Psalms 138:3

KJV

In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, [and] strengthenedst me [with] strength in my soul.

KJV (with Strong's)

In the day {H3117} when I cried {H7121} thou answeredst {H6030} me, and strengthenedst {H7292} me with strength {H5797} in my soul {H5315}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When I called, you answered me, you made me bold and strong.

Berean Standard Bible

On the day I called, You answered me; You emboldened me and strengthened my soul.

American Standard Version

In the day that I called thou answeredst me, Thou didst encourage me with strength in my soul.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 138:3 is a profound personal testimony of King David, articulating his experience of God's immediate and powerful response to his earnest prayer. It highlights the divine readiness to answer the cries of His people and to infuse them with a deep, internal fortitude that strengthens the very core of their being, enabling them to face challenges with renewed spiritual and emotional resilience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 138 is a psalm of thanksgiving, likely composed by King David, expressing heartfelt gratitude for God's unwavering faithfulness and loving-kindness. The psalm opens with David's resolute vow to praise God with his "whole heart" before earthly rulers and even in the presence of those who might oppose God's truth. He extols God's name for His "lovingkindness and for His truth," emphasizing the majesty and reliability of His word above all. Verse 3 serves as a specific recollection of a critical moment of distress where David experienced God's direct and personal intervention, providing not only external relief but a profound internal strengthening. The psalm then transitions to a broader vision of God's universal sovereignty, His care for the humble, and His ultimate triumph over the proud, culminating in a global recognition of His glory. This personal testimony of answered prayer grounds the larger theological declarations of the psalm.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed by King David, this psalm reflects the life of a monarch who frequently faced both personal perils and national crises. In ancient Israel, kings were often seen as mediators between God and the people, and their personal experiences of divine intervention carried significant weight. David’s "crying out" would have been a common expression of desperate prayer in a time when life was often precarious, marked by warfare, political intrigue, and natural disasters. The concept of God "answering" was deeply embedded in Israelite faith, often involving direct intervention, prophetic word, or tangible deliverance. The idea of inner "strength in my soul" was crucial for leaders who needed resilience to govern and lead in the face of immense pressure and opposition, reflecting a holistic understanding of well-being that included spiritual and emotional fortitude, not just physical might.

