Psalms 89:49
Psalms 89:49 in Multiple Translations
Where, O Lord, is Your loving devotion of old, which You faithfully swore to David?
Lord, where are thy former lovingkindnesses, which thou swarest unto David in thy truth?
Lord, where are thy former lovingkindnesses, Which thou swarest unto David in thy faithfulness?
Lord, where are your earlier mercies? where is the oath which you made to David in unchanging faith?
Where is the trustworthy love you used to have, Lord, that you faithfully promised to David?
Lord, where are thy former mercies, which thou swarest vnto Dauid in thy trueth?
Where [are] Thy former kindnesses, O Lord. Thou hast sworn to David in Thy faithfulness,
Lord, where are your former loving kindnesses, which you swore to David in your faithfulness?
LORD, where are thy former loving-kindnesses, which thou didst swear to David in thy truth?
Yahweh, you promised long ago that you would faithfully love us; why are you not doing that? You solemnly promised that to David!
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 89:49
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 89:49 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מִ֤י
גֶ֣בֶר
יִֽ֭חְיֶה
וְ/לֹ֣א
יִרְאֶה
מָּ֑וֶת
יְמַלֵּ֨ט
נַפְשׁ֖/וֹ
מִ/יַּד
שְׁא֣וֹל
סֶֽלָה
מִ֤י
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
גֶ֣בֶר
geber
H1397
great man
N-ms
יִֽ֭חְיֶה
châyâh
H2421
to live
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יִרְאֶה
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
מָּ֑וֶת
mâveth
H4194
death
N-ms
יְמַלֵּ֨ט
mâlaṭ
H4422
to escape
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
נַפְשׁ֖/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
מִ/יַּד
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs
שְׁא֣וֹל
shᵉʼôwl
H7585
hell
N-proper
סֶֽלָה
çelâh
H5542
Selah
Part
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 89:49
מִ֤י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
גֶ֣בֶר
geber
H1397
"great man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for a great man or warrior, emphasizing strength or ability to fight, used to describe a person of valor. It is translated as 'man' or 'mighty' in the KJV. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of strong leaders.
Definition: man, strong man, warrior (emphasising strength or ability to fight)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: every one, man, [idiom] mighty. See also: Exodus 10:11; Psalms 88:5; Psalms 34:9.
יִֽ֭חְיֶה
châyâh
H2421
"to live"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To live or have life is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to revive or be quickened. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power to sustain life and restore people to health, as seen in the stories of the prophets and Jesus' miracles.
Definition: 1) to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to live 1a1a) to have life 1a1b) to continue in life, remain alive 1a1c) to sustain life, to live on or upon 1a1d) to live (prosperously) 1a2) to revive, be quickened 1a2a) from sickness 1a2b) from discouragement 1a2c) from faintness 1a2d) from death 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to preserve alive, let live 1b2) to give life 1b3) to quicken, revive, refresh 1b3a) to restore to life 1b3b) to cause to grow 1b3c) to restore 1b3d) to revive 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to preserve alive, let live 1c2) to quicken, revive 1c2a) to restore (to health) 1c2b) to revive 1c2c) to restore to life
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: keep (leave, make) alive, [idiom] certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, ([idiom] God) save (alive, life, lives), [idiom] surely, be whole. See also: Genesis 5:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 22:27.
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִרְאֶה
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
מָּ֑וֶת
mâveth
H4194
"death"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to death, whether natural or violent, and is used in books like Genesis and Isaiah. It can also mean the place of the dead, or a state of ruin. This concept is seen in the story of Moses, where death is a punishment for disobedience.
Definition: 1) death, dying, Death (personified), realm of the dead 1a) death 1b) death by violence (as a penalty) 1c) state of death, place of death Aramaic equivalent: mot (מוֹת "death" H4193)
Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: (be) dead(-ly), death, die(-d). See also: Genesis 21:16; Job 38:17; Psalms 6:6.
יְמַלֵּ֨ט
mâlaṭ
H4422
"to escape"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to escape or be delivered, like slipping away to safety. It is used in the Bible to describe people being saved from danger, like in the book of Psalms. The KJV translates it as deliver or escape.
Definition: 1) to slip away, escape, deliver, save, be delivered 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to slip away 1a2) to escape 1a3) to be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to lay, let slip out (of eggs) 1b2) to let escape 1b3) to deliver, save (life) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give birth to 1c2) to deliver 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to slip forth, slip out, escape 1d2) to escape
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: deliver (self), escape, lay, leap out, let alone, let go, preserve, save, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 19:17; Psalms 41:2; Psalms 22:6.
נַפְשׁ֖/וֹ
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.
