Psalms 116:10

KJV

¶ I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted:

KJV (with Strong's)

I believed {H539}, therefore have I spoken {H1696}: I was greatly {H3966} afflicted {H6031}:

Complete Jewish Bible

I will keep on trusting even when I say, "I am utterly miserable,"

Berean Standard Bible

I believed, therefore I said, “I am greatly afflicted.”

American Standard Version

I believe, for I will speak: I was greatly afflicted:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 116:10 is a profound declaration by the psalmist, articulating that his deep, settled belief in God was the compelling force behind his spoken testimony, even as he endured immense personal suffering. This verse encapsulates the transformative power of faith, demonstrating that genuine conviction is not silenced by affliction but rather finds its most authentic expression in the midst of it, bearing witness to God's faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 116 is a deeply personal psalm of thanksgiving, falling within the "Egyptian Hallel" (Psalms 113-118), traditionally recited during Passover. The psalmist recounts a period of severe distress, likely a life-threatening illness or near-death experience, from which God miraculously delivered him. The preceding verses vividly describe his anguish, such as "the sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow" ([Psalms 116:3](/psalms/116-3 "Psalms 116:3 - The Psalmist's Distress")). Verse 10 serves as a pivotal statement, explaining the internal motivation—his unshakeable faith—that compelled his outward expression of praise and public testimony, which he then elaborates on in the subsequent verses with vows of thanksgiving and commitment to walk before the Lord.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, personal and communal expressions of faith were integral to life. When an individual experienced a profound deliverance, it was customary to offer public thanksgiving and fulfill vows made during the time of distress, often at the Temple in Jerusalem. This public testimony served not only to honor God but also to encourage the community and reinforce the covenant relationship. The psalmist's declaration of being "greatly afflicted" resonates with the common human experience of suffering, which, in a biblical worldview, often tested faith and provided opportunities for God to demonstrate His power and faithfulness, leading to renewed commitment and public witness.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Psalms and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Faith as the Foundation for Speech and Testimony**, asserting that true, internal conviction naturally overflows into vocal expression, whether in praise, prayer, or public witness. This principle is famously echoed by the Apostle Paul, who, quoting this very verse, states, "We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak" ([2_corinthians/4-13](/2-corinthians/4-13 "2 Corinthians 4:13 - Paul's Application of Faith and Speech")). Secondly, it underscores **Endurance and Authenticity in Affliction**, demonstrating that genuine belief is not contingent on the absence of hardship but can thrive and be proven authentic within profound suffering. The psalmist does not deny his pain but rather juxtaposes it with his unwavering faith. Finally, it speaks to the **Power of Personal Experience and Deliverance**, where an encounter with God's faithfulness reinforces belief, compelling the individual to share their story and God's goodness, turning personal pain into public praise.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Believed (Hebrew, _'aman'_):** This verb conveys firmness, certainty, and faithfulness. It is the root from which the word "Amen" derives, signifying "so be it" or "truly." Here, it implies a deep, settled conviction, an unshakeable trust in God's character and promises, rather than a mere intellectual assent or fleeting thought. It speaks to a foundational and enduring faith.
* **Spoken (Hebrew, _'adabber'_):** From the root _dabar_, meaning "to speak," "to declare," or "to command." The form used here indicates a strong, intentional, and often public declaration. The connection between "believed" and "spoken" is presented as a direct, logical consequence, an inner certainty leading to an outward, compelled declaration.
* **Afflicted (Hebrew, _'anah'_):** This verb means to be humbled, oppressed, or afflicted. The addition of _me'od_ ("very much" or "greatly") intensifies the description, painting a picture of profound and severe suffering. The psalmist's honest acknowledgment of his pain makes his declaration of faith even more powerful and relatable, as it is a faith that endures and speaks *despite* intense hardship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I believed":** This opening clause establishes the internal foundation of the psalmist's being. It signifies a profound, personal, and unwavering trust in God. This belief is not superficial but deeply rooted, encompassing his understanding of God's character, power, and faithfulness, especially in the context of his recent deliverance from distress.
* **"therefore have I spoken":** This phrase reveals the natural and necessary outflow of that deep belief. The psalmist's conviction was so strong that it could not be contained; it compelled him to articulate his faith, likely through prayer, praise, testimony, and public vows of thanksgiving. It highlights that true faith is active and finds expression, transforming internal conviction into external declaration.
* **"I was greatly afflicted":** This final clause provides the stark backdrop against which the psalmist's faith and speech are set. It is an honest and raw acknowledgment of profound personal suffering, emphasizing that his declaration of faith is not born out of ease or comfort but from the crucible of severe hardship. This juxtaposition makes his "believed, therefore have I spoken" even more powerful, demonstrating a faith that endures and triumphs over adversity.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Juxtaposition**, contrasting the psalmist's internal state of profound belief and its outward expression ("I believed, therefore have I spoken") with his external reality of intense suffering ("I was greatly afflicted"). This stark contrast highlights the resilience and transformative power of faith, demonstrating that conviction can not only persist but also manifest most powerfully in the face of adversity. The use of **First-Person Narrative** ("I believed," "I was afflicted") imbues the declaration with deep personal authenticity and relatability, inviting the reader into the psalmist's intimate experience. Furthermore, the structure functions as a **Declarative Statement**, a bold and unwavering assertion of truth born from personal experience, which lends it authority and impact.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 116:10 provides a foundational theological insight into the nature of genuine faith: it is not a passive intellectual assent but an active, dynamic force that compels outward expression, especially in the crucible of suffering. The psalmist's declaration underscores that belief in God is authentic when it leads to vocal testimony, praise, and a continued walk of obedience, even when life is marked by profound distress. This verse beautifully illustrates that faith is proven and deepened through affliction, transforming personal pain into a powerful witness to God's delivering power. It challenges the notion that faith should remove all hardship, instead presenting a more robust view where faith enables one to speak of God's goodness *through* hardship, thereby glorifying Him and encouraging others.

* [2 Corinthians 4:13](/2-corinthians/4-13 "2 Corinthians 4:13 - Paul's Application of Faith and Speech")
* [Romans 10:9](/romans/10-9 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confession of Faith for Salvation")
* [James 2:17](/james/2-17 "James 2:17 - Faith Without Works Is Dead")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 116:10 offers profound encouragement and challenge for believers today. It calls us to examine the depth of our own faith: does our belief in God compel us to speak, to declare His goodness, to share our testimony, even when we are "greatly afflicted"? In a world that often seeks to silence faith or confine it to private thought, the psalmist's declaration reminds us that true conviction naturally overflows into outward expression. It teaches us that authentic faith doesn't deny the reality of suffering but confronts it with divine trust, finding strength and purpose within it. Our personal experiences of God's faithfulness, especially when He delivers us from distress, are not just for our benefit but are meant to be shared, becoming a powerful witness to others and a source of encouragement for the broader community of faith. This verse empowers us to see our afflictions not as barriers to faith but as crucibles in which our belief is refined and our testimony forged.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does your belief in God translate into outward expression—in your words, actions, and public testimony—especially when you are facing hardship?**
* **In what ways do you acknowledge your personal afflictions while still holding fast to your faith, rather than letting pain silence your praise?**
* **Considering the psalmist's example, how can your own experiences of God's faithfulness in suffering become a powerful and encouraging testimony to others around you?**

### FAQ
**Is this verse only about speaking verbally, or does it encompass other forms of expression?**

Answer: While the primary emphasis of "spoken" (Hebrew _dabar_) often refers to verbal declaration, the principle extends beyond mere words. It encompasses all outward expressions of faith that naturally flow from deep conviction. This includes not only verbal testimony, praise, and prayer but also actions, lifestyle choices, and a general demeanor that reflects one's trust in God. The psalmist's subsequent actions in Psalm 116, such as taking the cup of salvation and paying his vows, demonstrate that "speaking" can manifest in various forms of worship and obedience. Ultimately, it refers to faith that is alive and active, manifesting itself in a tangible way to the world.

**Does "I was greatly afflicted" imply that the psalmist was questioning God or losing his faith?**

Answer: No, quite the opposite. The psalmist's honest acknowledgment of being "greatly afflicted" is not a sign of doubt or a wavering faith, but rather a powerful testament to the authenticity and resilience of his belief. By juxtaposing his deep suffering with his unwavering faith ("I believed, therefore have I spoken"), he demonstrates that his conviction was not based on comfortable circumstances but was robust enough to endure profound distress. This makes his declaration of faith even more compelling and relatable, showing that genuine belief can thrive and compel testimony even in the darkest of times, rather than being extinguished by them.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 116:10 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential example of one who "believed, therefore... spoke" and was "greatly afflicted." Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus lived a life of perfect faith in the Father's will, even when it led Him to the cross. His entire life was a spoken testimony to the Father's love and truth, culminating in His unwavering obedience to death, even the death of the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). He was "greatly afflicted," experiencing suffering beyond human comprehension—the betrayal, the scourging, the crucifixion, and bearing the sin of the world ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Christ's Suffering for Our Sins")). Yet, in the midst of this profound affliction, His faith in the Father's redemptive plan never wavered. His cries from the cross, even "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry on the Cross")), were not a loss of faith but a fulfillment of prophecy and a deep expression of His identification with humanity's suffering, all within the framework of His perfect trust in the Father's ultimate deliverance. His resurrection is the ultimate divine affirmation of His faith and suffering, transforming His affliction into victory and providing the foundation for our own belief and testimony. As believers, we are called to follow His example, fixing our eyes on [Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith"), knowing that our own afflictions are shared with Him and that our testimony, born out of belief in His finished work, participates in His ongoing triumph ([1 Peter 2:21](/1-peter/2-21 "1 Peter 2:21 - Christ's Example of Suffering")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 4:13

We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;

Hebrews 11:1

¶ Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Proverbs 21:28

¶ A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.

2 Peter 1:21

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.

2 Peter 1:16

¶ For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

Numbers 14:6

And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, [which were] of them that searched the land, rent their clothes:

Numbers 14:9

Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they [are] bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD [is] with us: fear them not.