Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly.

PSALMS 31:9KJV
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Psalms 31:9 (KJV)

What does Psalms 31:9 mean?

Psalms 31:9 is a heartfelt plea from the psalmist, asking the LORD for mercy because he is overwhelmed by trouble, grief, and deep emotional pain that affects his whole being. The verse describes suffering so intense that it wears out his eyes, soul, and even his body.

In this verse, David is speaking directly to the LORD, using honest language to describe his distress. He does not hide how deeply his troubles affect him—his grief is visible in his eyes, felt in his soul (his inner life), and even in his belly (his physical body). The verse gives a vivid picture of someone who is completely worn down by sorrow and is turning to God for compassion.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 31:9

  • mercy (חָנַן, ḥānan): This word means to show favor or compassion, often highlighting a request for undeserved kindness. David is not demanding help but humbly asking for God’s gracious attention.
  • trouble (צָרָה, tsārāh): This word refers to a tight or narrow place, often used for times of distress or difficulty. It paints a picture of being trapped or pressed in by problems.
  • grief (כַּעַס, ka‘as): This word can mean sorrow, anger, or vexation. Here, it emphasizes the emotional pain that is so strong it affects David’s physical senses.
  • soul (נֶפֶשׁ, nefesh): This word often refers to a person’s life, inner self, or very being. David’s pain is not just physical but reaches the core of who he is.
  • belly (בֶּטֶן, beten): This word literally means the stomach or abdomen, but in Hebrew thought, it can also represent the seat of deep emotion or physical distress.

Why Psalms 31:9 matters

  • Psalms 31:9 shows that it is normal to bring every kind of pain—emotional, spiritual, and physical—honestly before God, not just “spiritual” concerns.
  • The verse highlights the depth of David’s suffering, making it clear that his need for mercy is not minor but all-consuming.
  • By connecting grief to the eyes, soul, and belly, the verse helps readers see that biblical faith does not ignore real human suffering but brings it openly to God.

Where else these words appear

“consumed” Hebrew H6244 · used in 3 verses

  • Psalms 6:7 Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies.
  • Psalms 31:10 For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed.

“grief” Hebrew H3708 · used in 25 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:19 And when the LORD saw it, he abhorred them, because of the provoking of his sons, and of his daughters.
  • Job 6:2 Oh that my grief were throughly weighed, and my calamity laid in the balances together!
  • Proverbs 21:19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.

“trouble” Hebrew H6887 · used in 56 verses

  • Exodus 12:34 And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneadingtroughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders.
  • 2 Chronicles 6:28 If there be dearth in the land, if there be pestilence, if there be blasting, or mildew, locusts, or caterpillers; if their enemies besiege them in the cities of their land; whatsoever sore or whatsoever sickness there be:
  • Psalms 69:19 Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonour: mine adversaries are all before thee.

“mercy” Hebrew H2603 · used in 72 verses

  • Genesis 33:5 And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, Who are those with thee? And he said, The children which God hath graciously given thy servant.
  • Job 19:16 I called my servant, and he gave me no answer; I intreated him with my mouth.
  • Psalms 109:12 Let there be none to extend mercy unto him: neither let there be any to favour his fatherless children.