But thou, O LORD, be merciful unto me, and raise me up, that I may requite them.

PSALMS 41:10KJV
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Psalms 41:10 (KJV)

What does Psalms 41:10 mean?

Psalms 41:10 is a prayer in which the psalmist asks the LORD to show mercy, restore him to health or strength, and give him the chance to respond to those who have wronged him. The verse expresses a plea for God’s compassion and for the ability to stand up again after being brought low.

In this psalm, David is speaking directly to the LORD (God), asking for mercy during a time of trouble, likely when he is sick or facing enemies. The request to be "raised up" suggests he feels weak or defeated, and he wants God to restore him so he can deal justly with those who have treated him badly. The verse fits into a larger context where David is surrounded by adversaries and is seeking God’s help both for healing and for justice.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 41:10

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing a direct, covenant relationship between David and God in this plea.
  • merciful (חָנַן, chanan): This word means to show grace or favor. David is not just asking for generic help, but specifically for God’s undeserved kindness.
  • up (קוּם, qum): This verb means to rise or stand up. David’s request is not only for physical recovery but also to be restored to a position where he can act.
  • requite (שָׁלַם, shalam): This word means to repay or make whole. David asks for restoration so he can respond to those who have wronged him, not necessarily for revenge, but for justice or to set things right.

Why Psalms 41:10 matters

  • The verse clarifies that David’s request is not only for personal healing but also for the restoration of dignity and the ability to address injustice.
  • The use of the word "requite" (שָׁלַם, shalam) shows that David is concerned with fairness and resolution, not just retaliation.
  • This verse connects to the wider psalm, which deals with betrayal and suffering, highlighting the psalmist’s dependence on God for both mercy and justice.

Where else these words appear

“merciful” 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.

“requite” Hebrew H7999 · used in 107 verses

  • Genesis 44:4 And when they were gone out of the city, and not yet far off, Joseph said unto his steward, Up, follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say unto them, Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good?
  • 1 Kings 9:25 And three times in a year did Solomon offer burnt offerings and peace offerings upon the altar which he built unto the LORD, and he burnt incense upon the altar that was before the LORD. So he finished the house.
  • Proverbs 7:14 I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows.