To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.

PSALMS 41:1KJV
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Psalms 41:1 (KJV)

What does Psalms 41:1 mean?

Psalms 41:1 says that those who pay attention to and care for the poor are called blessed, and it promises that the LORD will rescue them when they face trouble. The verse highlights a connection between compassion for those in need and God’s protection in difficult times.

This verse is introduced as a psalm by David, directed to the chief musician, likely for use in public worship. The focus is on the person who "considers" the poor, meaning someone who thoughtfully responds to the needs of the vulnerable. The promise is that God sees such kindness and will act to help that person when hardship comes.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 41:1

  • "Blessed" (אַשְׁרֵי, 'ashrei') means someone who is happy, fortunate, or in a state of well-being. In the Psalms, this word often marks a person who lives in a way that aligns with God’s values.
  • "Considereth" (שָׂכַל, sakal) carries the sense of acting wisely or paying careful attention. It is not just feeling pity, but thoughtfully helping and understanding the needs of the poor.
  • "Poor" (דַּל, dal) refers to someone who is weak, helpless, or in a low position, not just financially but also socially or physically vulnerable.
  • "Deliver" (מַלַּט, malat) means to rescue or save from danger. The verse promises that God will actively intervene for the compassionate person in their own time of trouble.

Why Psalms 41:1 matters

  • Psalms 41:1 clarifies that blessing is not just about personal devotion but also about how one treats others, especially the vulnerable.
  • The verse connects practical compassion to God’s own care, showing that God values and rewards those who act with mercy.
  • This verse sets the tone for the rest of the psalm, where David reflects on hardship and the hope of God’s deliverance, linking personal experience with broader principles.

Where else these words appear

“Blessed” Hebrew H835 · used in 42 verses

  • Deuteronomy 33:29 Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee, O people saved by the LORD, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency! and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread upon their high places.
  • Psalms 84:5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them.
  • Psalms 146:5 Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:

“poor” Hebrew H1800 · used in 46 verses

  • Exodus 23:3 Neither shalt thou countenance a poor man in his cause.
  • Psalms 72:13 He shall spare the poor and needy, and shall save the souls of the needy.
  • Proverbs 28:15 As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.

“Psalm” Hebrew H4210 · used in 57 verses

  • Psalms 3:1 A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
  • Psalms 38:1 A Psalm of David, to bring to remembrance. O LORD, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.
  • Psalms 79:1 A Psalm of Asaph. O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps.

“considereth” Hebrew H7919 · used in 63 verses

  • Genesis 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
  • Psalms 14:2 The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.
  • Proverbs 21:12 The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.