Psalms 40:17

KJV

But I [am] poor and needy; [yet] the Lord thinketh upon me: thou [art] my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.

KJV (with Strong's)

But I am poor {H6041} and needy {H34}; yet the Lord {H136} thinketh {H2803}{H8799)} upon me: thou art my help {H5833} and my deliverer {H6403}{H8764)}; make no tarrying {H309}{H8762)}, O my God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But I am poor and needy; may Adonai think of me. You are my helper and rescuer; my God, don't delay!

Berean Standard Bible

But I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my helper and deliverer; O my God, do not delay.

American Standard Version

But I am poor and needy; Yetthe Lord thinketh upon me: Thou art my help and my deliverer; Make no tarrying, O my God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 40:17 serves as a poignant conclusion to a psalm of both thanksgiving and earnest petition, encapsulating the psalmist's profound humility and absolute dependence on God amidst personal affliction. Despite acknowledging his own "poor and needy" state, the psalmist expresses unwavering confidence in God's personal attentiveness, His character as a faithful helper and deliverer, and concludes with an urgent plea for divine intervention without delay. This verse beautifully articulates a theology of humble reliance and fervent prayer, affirming God's unfailing care for His vulnerable children.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 40 opens with a powerful testimony of God's past deliverance, where the psalmist recounts being rescued from a "horrible pit" and having a new song put in his mouth ([Psalm 40:1-3](/psalms/40-1 "Psalm 40:1-3 - God's Deliverance and New Song")). This section celebrates God's faithfulness and the psalmist's commitment to obedience and proclaiming God's righteousness. However, the psalm shifts dramatically around [Psalm 40:12](/psalms/40-12 "Psalm 40:12 - Overwhelmed by Troubles"), transitioning from thanksgiving to a desperate plea for help against overwhelming troubles, sins, and enemies. This latter section, including [Psalm 40:17](/psalms/40-17 "Psalm 40:17 - The Psalmist's Plea"), mirrors the distress found in many lament psalms, particularly [Psalm 70](/psalms/70 "Psalm 70 - A Prayer for Deliverance"), which is almost identical to the latter half of [Psalm 40](/psalms/40 "Psalm 40 - A Psalm of Thanksgiving and Petition"). The juxtaposition of past deliverance with present distress highlights the ongoing nature of the believer's walk of faith, marked by both celebration and persistent reliance on God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While traditionally attributed to King David, the exact historical circumstances of Psalm 40 are not specified, allowing for broad application. The terms "poor and needy" (`‘āniy wĕ’eḇyôn`) in ancient Israel often referred not merely to economic destitution but also to a state of social vulnerability, affliction, and dependence on God. The "poor" were those without human protectors or resources, thus relying solely on divine justice and provision. This status often encompassed the humble, the oppressed, and those who acknowledged their spiritual bankruptcy before God. The concept of God as "help" and "deliverer" was deeply ingrained in Israelite consciousness, rooted in the Exodus narrative where Yahweh acted as the ultimate rescuer of His people from oppression ([Exodus 15:2](/exodus/15-2 "Exodus 15:2 - The Lord is my strength and song")). Prayers for swift intervention were common, reflecting the acute suffering and perceived urgency of the petitioner in a world where immediate divine action was often the only hope.
* **Key Themes:** Psalm 40:17 encapsulates several profound themes central to the book of Psalms and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **Humility and Dependence**, as the psalmist's declaration of being "poor and needy" is not a complaint but an honest admission of utter reliance on God, contrasting human frailty with divine omnipotence. This posture is foundational for receiving God's grace, as seen in [Matthew 5:3](/matthew/5-3 "Matthew 5:3 - Blessed are the poor in spirit"). Secondly, the verse highlights **God's Attentiveness and Providence**, affirming that despite human insignificance, the "Lord thinketh upon me." This speaks to God's personal, intentional, and continuous care for His children, assuring them they are never forgotten, a truth echoed in [Psalm 139:17-18](/psalms/139-17 "Psalm 139:17-18 - God's Precious Thoughts"). Thirdly, it emphasizes **God as Helper and Deliverer**, acknowledging His active role in providing salvation, strength, and rescue from distress. This theme is pervasive throughout the Psalms, portraying God as a steadfast refuge and fortress ([Psalm 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - The Lord is my rock and my fortress")). Finally, the urgent plea, "make no tarrying, O my God," exemplifies **Faithful Petition and Persistence in Prayer**, demonstrating the psalmist's earnest desire for immediate divine action, born not of impatience but of profound trust in God's power and willingness to respond.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Poor and Needy (Hebrew, _‘āniy wĕ’eḇyôn'_):** This compound phrase is significant. `‘āniy` (poor, afflicted, humble) often describes someone oppressed or suffering, leading to a state of dependence. `’eḇyôn` (needy, destitute) emphasizes a lack of resources and a complete reliance on external help. Together, they form a powerful descriptor of one who is not only economically impoverished but also socially vulnerable, spiritually humble, and utterly reliant on God's provision and intervention. It represents a posture of spiritual destitution that opens one to divine grace, rather than a mere material condition.
* **Thinketh Upon Me (Hebrew, _ḥāšaḇ'_):** The verb `ḥāšaḇ` means "to think, devise, plan, reckon, consider." It implies a deep, intentional, and purposeful thought, not a fleeting or casual consideration. When applied to God, it conveys His active, deliberate, and caring engagement with the psalmist's situation. It assures the psalmist that God is not indifferent or distant but is actively contemplating and planning for his welfare, demonstrating divine providence and meticulous care.
* **Make No Tarrying (Hebrew, _’al-tə’aḥar'_):** This is a negative imperative from the verb `’āḥar`, meaning "to delay, linger, tarry." The psalmist's plea is for God to act swiftly and without delay. This is not a command dictating God's timing but an earnest expression of the psalmist's acute distress and desperate need for immediate rescue. It reflects a profound trust that God *can* and *will* act, coupled with a fervent desire for that action to be timely, preventing further suffering or despair.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But I am poor and needy;":** This clause immediately establishes the psalmist's self-perception and current state. It's an honest, humble confession of personal insufficiency, vulnerability, and utter dependence. This isn't a statement of self-pity but a realistic assessment of his condition before a holy and powerful God. It sets the stage for God's gracious intervention by acknowledging the psalmist's inability to help himself.
* **"[yet] the Lord thinketh upon me:** This is the pivotal turning point, a profound declaration of faith that contrasts sharply with the preceding clause. Despite his perceived insignificance and destitution, the psalmist affirms that the sovereign Lord is actively, intentionally, and personally concerned with him. This phrase offers immense comfort, assuring the believer that God's mind is occupied with their well-being, demonstrating His intimate and purposeful care.
* **"thou art my help and my deliverer;":** Here, the psalmist directly addresses God, affirming His essential character and role in his life. "Help" (`‘ēzer`) denotes assistance and support, while "deliverer" (`pālāṭ`) signifies one who rescues, frees, or brings to safety. This dual affirmation underscores God's active involvement in providing both ongoing support and ultimate rescue from distress, placing full trust in His power and faithfulness.
* **"make no tarrying, O my God.":** This final clause is an urgent, impassioned plea. It reflects the psalmist's deep distress and fervent desire for God to act swiftly. The direct address, "O my God," personalizes the prayer, emphasizing the intimate relationship and the psalmist's profound reliance on his covenant Lord. It's a cry of faith, not doubt, trusting that God's intervention is certain, and now is the time for it.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 40:17 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, specifically between the psalmist's humble declaration ("I am poor and needy") and the divine reality ("the Lord thinketh upon me"). This juxtaposition highlights God's grace and personal attention to the vulnerable. **Apostrophe** is evident in the direct address "O my God," which creates an intimate and personal tone, drawing the reader into the psalmist's fervent prayer. The verse also exhibits **Parallelism** in the pairing of "my help and my deliverer," which reinforces God's dual role as both sustainer and rescuer. Furthermore, the almost verbatim repetition of this verse in [Psalm 70:5](/psalms/70-5 "Psalm 70:5 - A Parallel Plea") serves as a powerful example of **Intertextuality** or **Echo**, demonstrating the enduring nature of this plea and its significance within the Psalter's theological landscape.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 40:17 beautifully articulates a core biblical truth: God's profound care for the humble and afflicted. It teaches that true spiritual strength often begins with an honest acknowledgment of one's weakness and dependence. This posture of humility is not a sign of defeat but an invitation for divine intervention. The psalmist's confidence that "the Lord thinketh upon me" speaks to God's meticulous providence and His personal, unwavering attention to His children, assuring them that their struggles are known and deeply considered by the Creator of the universe. The urgent plea for God to "make no tarrying" is a model of faith-filled prayer, demonstrating that it is permissible and even righteous to bring our deepest needs and desires for swift action before God, trusting in His perfect timing and sovereign will. This verse underscores the relational nature of faith, where human vulnerability meets divine faithfulness.

