Psalms 143:11

KJV

Quicken me, O LORD, for thy name's sake: for thy righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble.

KJV (with Strong's)

Quicken {H2421} me, O LORD {H3068}, for thy name's {H8034} sake: for thy righteousness {H6666}' sake bring {H3318} my soul {H5315} out of trouble {H6869}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For your name's sake, ADONAI, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of distress.

Berean Standard Bible

For the sake of Your name, O LORD, revive me. In Your righteousness, bring my soul out of trouble.

American Standard Version

Quicken me, O Jehovah, for thy name’s sake: In thy righteousness bring my soul out of trouble.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 143:11 is a fervent and desperate prayer from David, likely composed during a period of intense personal distress and overwhelming opposition. In this plea, David appeals to God for profound spiritual and physical revitalization, crying out for the LORD to "quicken" or restore him to life. Crucially, his petition is not based on any perceived personal merit, but rather anchored solely in the unchanging character of God—specifically, His holy name and His unwavering righteousness. The verse thus encapsulates a profound theological truth: ultimate deliverance from overwhelming trouble is rooted in God's intrinsic nature and His commitment to uphold His own glory and justice, rather than in human worthiness or performance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 143 stands as the final entry in the traditional collection of seven Penitential Psalms (Psalms 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143), distinguished by their deep expressions of repentance, confession, and pleas for divine mercy. This psalm is a deeply personal lament, attributed to David, expressing profound distress, weariness, and a pervasive sense of being utterly overwhelmed by enemies and adverse circumstances. The preceding verses vividly portray David's desperate state: his spirit is faint within him, his heart desolate, and he feels like one who has been long dead, dwelling in darkness ([Psalm 143:3](/psalms/143-3 "Psalm 143:3 - David's Despair and Darkness")). He recalls God's past deeds and stretches out his hands in desperate longing, like a parched land thirsting for water ([Psalm 143:6](/psalms/143-6 "Psalm 143:6 - Thirsting for God's Presence")). Verse 11, therefore, functions as a climactic petition within this lament, moving from a general cry for help to a specific, urgent plea for life and deliverance, grounded in the very attributes of God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the specific historical occasion for Psalm 143 is not explicitly stated, it is widely believed to stem from a period of intense persecution or exile in David's life, perhaps during Absalom's rebellion or his flight from Saul. In ancient Near Eastern thought, a king's reputation and power were intrinsically linked to the well-being of his people and his demonstrated ability to act decisively. Similarly, God's "name" (Hebrew: _shêm_) was not merely an identifier but encompassed His entire revealed character, reputation, authority, and covenant faithfulness. To appeal to God's "name's sake" was to ask Him to act in a way that would vindicate His character, demonstrate His power, and uphold His honor before both His people and the surrounding nations. "Righteousness" (Hebrew: _tsᵉdâqâh_) in this context refers to God's active commitment to justice, His adherence to His own moral standards, and His covenant faithfulness, which included defending the oppressed and delivering those who trusted in Him.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Revival and Restoration**, emphasizing God's unique power to bring life out of spiritual, emotional, and physical desolation, a concept echoed in passages like the prayer for revival in [Psalm 119:25](/psalms/119-25 "Psalm 119:25 - A Prayer for Revival") and the prophetic vision of the valley of dry bones in [Ezekiel 37](/ezekiel/37 "Ezekiel 37 - The Valley of Dry Bones"). Secondly, it underscores the **Sovereignty of God's Name and Glory** as the ultimate motivation for His actions, demonstrating that God acts not primarily for human merit but for the display of His own perfect character, as seen in the declaration that God acts for His holy name in [Ezekiel 36:22](/ezekiel/36-22 "Ezekiel 36:22 - God Acts for His Holy Name"). Thirdly, the appeal to God's **Inherent Righteousness and Justice** reveals a foundational trust that God, by His very nature, will uphold what is right and deliver His faithful ones from oppression, a truth consistently affirmed throughout the Psalms, such as in [Psalm 31:1](/psalms/31-1 "Psalm 31:1 - Deliverance in God's Righteousness"). Finally, the verse is a direct expression of the universal human cry for **Deliverance from Trouble and Affliction**, a pervasive theme in the Psalms that resonates with all who experience suffering.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Quicken (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** This primitive root signifies "to live," "to revive," "to restore to life," or "to preserve life." It encompasses both literal and figurative life, indicating a desire for renewal of vitality in every sense—spiritual, mental, and physical—from a state of near death or despair. David is not merely asking for survival but for a profound restoration of his being, a return to wholeness.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, often transliterated as "Jehovah" or "Yahweh." It denotes God as the self-Existent or Eternal One, who is faithful to His promises and unchanging in His character. By addressing God as "LORD," David appeals to His covenant relationship with Israel and His unwavering faithfulness to His people.
* **Righteousness (Hebrew, _tsᵉdâqâh'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be just" or "to be right," _tsᵉdâqâh_ refers to God's inherent rectitude, justice, and faithfulness. It is God's active commitment to uphold what is right, to fulfill His covenant obligations, and to deliver His people from injustice or oppression. David appeals to God's consistent nature to do what is morally right and just, particularly in defending the afflicted.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Quicken me, O LORD, for thy name's sake:"** David's prayer commences with an urgent and desperate plea for revitalization. The verb "quicken" (Hebrew: _châyâh_) is a desperate cry for God to restore life and vitality to his entire being, which feels on the brink of collapse due to overwhelming distress. The appeal is directed to "O LORD" (Yahweh), the covenant God, emphasizing a personal, relational, and deeply trusting petition. Crucially, the motivation for this divine intervention is explicitly stated as "for thy name's sake." This is not an appeal to David's own merit, piety, or righteousness, but rather to God's own reputation, character, and glory. David recognizes that God's action in delivering him will demonstrate God's power, faithfulness, and justice to the world, thereby magnifying His holy name and vindicating His character.
* **"for thy righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble."** The second part of the verse reiterates the divine motivation, now focusing on God's "righteousness." This refers to God's inherent justice, moral integrity, and unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. David trusts that God's righteous nature compels Him to act on behalf of those who are oppressed and suffering unjustly, particularly His covenant people. The petition is specific: "bring my soul out of trouble." This is a request for complete deliverance from the overwhelming distress, anguish, and tight constraints (Hebrew: _tsârâh_) that threaten his very life and inner being (his _nephesh_). It is a confident assertion that God's character guarantees His intervention for those who trust in Him, ensuring that His justice prevails and His people are delivered.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 143:11 employs several powerful **Literary Devices** that amplify its emotional and theological impact. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the two clauses express similar ideas using different words to reinforce the central message. The phrase "for thy name's sake" closely parallels "for thy righteousness' sake," both serving as the divine motivation for action. Similarly, "Quicken me" parallels "bring my soul out of trouble," both expressing the desired outcome of deliverance and restoration of life. This repetition emphasizes the singular focus of David's appeal—God's character—and the desired outcome—holistic deliverance and renewed vitality. The phrase "Quicken me" functions as a powerful **Metaphor** for spiritual and emotional revival, extending beyond mere physical survival to a profound restoration of vitality in every sense, implying a state of near spiritual death. The "trouble" from which David seeks deliverance is almost **Personified** as an oppressive, constricting force, a tight enemy from which only God can "bring out" his soul. The entire verse functions as a profound **Appeal to Divine Attributes**, where David bases his desperate plea not on his own worthiness or circumstances, but solely on the unchanging and perfect nature of God—His name and His righteousness—thereby elevating the theological significance of the prayer.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 143:11 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of prayer and God's motivation for acting on behalf of His people. It teaches that while human suffering is real and deeply felt, the ultimate basis for God's intervention is not our piety, our deservingness, or our works, but His own glorious character. God's "name" and "righteousness" are not passive attributes but active principles that compel Him to uphold justice, fulfill His covenant promises, and demonstrate His power to a watching world. This shifts the focus from a self-centered plea to a God-centered petition, acknowledging that our deliverance serves a higher purpose: the vindication and magnification of God Himself. This perspective fosters humility and deep trust, recognizing that God's faithfulness is the bedrock of our hope, even in the direst circumstances, and that His glory is intrinsically linked to the well-being and deliverance of His people.

