Psalms 119:107

Translation
King James Version
¶ I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.
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KJV (with Strong's)
I am afflicted H6031 very much H3966: quicken H2421 me, O LORD H3068, according unto thy word H1697.
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Complete Jewish Bible
I am very much distressed; ADONAI, give me life, in keeping with your word.
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Berean Standard Bible
I am severely afflicted, O LORD; revive me through Your word.
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American Standard Version
I am afflicted very much: Quicken me, O Jehovah, according unto thy word.
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World English Bible Messianic
I am afflicted very much. Revive me, LORD, according to your word.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
I am very sore afflicted: O Lord, quicken me according to thy word.
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Young's Literal Translation
I have been afflicted very much, O Jehovah, quicken me, according to Thy word.
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See also
Psalms 119:25Psalms 34:19Psalms 143:11Psalms 22:14Psalms 22:18Psalms 119:88Psalms 6:1
In the KJVVerse 16,006 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Psalms 119:107 presents a profound and heartfelt prayer from the psalmist, articulating an intense personal experience of suffering and deep affliction. Amidst this overwhelming distress, the psalmist expresses an unwavering reliance on God's divine word as the sole source of renewal, restoration, and spiritual vitality. This verse encapsulates the universal human experience of profound hardship, coupled with a steadfast faith in the Lord's power to quicken and revive according to His unfailing promises and revealed truth.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, an elaborate acrostic poem meticulously structured around the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet, with eight verses dedicated to each letter. Its singular, pervasive focus is the exaltation of God's law, statutes, precepts, commandments, and word, often using these terms interchangeably to refer to God's revealed truth. Throughout its 176 verses, the psalmist consistently expresses profound devotion to God's commands, frequently juxtaposing this devotion with declarations of personal affliction, opposition from enemies, and a fervent desire for divine instruction and quickening. Verse 107 fits seamlessly into this overarching pattern, demonstrating that even in the deepest valleys of suffering, the believer's hope and petition for revival are rooted firmly in God's revealed truth. It echoes similar sentiments found within this same psalm, such as the plea in Psalm 119:25 and the comfort found in Psalm 119:50.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The Psalms, as a collection, reflect the rich spiritual life of ancient Israel, encompassing a wide range of human emotions and experiences, from joyous praise to lament and desperate petition. While the precise historical setting for Psalm 119 is not specified, its themes resonate with the experiences of a faithful Israelite living under the Mosaic Covenant. The "word" (Torah, law, statutes) was central to Israelite identity and worship, serving as the divine revelation that guided their lives, established their covenant relationship with Yahweh, and distinguished them from surrounding nations. Affliction, whether from external enemies, internal spiritual struggles, or the general hardships of life in a fallen world, was a common experience for God's people. In such a context, turning to God's word was not merely an intellectual exercise but a lifeline, a source of comfort, guidance, and the very power of God to sustain and revive His people in the face of overwhelming adversity. The covenant relationship meant that God's word was not just instruction, but also promise and the very means by which God interacted with His people.
  • Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several major themes woven throughout Psalm 119 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of Honest Prayer in Affliction. The psalmist's opening declaration, "I am afflicted very much," is a raw, unvarnished confession of severe distress, modeling for believers the importance of laying bare one's suffering before God without pretense. Secondly, it underscores the profound theme of Reliance on God's Word for Life. The core of the plea, "quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word," emphasizes that the ultimate source of spiritual, and at times even physical, vitality is God's divine instruction. It is not merely comfort or wisdom that flows from His promises, but life itself, as seen in the life-giving power of God's commands throughout the Pentateuch, such as in Deuteronomy 32:47. Finally, the verse articulates the theme of Divine Quickening and Revival. This is a cry for spiritual resuscitation, an acknowledgment that true strength and renewal come not from human effort or external circumstances, but through God's active, supernatural intervention, mediated by His unchanging and life-giving word, a concept powerfully illustrated in Ezekiel 37:1-14.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Afflicted (Hebrew, ʻânâh', H6031): The Hebrew verb עָנָה (H6031, ʻânâh') carries a range of meanings including "to humble," "to oppress," "to afflict," "to be bowed down," or "to suffer." In this context, it denotes a deep and pervasive sense of distress, hardship, or oppression that has weighed heavily on the psalmist. The addition of "very much" (מְאֹד, H3966, mᵉʼôd), meaning "vehemence" or "exceedingly," intensifies this feeling, indicating an extreme degree of suffering, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. It speaks to a state of being utterly overwhelmed and deeply humbled.
  • Quicken (Hebrew, châyâh', H2421): The verb חָיָה (H2421, châyâh') is a primitive root meaning "to live," "to revive," "to restore life," "to preserve alive," or "to cause to live." It implies a dire need for invigoration, a fresh infusion of life where there might be spiritual weariness, despair, a sense of approaching death, or profound weakness. This is not merely about comfort or feeling better, but about receiving life itself from the ultimate source. The psalmist is asking God to breathe life into his afflicted state, to resuscitate him from a state of near spiritual or physical demise.
  • Word (Hebrew, dâbâr', H1697): The Hebrew noun דָּבָר (H1697, dâbâr') is rich in meaning, referring to a "word," "speech," "command," "promise," "decree," or "matter." In the context of Psalm 119, it consistently refers to God's revealed will, His divine utterances, and His covenant promises. It is the active, powerful, and life-giving communication from God to humanity. The psalmist's plea is specifically "according unto thy word," indicating that he expects God's quickening power to manifest in a way consistent with His character and promises already revealed.