* **Key Themes:** Psalm 138:3 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the theme of **Divine Responsiveness to Prayer**. David's testimony, "In the day when I cried thou answeredst me," serves as a foundational assurance that God actively hears and responds to the earnest petitions of His people, a theme echoed in [Psalm 4:3](/psalms/4-3 "Psalm 4:3 - The Lord Hears When I Call") and [Psalm 145:18](/psalms/145-18 "Psalm 145:18 - The Lord is Near to All Who Call on Him"). Secondly, the verse highlights **Inner Strength and Fortitude**, emphasizing that God's intervention extends beyond mere external circumstances to a profound spiritual and emotional resilience. The strengthening "in my soul" points to a transformation within the innermost being, enabling perseverance through trials. This divine empowerment is vital for enduring adversity and maintaining faith, as also seen in [Isaiah 40:31](/isaiah/40-31 "Isaiah 40:31 - Renewal of Strength for Those Who Wait on the Lord"). Lastly, David's experience serves as a testament to **God's Unwavering Faithfulness**, reinforcing the truth that God is always true to His promises and will never abandon His own, providing a basis for future trust and confidence in His character.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **cried (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** H7121. This primitive root means "to call out to," "address by name," or "cry unto." It implies an urgent, often desperate, appeal, not merely a casual utterance. In this context, it signifies a fervent, heartfelt prayer born out of distress or need, indicating David's vulnerability and his direct appeal to God.
* **answeredst (Hebrew, _ʻânâh'_):** H6030. This word means "to heed," "pay attention," and by implication, "to respond" or "give account." It denotes God's active engagement and attentiveness to David's cry, signifying a divine reply that is both personal and effective. It's not just hearing, but a direct, responsive action.
* **strength (Hebrew, _ʻôz'_):** H5797. This noun, derived from a root meaning "to be strong," encompasses various applications of strength, including force, security, majesty, and power. Its repetition in the phrase "strengthenedst me with strength" (a cognate accusative) intensifies the meaning, emphasizing the completeness and profundity of the divine empowerment. It refers to a deep, internal, and robust fortitude.
* **soul (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** H5315. Properly a "breathing creature," this word is used very widely to denote vitality, the innermost being, encompassing emotions, will, and life force. In this verse, it signifies that the strengthening was not superficial or merely external, but deeply spiritual, psychological, and existential, reaching the very core of David's personhood.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the day when I cried":** This clause sets the scene, indicating a specific time of distress or urgency when David felt compelled to call out to God. The phrase "in the day" emphasizes a particular moment of need, making the subsequent divine response all the more significant and memorable. It highlights the immediacy and reality of his desperate prayer.
* **"thou answeredst me":** This is the direct and powerful declaration of God's responsiveness. It affirms that God not only heard David's cry but actively intervened and provided a reply or solution. This answer was personal ("me") and direct, demonstrating God's intimate involvement in David's life and His attentiveness to His people's petitions.
* **"and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul":** This final clause describes the nature and location of God's answer. It wasn't just an external change in circumstances, but a profound internal transformation. The repetition of "strength" (cognate accusative) emphasizes the depth and fullness of this divine empowerment. The strengthening occurred "in my soul," meaning it impacted David's innermost being—his will, emotions, and spirit—providing him with deep fortitude, resilience, and courage from within.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 138:3 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is the **Cognate Accusative** (or emphatic repetition) in the phrase "strengthenedst me with strength." This Hebrew construction, where a verb is paired with a noun from the same root, intensifies the action, emphasizing the completeness and profoundness of the divine strengthening. It's not merely a little strength, but strength in its fullest, most robust sense. The verse also functions as a **Personal Testimony**, providing a first-person account ("I cried," "thou answeredst me") that lends authenticity and relatability to the divine encounter. This personal narrative invites the reader to identify with David's experience and trust in the same responsive God. Furthermore, the focus on "strength in my soul" employs **Internal Focus**, shifting the emphasis from external circumstances to the inner spiritual and emotional state, highlighting that God's work is often profound and deeply personal, transforming the very core of a person.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 138:3 stands as a powerful testament to the character of God as a responsive and empowering Father. It underscores the profound truth that prayer is not a monologue but a dynamic dialogue with a living God who actively engages with His creation. David's experience highlights God's sovereignty over all circumstances and His intimate care for the individual, demonstrating that His strength is not merely physical but spiritual, capable of fortifying the human spirit against despair and weakness. This verse invites believers to cultivate a vibrant prayer life, confident that their cries do not go unheard and that God's answer often involves an infusion of inner fortitude that transcends outward circumstances.

* [Psalm 4:3](/psalms/4-3 "Psalm 4:3 - The Lord Hears When I Call"): "But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the Lord will hear when I call unto him."
* [Isaiah 40:31](/isaiah/40-31 "Isaiah 40:31 - Renewal of Strength for Those Who Wait on the Lord"): "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
* [Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things Through Christ"): "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 138:3 offers immense comfort and practical guidance for believers navigating the complexities of life. It serves as a potent reminder that in moments of distress, weakness, or overwhelming challenge, our earnest cries to God are never in vain. God's response is not limited to altering external circumstances; often, His most profound intervention is an infusion of inner strength—a spiritual and emotional fortitude that enables us to persevere with peace, courage, and renewed resolve, even when the external situation remains difficult. This verse encourages a life of consistent, heartfelt prayer, fostering a deep trust that God is intimately involved in our lives, always ready to answer and to empower our souls, just as He did for King David. It reminds us that our true resilience and capacity to endure come from Him, especially when our own resources are depleted.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life are you currently feeling weak or overwhelmed, prompting you to "cry out" to God?**
* **How have you experienced God's "answering" in your past, either through changed circumstances or an infusion of inner strength?**
* **What does "strength in my soul" mean to you personally, and how can you actively seek this kind of inner fortitude in your daily walk with God?**
* **How does David's testimony encourage you to be more persistent and vulnerable in your prayers?**

