Translations
Modern
I said, “O LORD, be gracious to me; heal me, for I have sinned against You.”
Traditional
I said, Lord, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee.
Literal
I said, “O YHWH, be gracious to me; heal my soul, for I have sinned against You.”
Latin
Ego dixi: Domine, miserere mei; sana animam meam, quia peccavi tibi.
Original
Hebrew
English
I said, “O LORD, be gracious to me; heal me, for I have sinned against You.”
Notes
The psalmist applies the blessing to himself (Psalm 41:12). He has helped the poor (Psalm 41:1), but he has sinned against the Lord in other ways. In his pain, he asks for healing and admits his sin. Only the Lord can provide the restoration that brings true joy (Psalm 30:2; 107:20–21).
In this wisdom psalm, the psalmist:
asks for healing (Psalm 41:4, 10),
laments his distress (Psalm 41:5–9), and
expresses confidence in the Lord's blessing (Psalm 41:1–3, 11–12).
Theme notes and profiles