for the Water
1As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after You, O God.
2My soul thirsts for God, the living God. When shall I come and appear in God’s presence?
3My tears have been my food both day and night, while men ask me all day long, “Where is your God?” 4These things come to mind as I pour out my soul: how I walked with the multitude, leading the festive procession to the house of God with shouts of joy and praise.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 63:1 | O God, You are my God. Earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You. My body yearns for You in a dry and weary land without water. |
| 2 | Psalms 84:10 | For better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. |
| 3 | John 7:37 | On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood up and called out in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. |
| 4 | Psalms 27:4 | One thing I have asked of the LORD; this is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and seek Him in His temple. |
| 5 | Revelation 22:1 | Then the angel showed me a river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb |
| 6 | Psalms 36:8–9 | They feast on the abundance of Your house, and You give them drink from Your river of delights. For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light. |
| 7 | Psalms 84:2 | My soul longs, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. |
| 8 | Psalms 84:4 | How blessed are those who dwell in Your house! They are ever praising You. Selah |
| 9 | Psalms 43:4 | Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my greatest joy. I will praise You with the harp, O God, my God. |
| 10 | Job 23:3 | If only I knew where to find Him, so that I could go to His seat. |
Psalms 42:2 Summary
This verse means that our souls can feel a deep longing for God, like a thirst that needs to be quenched. The psalmist is expressing his desire to be in God's presence and to worship Him. Just like our bodies need water to survive, our souls need God to truly live (John 4:14). We can experience God's presence by seeking Him with our whole heart and trusting in His love for us (Psalms 63:1, Romans 8:38-39).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the soul to thirst for God?
This phrase, as seen in Psalms 42:2, indicates a deep longing for a personal encounter with God, similar to the way our physical bodies thirst for water (John 4:14, Psalms 63:1).
How can we experience God's presence in our lives?
According to Psalms 42:2, experiencing God's presence involves seeking Him with our whole heart, which can be done through prayer, worship, and reading His Word (Psalms 119:145-152, Matthew 22:37).
Why does the psalmist ask 'When shall I come and appear in God's presence?'
The psalmist asks this question because he is eagerly awaiting an opportunity to worship and fellowship with God, much like the Israelites did when they went to the temple (Psalms 84:1-4, Hebrews 10:19-25).
What role do tears and sorrow play in our relationship with God?
As seen in the context of Psalms 42:2, tears and sorrow can be a natural response to feeling separated from God, but they can also be a catalyst for drawing closer to Him (Psalms 51:17, 2 Corinthians 7:10).
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways you feel a deep longing for God in your life, and how can you nurture that longing?
- In what ways can you 'come and appear' in God's presence today, whether through prayer, worship, or serving others?
- How do you respond when you feel distant from God or when others question your faith, and what can you learn from the psalmist's example?
- What are some things that 'come to mind' when you reflect on your relationship with God, and how can you use those memories to encourage yourself and others?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 42:2
My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God,.... Who is so called, in opposition to the idols of the Gentiles, which were lifeless statues; and who is the author, giver, and maintainer of natural
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 42:2
My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 42:2
Thirst is more vehement than hunger, and more impatient of dissatisfaction. For the living God: this he mentions as a just cause of his thirst. He did not thirst after vain, useless idols, but after the only true and living God, who was his life, and the length of his days, as is said, , and without whose presence and favour David accounted himself for a dead and lost man, . Appear before God; in the place of his special presence and public worship. See 25:30. What is called before the Lord, , is before or with the ark, .