### FAQ
**Does God always answer our prayers exactly as we expect?**

Answer: While Psalm 138:3 affirms God's responsiveness, it's important to understand that God's answers may not always align with our specific expectations or timing. David's experience here highlights God's answer as providing "strength in my soul," which may not have been the immediate removal of a problem but rather the internal capacity to endure it. Scripture teaches that God's answers are always for our ultimate good and His glory, sometimes manifesting as a "no," a "wait," or a different, better way than we envisioned (see [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts Are Higher Than Ours") and [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")). The core promise is that He hears and responds with what we truly need, often an inner strengthening.

**How does God strengthen our soul today?**

Answer: God strengthens our soul through various means. Primarily, it is through the indwelling Holy Spirit, who empowers believers with spiritual gifts, comfort, and perseverance (as seen in [Ephesians 3:16](/ephesians/3-16 "Ephesians 3:16 - Strengthened with Power Through His Spirit")). He also strengthens us through His Word, which nourishes and guides our inner being (see [Psalm 119:28](/psalms/119-28 "Psalm 119:28 - My Soul Melts Away for Sorrow; Strengthen Me According to Your Word")), and through the community of believers, where we find encouragement and support. Furthermore, trials themselves, when endured with faith, can be instruments God uses to build resilience and character within us (see [Romans 5:3-4](/romans/5-3 "Romans 5:3-4 - Suffering Produces Perseverance")).

**What does it mean to "cry" to God in prayer?**

Answer: To "cry" to God, as David did, implies more than a casual request; it signifies a deep, earnest, and often desperate appeal from the heart. It suggests a recognition of one's own helplessness and a complete reliance on God's intervention. This kind of prayer is characterized by sincerity, humility, and often, a profound sense of need, pouring out one's true emotions and struggles before the Lord without reservation (as exemplified in [Psalm 62:8](/psalms/62-8 "Psalm 62:8 - Pour Out Your Heart Before Him")). It is a raw and authentic expression of faith in God's ability and willingness to respond.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 138:3 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David's experience of crying out and receiving strength foreshadows the perfect Son, Jesus, who in His humanity, "offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears" to the Father during His earthly ministry, particularly in the Garden of Gethsemane ([Hebrews 5:7](/hebrews/5-7 "Hebrews 5:7 - Jesus' Prayers and Supplications")). In His deepest agony, facing the cross, Jesus was strengthened by an angel (though not explicitly stated as "in His soul," the divine strengthening was evident for His endurance), enabling Him to fulfill His mission. Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus became the source of true and lasting strength for all who believe. The strength David received was a type, but Christ offers the very power of resurrection life, empowering believers not just to endure trials but to live victoriously in Him. The Holy Spirit, whom Christ poured out after His ascension, is the divine agent who now indwells believers, providing that "strength in my soul" that David experienced. This spiritual empowerment enables us to "do all things through Christ who strengthens" us ([Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things Through Christ")), to be "strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy" ([Colossians 1:11](/colossians/1-11 "Colossians 1:11 - Strengthened with All Power")). Thus, David's personal testimony becomes a universal promise, realized fully in the Christ who hears our cries and empowers us from within by His Spirit.

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

Psalms 34:4

I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

Psalms 34:6

This poor man cried, and the LORD heard [him], and saved him out of all his troubles.

1 Peter 5:10

¶ But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle [you].

Psalms 18:6

In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, [even] into his ears.

Zechariah 10:12

And I will strengthen them in the LORD; and they shall walk up and down in his name, saith the LORD.

Isaiah 40:29

He giveth power to the faint; and to [them that have] no might he increaseth strength.

Isaiah 40:31

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.