מִ/יַּד
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
שְׁא֣וֹל
shᵉʼôwl
H7585
"hell"
N-proper
Sheol refers to the underworld or grave, a place of no return where the dead reside, as seen in the Old Testament. It is often translated as hell or pit in the KJV. This concept is mentioned in various books, including Psalms and Isaiah.
Definition: Sheol, underworld, grave, hell, pit 1a) the underworld 1b) Sheol-the OT designation for the abode of the dead 1b1) place of no return 1b2) without praise of God 1b3) wicked sent there for punishment 1b4) righteous not abandoned to it 1b5) of the place of exile (fig) 1b6) of extreme degradation in sin
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: grave, hell, pit. See also: Genesis 37:35; Psalms 139:8; Psalms 6:6.
סֶֽלָה
çelâh
H5542
"Selah"
Part
Selah is a musical term in the Bible that signals a pause or interruption in the music, like a rest in a song, often used in Psalms. It is a technical term that sets a moment for reflection and contemplation, as seen in Psalm 3:2.
Definition: § 1) to lift up, exalt 1a) Selah 1a1) a technical musical term probably showing accentuation, pause, interruption
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: Selah. See also: Psalms 3:3; Psalms 62:5; Psalms 3:5.
Study Notes — Psalms 89:49
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 89:49 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 89:49
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 89:49
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 89:49
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 89:49
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 89:49
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 89:49
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 89:49
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 89:49
- Sermons on Psalms 89:49
Context — I Will Sing of His Love Forever
47Remember the briefness of my lifespan! For what futility You have created all men!
48What man can live and never see death? Can he deliver his soul from the power of Sheol? Selah
49Where, O Lord, is Your loving devotion of old, which You faithfully swore to David?
50Remember, O Lord, the reproach of Your servants, which I bear in my heart from so many people— 51how Your enemies have taunted, O LORD, and have mocked every step of Your anointed one!Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Samuel 7:15 | But My loving devotion will never be removed from him as I removed it from Saul, whom I moved out of your way. |
| 2 | Hebrews 7:21 | but Jesus became a priest with an oath by the One who said to Him: “The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind: ‘You are a priest forever.’” |
| 3 | Isaiah 55:3 | Incline your ear and come to Me; listen, so that your soul may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant— My loving devotion promised to David. |
| 4 | Psalms 54:5 | He will reward my enemies with evil. In Your faithfulness, destroy them. |
| 5 | Psalms 89:35 | Once and for all I have sworn by My holiness— I will not lie to David— |
| 6 | Isaiah 63:7–15 | I will make known the LORD’s loving devotion and His praiseworthy acts, because of all that the LORD has done for us— the many good things for the house of Israel according to His great compassion and loving devotion. For He said, “They are surely My people, sons who will not be disloyal.” So He became their Savior. In all their distress, He too was afflicted, and the Angel of His Presence saved them. In His love and compassion He redeemed them; He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old. But they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit. So He turned and became their enemy, and He Himself fought against them. Then His people remembered the days of old, the days of Moses. Where is He who brought them through the sea with the shepherds of His flock? Where is the One who set His Holy Spirit among them, who sent His glorious arm to lead them by the right hand of Moses, who divided the waters before them to gain for Himself everlasting renown, who led them through the depths like a horse in the wilderness, so that they did not stumble? Like cattle going down to the valley, the Spirit of the LORD gave them rest. You led Your people this way to make for Yourself a glorious name. Look down from heaven and see, from Your holy and glorious habitation. Where are Your zeal and might? Your yearning and compassion for me are restrained. |
| 7 | Psalms 132:11–12 | The LORD swore an oath to David, a promise He will not revoke: “One of your descendants I will place on your throne. If your sons keep My covenant and the testimony I will teach them, then their sons will also sit on your throne forever and ever.” |
| 8 | Psalms 89:3–4 | You said, “I have made a covenant with My chosen one, I have sworn to David My servant: ‘I will establish your offspring forever and build up your throne for all generations.’” Selah |
| 9 | 2 Samuel 3:9 | May God punish Abner, and ever so severely, if I do not do for David what the LORD has sworn to him: |
| 10 | Psalms 77:9–10 | Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has His anger shut off His compassion?” Selah So I said, “I am grieved that the right hand of the Most High has changed.” |
Psalms 89:49 Summary
This verse is a cry from the heart, asking where God's love and faithfulness have gone. The psalmist is remembering the promises God made to David and is wondering why they don't seem to be happening now. It's a feeling we can all relate to - when our circumstances don't match up with what we know about God's character, as expressed in Jeremiah 31:3. The psalmist is not giving up on God, but is instead choosing to express his feelings and trust that God will meet him in his struggles, just like He did with David in 1 Samuel 30:6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'loving devotion of old' being referred to in this verse?
