Psalms 40:11

KJV

¶ Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O LORD: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me.

KJV (with Strong's)

Withhold {H3607}{H8799)} not thou thy tender mercies {H7356} from me, O LORD {H3068}: let thy lovingkindness {H2617} and thy truth {H571} continually {H8548} preserve {H5341}{H8799)} me.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI, don't withhold your mercy from me. Let your grace and truth preserve me always.

Berean Standard Bible

O LORD, do not withhold Your mercy from me; Your loving devotion and faithfulness will always guard me.

American Standard Version

Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O Jehovah; Let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 40:11 is a profound petition from David, a pivotal moment in a psalm that transitions from thanksgiving for past deliverance to an earnest plea for ongoing divine intervention. Despite having experienced God's powerful rescue, the psalmist acknowledges his continuous vulnerability and expresses an urgent, unwavering dependence on the Lord's compassionate character. He implores God to perpetually extend His tender mercies, steadfast lovingkindness, and unwavering truth, recognizing these attributes as the very source of his sustained preservation amidst life's relentless challenges and the machinations of his adversaries.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 40 is a composite psalm, beginning as a psalm of thanksgiving (verses 1-10) and shifting to a psalm of lament and petition (verses 11-17). The opening verses vividly recount God's miraculous deliverance of the psalmist from a "horrible pit" and "miry clay," establishing a foundation of divine faithfulness and a commitment to proclaim God's righteousness and salvation (e.g., [Psalms 40:1-3](/psalms/40-1 "Psalms 40:1-3 - God's Deliverance")). David then expresses his delight in doing God's will and proclaiming His truth to the great congregation (e.g., [Psalms 40:8-10](/psalms/40-8 "Psalms 40:8-10 - David's Obedience and Proclamation")). Verse 11 marks a crucial pivot, as the psalmist, despite his past experience of deliverance and present commitment, recognizes an ongoing, desperate need for God's continuous mercy. This transition sets the stage for the subsequent verses, which detail the overwhelming troubles, sins, and enemies that threaten to engulf him (e.g., [Psalms 40:12-15](/psalms/40-12 "Psalms 40:12-15 - David's Troubles and Enemies")). Thus, verse 11 is not a sign of doubt, but rather a profound acknowledgment of perpetual human frailty and the enduring necessity of divine grace.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** As a psalm of David, Psalms 40:11 resonates with the experiences of a king who, despite his anointing and position, faced constant threats, personal failures, and spiritual battles. The cultural understanding of a covenant relationship with Yahweh was central to Israelite identity. God's "tender mercies" (rachamim) and "lovingkindness" (hesed) were not abstract concepts but deeply embedded in the nation's history, from the Exodus deliverance (e.g., [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6-7 - The Lord's Compassion and Faithfulness")) to the establishment of the Davidic covenant. The plea for "truth" (emeth) to preserve him reflects a reliance on God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, a cornerstone of Israel's hope. David's life, marked by both triumph and tribulation, made him acutely aware that even the most powerful human leader was utterly dependent on the Lord for sustained protection and blessing. This prayer reflects a universal human condition, magnified by the unique pressures of leadership in ancient Israel, where divine favor was seen as essential for national stability and personal well-being.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **continual dependence on God**. Even after experiencing profound deliverance and expressing commitment to God's will, the psalmist acknowledges an ongoing, daily need for divine grace and protection. This highlights that salvation is not a one-time event but a continuous relationship of reliance. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **God's compassionate and covenantal nature**. The appeal to "tender mercies," "lovingkindness," and "truth" showcases God's character as intimately compassionate, fiercely loyal to His covenant promises, and utterly reliable. This aligns with the recurring biblical portrayal of God as merciful and faithful (e.g., [Psalms 103:8](/psalms/103-8 "Psalms 103:8 - The Lord's Compassion")). Finally, the plea for **divine preservation** is central. David is not merely asking for a momentary rescue, but for God's attributes to "continually preserve" him, indicating a desire for sustained safety and spiritual integrity against all forms of adversity, whether internal struggles or external enemies. This theme is echoed throughout the Psalms, where the righteous consistently seek God's protection (e.g., [Psalms 121:7-8](/psalms/121-7 "Psalms 121:7-8 - The Lord as Keeper")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **tender mercies (Hebrew, _rachamim'_):** Derived from the word for "womb," this term conveys a deep, visceral, motherly compassion or pity. It speaks of God's profound, intimate sympathy, affection, and tender care, often associated with a parent's love for a child. It is a feeling of deep empathy that moves one to action on behalf of another.
* **lovingkindness (Hebrew, _ḥesed'_):** This is one of the most crucial Old Testament terms, often translated as "steadfast love," "mercy," or "covenant loyalty." It describes God's faithful, unwavering, and active love that is committed to His covenant promises. Unlike mere sentiment, *ḥesed* implies a loyal, active, and enduring commitment to a relationship, particularly God's steadfast loyalty to His people despite their failures.
* **truth (Hebrew, _’emeth'_):** This term signifies faithfulness, reliability, stability, and integrity. When applied to God, it speaks of His unchangeable character, the certainty of His word, and the reliability of His promises. God's truth is the foundation of His actions and His relationship with humanity, ensuring that He is always consistent with His own nature and word.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O LORD":** This is a direct, urgent plea to Yahweh, the covenant God. The psalmist implores God not to cease or withdraw His profound, compassionate care. The use of "tender mercies" (rachamim) highlights a deep, almost desperate, need for God's intimate, visceral empathy and pity, akin to a child's cry to a parent. It acknowledges God's sovereign right to give or withhold, but appeals to His inherent nature of compassion.
* **"let thy lovingkindness and thy truth":** Here, the psalmist identifies two specific, foundational attributes of God upon which he bases his petition. "Lovingkindness" (ḥesed) refers to God's steadfast, loyal, covenantal love, which is active and enduring. "Truth" (’emeth) refers to God's unwavering faithfulness and reliability. These two attributes are often paired in Scripture, representing the fullness of God's dependable character and His commitment to His promises. The prayer is that these divine qualities would be actively manifested in his life.
* **"continually preserve me":** This phrase expresses the desired outcome of the prayer. The word "continually" (tamid) emphasizes the ongoing, ceaseless nature of the need and the requested divine action. "Preserve" (naṣar) means to guard, protect, watch over, or keep. It implies safeguarding from harm, maintaining in safety, and sustaining one's life and well-being. The psalmist is not asking for a one-time rescue, but for an enduring, perpetual guardianship by God's very nature.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. **Parallelism** is evident in the pairing of "tender mercies" with "lovingkindness and thy truth," where the latter phrase expands and reinforces the former, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of God's benevolent character. The entire verse functions as a powerful **Supplication** or **Petition**, a direct and earnest appeal to God. The psalmist uses **Metonymy** when he asks for God's "lovingkindness and truth" to "preserve" him; it is not the abstract qualities themselves, but God, acting *through* these qualities, who performs the preservation. The word "continually" serves as an **Adverbial Emphasis**, highlighting the psalmist's recognition that his need for God's protection is not episodic but constant and enduring, reflecting a profound sense of human vulnerability and divine constancy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 40:11 stands as a powerful testament to the enduring nature of human dependence on God and the unchanging character of the Divine. It underscores that even after experiencing profound deliverance and committing to God's will, the believer's need for divine grace is perpetual. This verse highlights the interconnectedness of God's attributes—His tender compassion (rachamim), steadfast love (ḥesed), and unwavering faithfulness (emeth)—as the foundation for His protective and preserving work. It teaches us that prayer is not merely for moments of crisis, but an ongoing conversation rooted in confidence in who God is, trusting that His character guarantees His commitment to His people. This plea for continuous preservation reflects a deep theological truth: God's work in a believer's life is a lifelong process of sanctification and sustenance, not a one-time event.

