Psalms 42:11
What does Psalms 42:11 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 42:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 42:11 means
The Psalmist speaks to his own soul, inquiring why it is downcast and troubled. This self-address reveals an internal struggle between despair and faith. Despite his current despair, he actively chooses to place his hope in God. The phrase "saving help of his presence" underscores the belief that God's active involvement and nearness are the source of deliverance and salvation. The future tense "I shall still praise him" indicates a resolute determination to worship God even amidst present trials, anticipating a future where deliverance will bring forth praise. This verse captures a profound act of faith, where one commands their own spirit to trust God despite overwhelming emotions of hopelessness and inner turmoil.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Why 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 isthe help of my countenance, and my God.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Why 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Why 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 isthe help of my countenance, and my God.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Why 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.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862What! 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!
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Not available in this translation
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Why art thou cast down, my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope inGod; for I shall yet praise him, [who is] the health of my countenance, and myGod.
Context
Psalm 42 opens with the Psalmist expressing a deep longing for God, comparing his soul to a deer panting for water. He laments his distress and the taunts of those who question where his God is. The verses immediately preceding Psalm 42:11 describe his tears and sorrow, as he remembers past times of joyful worship. This verse serves as a turning point, an internal exhortation to his soul to snap out of despair and remember God's faithfulness. The chapter continues with a reiteration of hope in God, despite ongoing emotional turmoil, reinforcing the theme of faith amidst suffering.
v.10As with a sword in my bones, mine adversaries reproach me, While they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?
v.11This passage
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 43:5
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 isthe help of my countenance, and my God.
- Jeremiah 30:17
For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith Jehovah; because they have called thee an outcast, saying, It is Zion, whom no man seeketh after.
- Matthew 9:12
But when he heard it, he said, They that are whole have no need of a physician, but they that are sick.
- Psalms 42:5
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? Andwhy art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God; for I shall yet praise him Forthe help of his countenance.
- Jeremiah 33:6
Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them; and I will reveal unto them abundance of peace and truth.
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