Verse Breakdown

  • "I am afflicted very much:" This opening clause is a direct, honest, and intense confession of the psalmist's current state. The phrase "very much" amplifies the depth and severity of the affliction, indicating that the suffering is not trivial but profound and overwhelming. It sets the stage for the desperate plea that follows, demonstrating a posture of vulnerability and complete reliance on God in a moment of extreme distress, acknowledging a state of being utterly burdened and brought low.
  • "quicken me, O LORD," This is the heart of the psalmist's petition. The imperative "quicken me" is a fervent cry for divine intervention, a request for God to impart life, vitality, and renewal. It acknowledges that the psalmist is in a state of spiritual or physical depletion, requiring a supernatural infusion of life from the only one who can give it—Yahweh (H3068, Yᵉhôvâh'), the self-existent, eternal, and covenant-keeping God. The direct address "O LORD" emphasizes the personal and covenantal relationship between the petitioner and God, highlighting the source of true life.
  • "according unto thy word." This crucial phrase specifies the basis and manner of the requested quickening. The psalmist is not asking for arbitrary help but for God to act in accordance with His revealed character and promises. God's "word" is seen as the living, active, and reliable source of life and truth. It implies a deep trust that God's promises contain the power to revive and that His faithfulness will ensure the fulfillment of the psalmist's plea, demonstrating that God's actions are always consistent with His revealed will.

