Question 1

What does Psalms 119:107 mean?

Accepted Answer

Psalms 119:107 expresses the psalmist’s deep suffering and pleads with the LORD to give him new life or revive him, based on God’s promise. The verse is a personal cry for help, trusting that God’s word offers hope and restoration even in times of great trouble. The speaker is the writer of Psalm 119, traditionally understood as someone devoted to God’s teachings, speaking directly to the LORD (יהוה, Yahweh). The situation is one of intense hardship—he says he is “afflicted very much”—and his request is for God to “quicken” or revive him, not by his own merit, but according to what God has already promised in His word. This verse sits within a long psalm focused on the value of God’s instructions and the comfort they bring in hard times.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Psalms 119:107

Accepted Answer

“Afflicted” (עָנִי, ‘anah) means to be humbled, oppressed, or brought low. Here, it highlights the psalmist’s deep distress and vulnerability, not just a mild discomfort. “Quicken” (חָיָה, chayah) carries the sense of being made alive or revived. The psalmist is not just asking for relief, but for God to restore his vitality or spiritual life. “Word” (דָּבָר, davar) refers to God’s spoken promise or command. The request is grounded in what God has already said, showing trust in God’s faithfulness rather than demanding something new.

Question 3

Why Psalms 119:107 matters

Accepted Answer

This verse clarifies that the psalmist’s hope for help is based on God’s word, not his own worthiness or effort. The emphasis on being “afflicted very much” shows that even those who love God’s law can experience deep suffering, making the psalm relatable to anyone facing hardship. Within Psalm 119, this verse connects personal pain to the larger theme of finding life and strength through God’s promises, reinforcing the psalm’s focus on the sustaining power of Scripture.

Psalms 119:107 (KJV)