* [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22 "The Lord's Mercies are New Every Morning")
* [Psalms 36:5](/psalms/36-5 "God's Steadfast Love and Faithfulness")
* [Psalms 107:1](/psalms/107-1 "Give Thanks to the Lord, for He is Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 40:11 offers a timeless model for the believer's prayer life and spiritual posture. It reminds us that even when we have experienced God's mighty hand of deliverance in the past, our journey of faith is one of continuous reliance on His grace. This verse invites us to cultivate a posture of humble dependence, acknowledging that our spiritual, emotional, and even physical preservation is not a result of our own strength or merit, but flows directly from God's unchanging character—His tender mercies, steadfast lovingkindness, and unwavering truth. In a world fraught with uncertainty, challenges, and temptations, David's plea encourages us to persistently seek God's face, trusting that His nature compels Him to watch over and sustain His children. It calls us to ground our prayers not in our feelings or circumstances, but in the rock-solid reality of who God is, confident that His compassionate and faithful love will continually preserve us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does acknowledging past deliverance (as in the beginning of Psalm 40) strengthen your current prayers for God's ongoing mercy and preservation?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you most acutely feel the need for God's "tender mercies," "lovingkindness," and "truth" to continually preserve you today?**
* **How does understanding the depth of God's character (His *rachamim*, *ḥesed*, and *’emeth*) deepen your trust and persistence in prayer, especially when facing prolonged challenges?**