The 'loving devotion of old' refers to God's covenant promise to David, as seen in 2 Samuel 7:8-16, where God promises to establish David's throne forever.
Why is the psalmist asking where God's loving devotion is?
The psalmist is asking this question because he is experiencing a time of difficulty and feels that God's promises are not being fulfilled, as expressed in Psalms 89:47-48, where he laments the briefness of life and the power of death.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the Bible's teachings on God's faithfulness?
This verse highlights the tension between God's faithfulness to His promises, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:9, and the current circumstances of the psalmist, which seem to contradict those promises, thus inviting the reader to trust in God's character as expressed in Lamentations 3:22-23.
What can we learn from the psalmist's expression of doubt and questioning?
The psalmist's expression of doubt and questioning demonstrates that it is okay to express our feelings and concerns to God, as seen in Psalms 13:1-2, and that He can handle our honesty and will meet us in our struggles.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have felt like God's promises were not being fulfilled, and how did I respond?
- How can I, like the psalmist, express my doubts and questions to God in a way that is honest and trusting?
- What are some ways that God has shown His loving devotion to me in the past, and how can I recall those times when I am feeling uncertain?
- How can I balance my desire for God to act immediately with the understanding that His timing is often different from mine, as seen in 2 Peter 3:9?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 89:49
Lord, where are thy former lovingkindnesses,.... The spiritual blessings said to be in Christ; the grace said to be given to us in him; the sure mercies of David, such as redemption, justification,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 89:49
How long, LORD? wilt thou hide thyself for ever? shall thy wrath burn like fire?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 89:49
Hast thou forgotten or repented of all that mercy and kindness which thou hast promised and sworn, and sometimes performed, unto David and his family and kingdom?
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 89:49
Psalms 89:49 Lord, where [are] thy former lovingkindnesses, [which] thou swarest unto David in thy truth?Ver. 49. Lord, where are, &c.] q.d. Thou seemest to have lost them, and we would fain find them again for thee.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 89:49
Verse 49. Lord, where are thy former lovingkindnesses] Wilt thou not deal with us as thou didst with our fathers? Didst thou not swear unto David that thou wouldst distinguish him as thou didst them?
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 89:49
49. After an interlude of music the Psalmist resumes his prayer. He returns to the thoughts of God’s lovingkindness and faithfulness, from which he started (Psalms 89:1). But His lovingkindnesses seem to belong to an age that is past and gone: have they vanished never to return? The faith which had to look for the manifestation of God’s love in this world was often sorely tried. See Psalms 77; Isaiah 63. For the question cp. Judges 6:13; and for the second line, Micah 7:10. in thy truth] In thy faithfulness.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 89:49
Lord, where are thy former loving-kindnesses - Thy mercies; thy pledges; thy promises. Where are those promises which thou didst make formerly to David? Are they accomplished? Or are they forgotten and disregarded?
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 89:49
49. Former lovingkindnesses… thou swarest—The force of the word “former,” with the preterit tense of the verb sware, here and in Psalms 89:3; Psalms 89:35, clearly prove that this psalm was written long after David’s time.
Sermons on Psalms 89:49
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Spiritual Fluctuations by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink explores the concept of 'Spiritual Fluctuations,' emphasizing that true Christians experience significant changes in their spiritual lives, contrasting with those who mai |
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Christ a Priest After the Order of Melchizedek. by John Gill | John Gill expounds on Psalm 110:4, emphasizing that Christ is a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek, distinct from the Levitical priesthood due to its imperfections. He i |
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Our Great High Priest Superior to Aaron by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the superiority of Christ as our Great High Priest over Aaron and the Levitical priesthood, highlighting that Christ's priesthood is established on better p |
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Melchizedec by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer explores the significance of Melchizedec as a type of Christ, emphasizing that Melchizedec's priesthood foreshadows the eternal and superior priesthood of Jesus. He high |
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Hebrews Chapter 4 Our Great High Priest Superior to Aaron by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the superiority of Christ as our Great High Priest over Aaron and the Levitical priesthood, highlighting that Christ belongs to a higher order of priesthood |
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When God Stepped Down - Part 1 (Cd Quality) by Duncan Campbell | In this sermon, the preacher recounts a powerful revival that took place in a parish during the Lewis revival. The revival was sparked by a young man who read a portion of Psalm 24 |
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As We Have Heard, So Have We Seen by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of listening to true witnesses in order to have a genuine understanding of God's word. He warns against believing false witne |