Psalm 42:5

Translations

Modern

Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him for the salvation of His presence.

Traditional

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.

Literal

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and in commotion within me? Wait for God, for still I will praise Him, for the salvation of His face.

Latin

Quare tristis es, anima mea? et quare conturbas me? Spera in Deo, quoniam adhuc confitebor illi, salutare vultus mei,

Original

Hebrew

English

Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him for the salvation of His presence.

Notes

Psalms 42:5

The psalmist feels sad, but he can still function. He remembers that the living God is his Savior. This verse appears again in Psalms 42:11 and 43:5.

Psalms 42:5–6

The psalmist encourages himself with questions and answers.

Psalms 42:1–43:5

These psalms, like Psalms 9 and 10, form a unit with a lament and a bittersweet refrain of hope (Psalm 42:5, 11; 43:5). Many Hebrew manuscripts combine these two psalms into one.

The historical context is unclear; these psalms might represent God's people in exile, expressing loyalty to God while he punishes them for their ongoing disobedience.

The psalmist longs for the fellowship with God he had in Jerusalem (Psalm 42:4); his memories only deepen his discouragement. As the psalmist cries out to God, he remembers God's love and faithfulness (Psalm 42:8), which leads him to ask for vindication (43:1–4).

Theme notes and profiles

Questions and Doubt

Related verses

Psalm 37:7
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men prosper in their ways, when they carry out wicked schemes.
Hebrews 10:36–37
You need to persevere, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.
Psalm 61:2
From the ends of the earth I call out to You whenever my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Matthew 1:23
“Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel” (which means, “God with us”).
Psalm 27:13–14
Still I am certain to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
Lamentations 3:24–26
“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in Him.”
Psalm 56:3
When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.
Psalm 43:5
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.
Psalm 42:11
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.
Numbers 6:26
…may the LORD lift up His countenance toward you and give you peace.’
Romans 4:18–20
Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.”
1 Samuel 30:6
And David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of every man grieved for his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God.

Glossary

David Korahite, Korathite Music Numbers, Book of Psalms, Book of Savior

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Consolation In Consolation Under Affliction: To the Troubled in Mind Desire: Spiritual Despair: Trust in God, a Preservative Against Doubting: General Scriptures Concerning Faith: Exemplified Praise is Due to God on Account of His Consolation Resignation: Submission to the Will of God

Psalm 42:5

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