* [Psalm 23:3](/psalms/23-3 "Psalm 23:3 - He Restores My Soul for His Name's Sake")
* [Psalm 119:159](/psalms/119-159 "Psalm 119:159 - Quicken Me According to Your Lovingkindness")
* [Isaiah 48:11](/isaiah/48-11 "Isaiah 48:11 - God Acts for His Own Sake")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 143:11 provides a timeless blueprint for prayer when we find ourselves in the depths of despair, spiritual dryness, or overwhelming difficulty. It encourages us to look beyond our immediate circumstances and even our own perceived unworthiness, to anchor our hope firmly in the unchanging character of God. When life feels like it's ebbing away, and we are "in trouble"—whether it be physical illness, emotional anguish, relational strife, or spiritual lethargy—we are invited to cry out to the LORD, asking Him to "quicken" us. This means to infuse us with new life, strength, and spiritual vitality, restoring us from a state of near collapse. This prayer is not a demand but a humble, dependent appeal, recognizing that God's motivation for acting is ultimately His own glory and the demonstration of His faithfulness and justice. It reminds us that our deliverance, whether from physical danger, emotional anguish, or spiritual stagnation, is a testament to who God is, not who we are. By appealing to His name and righteousness, we align our desires with His divine purposes, trusting that He will act in accordance with His perfect nature to bring us out of trouble and restore our souls.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life—spiritual, emotional, or physical—do you feel the most profound need for God to "quicken" you, bringing new life or restoration?**
* **How does shifting your focus from your own merit to God's "name's sake" and "righteousness' sake" transform your approach to prayer when facing personal struggles?**
* **What specific "troubles" are threatening your "soul" today, and how can you apply the deep trust expressed in this verse to your current situation?**
* **How does acknowledging God's inherent character as the ultimate basis for His saving action deepen your faith, humility, and worship?**

### FAQ
**What does "Quicken me" mean in this context?**

Answer: "Quicken me" (Hebrew: _châyâh_) means to bring to life, to revive, to restore, or to preserve life. In Psalms 143:11, it's a desperate plea for God to revitalize David's entire being—spiritually, emotionally, and perhaps even physically—from a state of profound despair and near-death experience. It signifies a desire for a fresh infusion of vitality and restoration from a debilitating condition, as seen in other prayers for revival like [Psalm 119:25](/psalms/119-25 "Psalm 119:25 - A Prayer for Revival").

**Why does David appeal to God's "name's sake" and "righteousness' sake"?**

Answer: David appeals to God's "name's sake" (Hebrew: _shêm_) because God's name represents His entire revealed character, reputation, and authority. To act for His name's sake means to act in a way that upholds His glory and demonstrates His power and faithfulness to the world. Similarly, appealing to God's "righteousness' sake" (Hebrew: _tsᵉdâqâh_) is an appeal to His inherent justice, moral integrity, and covenant faithfulness. David is not asking God to act because David deserves it, but because it aligns with God's perfect nature and His commitment to do what is right and to deliver His people, as He promised in His covenant with Israel ([Deuteronomy 7:7-9](/deuteronomy/7-7 "Deuteronomy 7:7-9 - God's Covenant Faithfulness")).

**How does this verse relate to the broader theme of suffering in the Psalms?**

Answer: This verse is a quintessential expression of the Psalmist's experience of suffering and his reliance on God for deliverance. Many psalms, particularly the laments, articulate deep distress but consistently turn to God as the sole source of rescue. Psalms 143:11 underscores that even in the most profound "trouble," the believer's hope is anchored not in self-effort or human intervention, but in the unwavering character of God—His power to give life and His commitment to justice. It models a prayer that acknowledges human weakness while boldly appealing to divine strength and faithfulness, a common thread throughout the Psalter (e.g., [Psalm 42](/psalms/42 "Psalm 42 - As a Deer Pants for Water") and [Psalm 77](/psalms/77 "Psalm 77 - A Psalm of Anguish and Hope")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 143:11, a heartfelt cry for quickening and deliverance from deep trouble, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the Person and work of Jesus Christ. David's plea to be "quickened" from his distress foreshadows the spiritual quickening and new life that Christ offers to all who are, by nature, dead in their trespasses and sins ([Ephesians 2:1](/ephesians/2-1 "Ephesians 2:1 - Dead in Sins, Made Alive in Christ")). The "trouble" from which David seeks deliverance points to the greater, universal trouble of sin, death, and separation from God, from which only the Messiah could truly rescue humanity. Jesus, the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), perfectly embodies God's "name" and "righteousness." His entire mission, from His incarnation to His atoning death and glorious resurrection, was "for God's name's sake"—to reveal the Father's character, glorify His name, and fulfill His redemptive purposes ([John 17:4](/john/17-4 "John 17:4 - Jesus Glorifies the Father")). Moreover, Christ's sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate demonstration of God's "righteousness," satisfying divine justice while simultaneously providing a way for unrighteous sinners to be declared righteous before God through faith ([Romans 3:25-26](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25-26 - God's Righteousness Displayed in Christ")). Through His resurrection, Christ became the "life-giving Spirit" ([1 Corinthians 15:45](/1_corinthians/15-45 "1 Corinthians 15:45 - The Last Adam, a Life-Giving Spirit")), able to "quicken" those who believe in Him, bringing them from spiritual death to eternal life and delivering their souls from the ultimate trouble of condemnation and eternal separation from God ([John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - Passing from Death to Life")). Thus, David's ancient prayer finds its resounding answer in the Person and work of Jesus Christ, the one who truly quickens and delivers for God's eternal glory.

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 31:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.

Ephesians 2:4

¶ But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

Ephesians 2:5

Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

Revelation 7:14

And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

Revelation 7:17

For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

Psalms 71:2

Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me.

Psalms 119:25

¶ DALETH. My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.