Literary Devices

Psalm 119:107 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The opening declaration, "I am afflicted very much," functions as a bold Hyperbole, emphasizing the extreme depth of the psalmist's suffering and making the plea for quickening all the more urgent and relatable. The central request, "quicken me, O LORD," is a direct Petition or Supplication, a fervent prayer characteristic of the Psalms, demonstrating the psalmist's humble dependence on divine intervention. The concept of being "quickened" is a profound Metaphor for spiritual and perhaps physical revitalization. It's not merely a physical resuscitation but a spiritual renewal, an infusion of divine life into a soul that feels deadened or overwhelmed by affliction. The phrase "according unto thy word" highlights the psalmist's absolute Reliance on divine revelation, presenting God's word as the unchanging, powerful, and trustworthy basis for hope and intervention. This also implies a form of Parallelism where the depth of affliction is directly contrasted with the life-giving power of God's word, showing that the solution to overwhelming distress is found in God's active engagement through His promises.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Psalms 119:107 stands as a powerful testament to the biblical truth that God's word is not merely a collection of rules or historical accounts, but a living, active, and life-giving force. In the face of overwhelming personal suffering, the psalmist instinctively turns to the divine promises, recognizing that true revival and sustenance come from God alone, mediated through His revealed truth. This verse underscores the sovereignty of God over life and death, His compassion for the afflicted, and the unwavering faithfulness of His covenant promises. It teaches that our deepest needs—for comfort, strength, and life itself—are met as we engage with and trust in the authoritative and efficacious word of God. The psalmist's experience provides a model for all believers: when overwhelmed by life's burdens, our most potent recourse is to cry out to the Lord, grounding our petitions in the very words He has spoken, knowing that His word is both the standard and the means of His life-giving power.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Psalm 119:107 offers a timeless and profoundly practical guide for the contemporary believer navigating the complexities of life. In a world fraught with anxiety, despair, and various forms of affliction—be they physical illness, emotional distress, relational brokenness, or spiritual dryness—this verse provides a powerful template for prayer and a source of enduring hope. It reminds us that honest lament is not a sign of weakness but an act of profound faith, inviting God into our deepest pain without reservation. More critically, it directs our gaze to God's Word as the wellspring of life. When we feel depleted, overwhelmed, or spiritually stagnant, our primary recourse should be to immerse ourselves in Scripture, allowing its truths to penetrate our hearts and minds, trusting that God will "quicken" us—revive, restore, and infuse us with His divine life—according to the very promises He has given. This verse encourages a posture of humble dependence on God, whose Word is the ultimate source of life and renewal in all circumstances, transforming our suffering into an opportunity for deeper reliance on Him and a profound experience of His sustaining grace.

Questions for Reflection

  • In what specific ways do you experience "affliction" in your life today, and how honest are you with God about these struggles?
  • How do you currently rely on God's Word for spiritual vitality and renewal, and what practical steps can you take to deepen that reliance?
  • What does "quickening" mean to you personally, and how have you experienced God's revitalizing power in your life, especially through His Word?
  • How does the psalmist's example of linking his petition to God's "word" shape your own prayer life and expectations of God's intervention?

FAQ

What does "quicken me" truly mean in this context?

Answer: "Quicken me" is a profound plea for God to impart life, vitality, and renewal to the psalmist. The Hebrew word ḥāyâ (H2421) means "to live," "to revive," or "to restore life." In the context of the psalmist's deep affliction, it signifies a cry for spiritual resuscitation, an infusion of divine life into a soul that feels weary, despairing, or even spiritually dead. It's a request for God to breathe new life into a difficult situation, not merely to alleviate symptoms but to restore the very essence of life and vigor, often in a spiritual sense, as seen in other pleas within the same psalm like Psalm 119:25.

How can God's "word" quicken or revive someone?

Answer: God's "word" (דָּבָר, H1697) is not just ink on a page; it is living, active, and powerful. It quickens because it is the very breath and revelation of God, carrying His life-giving power and truth. It reveals God's character, His promises, and His will, providing comfort, guidance, and hope in times of distress. When we immerse ourselves in God's word, whether through reading, meditation, or hearing it preached, the Holy Spirit uses it to convict, transform, and infuse us with spiritual strength and understanding. It reminds us of God's faithfulness, His ability to deliver, and His ultimate plan for our lives, thereby revitalizing our faith and spirit, as highlighted by Jesus in John 6:63.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Psalms 119:107, with its cry for quickening "according unto thy word," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the living Word of God, who was with God and was God, through whom all things were made, and in whom was life, and that life was the light of men (John 1:1-4). Where the Old Testament believer looked to the written Torah for life, the New Testament believer looks to Christ, the very embodiment of God's revelation. Jesus declared, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live" (John 11:25). He came that we might have life, and have it more abundantly (John 10:10). The quickening the psalmist longed for—a spiritual and vitalizing infusion of life—is precisely what Christ offers through His Spirit. The Apostle Paul teaches that while we were "dead in our trespasses and sins," God, being rich in mercy, "made us alive together with Christ" (Ephesians 2:1-5). The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead also "will give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you" (Romans 8:11). Thus, the ancient prayer for quickening by God's word is answered definitively in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, who is our life and the inexhaustible source of all spiritual vitality and renewal.

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Commentary on Psalms 119 verse 107

107 ¶ I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.