### FAQ

**Why does David, a king, still need "preservation" and God's "tender mercies"?**

Answer: David, despite being a king, was still a human being susceptible to all the vulnerabilities of the human condition. Kings in ancient Israel faced immense pressures, including political conspiracies, military threats, personal failures, and spiritual struggles. The psalm itself, particularly the verses following Psalms 40:11 (e.g., [Psalms 40:12-15](/psalms/40-12 "Psalms 40:12-15 - David's Troubles and Enemies")), details the overwhelming "evils" and "iniquities" that surrounded him, as well as the enemies who sought his ruin. This verse highlights that even those in positions of power or those who have experienced great deliverance are not exempt from the need for God's daily, continuous preservation. It underscores a universal truth: all humanity, regardless of status, remains utterly dependent on God's grace for sustenance and protection, both physically and spiritually.

**What is the difference between "tender mercies" and "lovingkindness" in this verse, and why are both mentioned with "truth"?**

Answer: While both "tender mercies" (rachamim) and "lovingkindness" (ḥesed) speak to God's benevolent nature, they emphasize different facets. "Tender mercies" (rachamim) denotes a deep, visceral, often motherly compassion or pity, a profound empathy that moves God to act on behalf of the vulnerable. It's a feeling from the very core of His being. "Lovingkindness" (ḥesed), on the other hand, refers to God's steadfast, loyal, covenantal love. It's an active, enduring commitment to His promises and to His people within the framework of their relationship. It speaks to His faithfulness to His word and covenant. Both are mentioned alongside "truth" (’emeth), which signifies God's unwavering reliability, consistency, and integrity. The psalmist appeals to these three attributes collectively because they represent the full spectrum of God's dependable character. He is not just compassionate, but also faithfully committed to His promises, and utterly reliable in His nature. Together, these attributes form the secure foundation upon which the psalmist's plea for continuous preservation rests.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 40:11 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the "tender mercies," "lovingkindness," and "truth" of God, and through whom God's people are continually preserved. Jesus is the very expression of God's *rachamim*, demonstrating profound compassion for the sick, the marginalized, and the lost throughout His earthly ministry (e.g., [Matthew 9:36](/matthew/9-36 "Matthew 9:36 - Jesus' Compassion for the Crowds")). He is the embodiment of God's *ḥesed*, the steadfast, covenantal love promised through the ages, particularly in His sacrificial death and resurrection, which secured the new covenant for all who believe (e.g., [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Moreover, Jesus is the "truth" incarnate (e.g., [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), the faithful and true witness of God's character and promises (e.g., [Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - The Amen, the Faithful and True Witness")). The psalmist's plea for God's attributes to "continually preserve" him is answered definitively in Christ, who not only delivers from the "horrible pit" of sin and death but also promises to keep and preserve His sheep so that "no one will snatch them out of my hand" (e.g., [John 10:28-29](/john/10-28 "John 10:28-29 - Jesus' Sheep are Secure")). Through His ongoing intercession at the right hand of God, Christ ensures the continuous preservation of His saints, fulfilling the deepest longing of the psalmist's prayer (e.g., [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Our High Priest")).

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 43:3

O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.

Psalms 23:6

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Psalms 57:3

He shall send from heaven, and save me [from] the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth.

Proverbs 20:28

¶ Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy.

Psalms 69:16

Hear me, O LORD; for thy lovingkindness [is] good: turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies.

Psalms 61:7

He shall abide before God for ever: O prepare mercy and truth, [which] may preserve him.

Psalms 69:13

¶ But as for me, my prayer [is] unto thee, O LORD, [in] an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation.