Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me: O LORD, make haste to help me.

PSALMS 40:13KJV
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Psalms 40:13 (KJV)

What does Psalms 40:13 mean?

Psalms 40:13 is a plea from the psalmist, asking the LORD to be willing to rescue him and to come quickly to his aid. The verse expresses urgency and dependence on God for deliverance in a time of trouble.

In this verse, David is speaking directly to God, using the covenant name "LORD" (Yahweh), and urgently asking for help. The context is one of distress, where David feels overwhelmed and recognizes that only God can save him. The language is personal and desperate, showing a deep trust in God's ability to respond swiftly.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 40:13

  • "Be pleased" (רָצָה, ratsah): This word means to take pleasure in or to be willing. Here, David is not just asking for help, but for God to desire to help him, highlighting a relationship of favor.
  • "Deliver" (נָצַל, natsal): This verb means to snatch away or rescue. The sense is of being pulled out of danger, emphasizing the seriousness of David's situation.
  • "Make haste" (חוּשׁ, chush): This word means to hurry or act quickly. David is not only asking for help but stressing that he needs it without delay.
  • "Help" (עֶזְרָה, ezrah): This noun refers to assistance or support, underscoring David's recognition that he cannot solve his problem alone and needs God's intervention.

Why Psalms 40:13 matters

  • The verse shows that it is appropriate to pray with urgency and honesty, especially in times of crisis, without needing to hide desperation from God.
  • By repeating the name "LORD" and using strong words for help and haste, the verse highlights both David's dependence and his confidence that God hears and responds.
  • This plea connects to the wider themes in Psalms 40, where David moves from remembering God's past faithfulness to seeking his present help, showing a pattern of trust that can be seen throughout the psalms.

Where else these words appear

“haste” Hebrew H2363 · used in 20 verses

  • Numbers 32:17 But we ourselves will go ready armed before the children of Israel, until we have brought them unto their place: and our little ones shall dwell in the fenced cities because of the inhabitants of the land.
  • Psalms 22:19 But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me.
  • Psalms 119:60 I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.

“help” Hebrew H5833 · used in 25 verses

  • Judges 5:23 Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the LORD, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the LORD, to the help of the LORD against the mighty.
  • Psalms 40:17 But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.
  • Psalms 108:12 Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man.

“pleased” Hebrew H7521 · used in 55 verses

  • Genesis 33:10 And Jacob said, Nay, I pray thee, if now I have found grace in thy sight, then receive my present at my hand: for therefore I have seen thy face, as though I had seen the face of God, and thou wast pleased with me.
  • 2 Chronicles 36:21 To fulfil the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths: for as long as she lay desolate she kept sabbath, to fulfil threescore and ten years.
  • Proverbs 3:12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.