Here is, 1. The representation David makes of the sorrowful condition he was in: I am afflicted very much, afflicted in spirit; he seems to mean that especially. He laboured under many discouragements; without were fightings, within were fears. This is often the lot of the best saints; therefore think it not strange if sometimes it be ours. 2. The recourse he has to God in this condition; he prays for his grace: "Quicken me, O Lord! make me lively, make me cheerful; quicken me by afflictions to greater diligence in my work. Quicken me, that is, deliver me out of my afflictions, which will be as life from the dead." He pleads the promise of God, guides his desires by it, and grounds his hopes upon it: Quicken me according to thy word. David resolved to perform his promises to God (Psa 119:106) and therefore could, with humble boldness, beg of God to make good his word to him.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verse 107. Public domain.
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Ambrose of MilanAD 397
Interrogation of Job and David 4:4.14
“Therefore will I remember you, O Lord, from the land of Jordan and Hermon.” Therefore, one who is troubled, if he takes good counsel, goes out from Egypt and follows the way of light, for Hermon is interpreted to mean “way of the lamp.” And so, go out first from Egypt, if you wish to see Christ’s light. The Canaanite woman went out from the territory of the pagans and found Christ; she said to him, “Have pity on me, O son of David!” Moses went out from Egypt and was made a prophet and sent back to the people, that he might free their souls from the land of affliction. Moreover, the lamp is in the body of Christ, and this is the lamp that shows you the way. For this reason also holy David says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet,” a lamp, because it has enlightened the souls of all people5 and shown the way in the darkness. The way of the lamp is the gospel; it shines in the darkness, that is, in the world.
PrudentiusAD 410
THE DIVINITY OF CHRIST 33-46
Behold a stone is set for us, a stumbling block,
Against which vanity may strike,
A sign unto the faithful, scandal to the lax,
The one it fells, the other guides.
The blind one feels his way with slow uncertain step
And runs into what’er he meets.
The lamp of faith alone must shine before our feet,
That footsteps may unswerving be.
The foe assails and carries off the wanderers
Who in the darkness go astray,
A demon who devours the wheat speeds on the way
For pilgrims passing to and fro,
A thief who tampers with the fertile fields of Christ
By sowing in them barren oats.
A demon who devours the wheat spread on the way
For pilgrims passing to and fro,
A thief who tampers with the fertile fields of Christ
By sowing in them barren oats.
Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 119
But, because the body of Christ has suffered many most grievous evils for this faith, he says, "I was humbled above measure" [Psalm 119:107]. He does not say, I have humbled myself, so that we must needs understand that humiliation which is commanded; but he says, "I was humbled above-measure;" that is, suffered a very heavy persecution, because he swore and was steadfastly purposed to keep the righteous judgments of God. And, lest in such trouble faith herself might faint he adds, "Quicken me, O Lord, according to Your word:" that is, according to Your promise. For the word of the promises of God is a lantern to the feet, and a light to the paths. Thus also above, in the humiliation of persecution, he prayed that God would quicken him.
Caesarius of ArlesAD 542
SERMON 1:16
If we notice carefully, we will realize that what our Lord said to the blessed apostles also refers to us: “You are the light of the world,” he says, “and no one lights a lamp and puts it under a bushel but on the lampstand, so as to give light to all in the house.” Now, if the head’s bodily eyes refuse to show the way to the rest of the members, the whole body walks in darkness. Similarly, if priests, who seem to have the function of eyes in the body of Christ the head, have been put on a lampstand in the church but are unwilling to shine in God’s house and have ceased to show the light of doctrine to the whole church, it is to be feared that some of the people may become involved in the darkness of error and fall into some abyss of sin. The fact that the Lord said his word is a lamp is not a trite utterance, for we read, “Your word is a lamp to my feet, O Lord.” Now, profits of the present world are understood in the nature of a bushel. Who, indeed, puts a lamp under a bushel, except the person who darkens the light of doctrine with the profits of material advantages and fears to preach the truth lest he have less of the temporal possessions he desires? Thus, a person puts a lamp under a bushel if he prefers material to spiritual gains.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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