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 42:2
Psalms 42:2 My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?Ver. 2. My soul thirsteth for God] More than ever it did once for the water of the well of Bethlehem; and that, because he is the living God, the fountain of living waters, that only can cool and quench my desires, Jeremiah 2:13; Jeremiah 17:13, so as I shall never thirst again, John 4:14, whereas of all things else we may say Quo plus sunt potae, plus sitiuntur aquae. The Rabbis note here, that David saith not so hungereth, but so thirsteth my soul; because men are more impatient of thirst than of hunger; they can go several days without food, but not without drink. Alexander lost a great part of his army marching through the wilderness of the Susitans by lack of water (Curt. ex Diodoro). When shall I come and appear before God?] Heb. and see the face of God? viz. in his tabernacle. Eheu igitur quando tandem mihi miserrimo dabitur, ut te in aede tun conspiciam? These earnest pantings, inquietations, and unsatisfiable desires after God and his ordinances, are sure signs of true grace. But woe to our worship scorners, &c.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 42:2
(2) Thirsteth.—The metaphor occurs exactly in the same form (Psalms 63:1), and only calls for notice since “God” Himself is here made the subject of the thirst, instead of righteousness, or knowledge, or power, as in the familiar and frequent use of the metaphor in other parts of the Bible, and in other literature. The living God.—Evidently, from the metaphor, regarded as the fountain or source of life. (Comp. Psalms 84:2; Psalms 36:9.) Appear before God.—Exodus 23:17 shows that this was the usual phrase for frequenting the sanctuary (comp. Psalms 84:7), though poetic brevity here slightly altered its form and construction.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 42:2
Verse 2. When shall I come] When, when shall I have the privilege of appearing in his courts before God? In the mouth of a Christian these words would import: "When shall I see my heavenly country? When shall I come to God, the Judge of all, and to Jesus, the Mediator of the new covenant?" He who is a stranger and a pilgrim here below, and feels a heart full of piety to God, may use these words in this sense; but he who feels himself here at home, whose soul is not spiritual, wishes the earth to be eternal, and himself eternal on it-feels no panting after the living God.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 42:2
2. thirsteth] Cp. Psalms 63:1; Amos 8:11-13. God, who is the living God, in contrast to dead impotent idols, is “the fountain of living waters” (Jeremiah 2:13; Jeremiah 17:13). With Him is “the fountain of life,” and He gives men drink from the stream of His delights (Psalms 36:8-9). The phrase for ‘living God’ (El chay) is found elsewhere only in Joshua 3:10; Psalms 84:2; Hosea 1:10. In Deuteronomy 5:26; 1 Samuel 17:26; 1 Samuel 17:36; 2 Kings 19:4; 2 Kings 19:16 (= Isaiah 37:4; Isaiah 37:17); Jeremiah 10:10; Jeremiah 23:36; the Heb. word for God is Elôhim. appear before God] The regular formula for the stated visits to the Temple at the three great Festivals (Exodus 23:17; Psalms 84:7). Grammatical considerations however make it probable that here and in some other passages (e.g. Exodus 23:15; Exodus 34:20; Deuteronomy 31:11; Isaiah 1:12) we should read, by a simple change of the vowel-points, see the face of God. The usual phrase for admission to the presence of a superior (Genesis 43:3) was applied to visiting the sanctuary; but since man cannot literally see God (Exodus 33:20), it was supplemented by the synonymous phrase appear before God, which came to be generally adopted as more seemly in the traditional method of reading the consonantal text. But cp.
Psalms 11:7 note; Psalms 17:15; Psalms 63:2.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 42:2
My soul thirsteth for God - That is, as the hind thirsts for the running stream.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 42:2
2. Thirsteth for God… the living God—Not for any gift or benefit out of God, but God himself; personal communion with him could alone meet his longing, languishing desire.
Sermons on Psalms 42:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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To See the Living God by David Cooper | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the description of four living creatures in the book of Ezekiel. These creatures have wings joined together and always move straight forward |
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Revival by Johan vd Westhuysen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the issue of people being too busy for the church and the word of God. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong love for God and |
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The Great Commandment by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches about the importance of loving the Lord with all our hearts, emphasizing the need for undivided devotion to God and loving Him for His intrinsic excellencies |
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How Deep Is Your Digging by Wesley H. Wakefield | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about Mr. Finney and a little girl who taught him a valuable lesson about revival. The preacher emphasizes that revival is not just abou |
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(Through the Bible) 2 Samuel 1-7 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of resting in God's ability to do His work without the need for excessive promotion or striving. He contrasts the constant ef |
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It's Time to Seek the Lord by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of seeking the Lord in good times. He refers to the story of King Asa in 2 Chronicles 14 as an example of seeking God's bless |
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God's Chosen People Have Forgotten Him by Bob Jones III | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of remembering and acknowledging God in our lives. He warns against becoming complacent and forgetting the source of our bless |