Psalm Chapter 40 KJV
King James Version, Holy Bible
1 I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.
4 Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.
5 Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.
Psalms Chapter 40 (Old Testament)
6 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.
7 Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,
8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.
9 I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O Lord, thou knowest.
10 I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.
11 Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O Lord: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me.
Psalms Chapter 40 (Old Testament)
12 For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me.
13 Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me: O Lord, make haste to help me.
14 Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil.
15 Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, Aha, aha.
16 Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The Lord be magnified.
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.
Key Takeaways from This Psalm:
Psalm 40:1
Verse: קַוֵּה יְהוָה לִי
Transliteration: Kaveh Adonai li
English: “I waited patiently for the Lord; He inclined to me and heard my cry.”
Focus Word: קָוָה (Kavah)
- Root: ק-ו-ה (Qof-Vav-Heh)
- Meaning: “To wait,” “to hope,” “to expect.”
- Deeper Insight: Hebrew kavah conveys patient, expectant hope in God, combining trust and endurance while awaiting His response.
Biblical Scholar On This Chapter:
| Scholar (Institution & Dates) | Work | View on Psalm 40 |
|---|---|---|
| John Calvin (University of Paris / Orléans, 1509–1564) | Commentaries on the Psalms | Interprets the Psalm as celebrating God’s past deliverance and encouraging public praise. |
| Matthew Henry (Christ Church, Oxford, 1662–1714) | Exposition of the Old and New Testament | Notes that God’s help evokes thanksgiving and renewed faithfulness in the believer. |
| Richard Sibbes (Pembroke College, Cambridge, 1577–1635) | The Bruised Reed | Observes that the Psalm balances recognition of past struggles with hope for continued guidance. |
| John Owen (University of Oxford, 1616–1683) | A Commentary on the Psalms | Highlights that praise flows naturally from the experience of God’s mercy and protection. |
| Thomas Manton (Christ’s College, Cambridge, 1620–1677) | Exposition of the Psalms | Notes that the Psalm teaches the faithful to patiently wait on God and rejoice in His timely deliverance. |
Prayer: Thank You, Lord that You are good and Your mercy endures forever. Thank You that we can wait on You with hope and joy, knowing that Your righteous right hand shall work all things together for the good of them that love the Lord and are called according to Your purpose. Thank You, Lord for teaching me to trust You in Jesus' Mighty Name. Amen!