* [Psalm 34:6](/psalms/34-6 "Psalm 34:6 - The Poor Man Cried")
* [Isaiah 41:17](/isaiah/41-17 "Isaiah 41:17 - God Helps the Needy")
* [Matthew 5:3](/matthew/5-3 "Matthew 5:3 - Blessed are the Poor in Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 40:17 offers timeless encouragement and a practical framework for believers navigating life's challenges. It calls us to embrace a posture of genuine humility, recognizing that our "poor and needy" state—whether spiritual, emotional, or material—is not a barrier but an open door to God's grace. When we honestly acknowledge our limitations and utter dependence, we position ourselves to receive His divine help. This verse reminds us that even in our deepest vulnerabilities, God's thoughts are constantly on us, filled with purpose, love, and intricate care. This truth should banish feelings of insignificance or abandonment, fostering a deep sense of security. Furthermore, the psalmist's urgent plea teaches us the importance of fervent, persistent, and specific prayer. While God's timing is always perfect, our earnest cries for Him to "make no tarrying" reflect a profound trust in His power and willingness to act on our behalf, expressing the depth of our need and our unwavering faith in His responsiveness. It empowers us to pray boldly, knowing that our God is both our compassionate Helper and our mighty Deliverer.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel "poor and needy," and how does acknowledging this open you up to God's help?**
* **How does the truth that "the Lord thinketh upon me" impact your sense of worth and security in difficult times?**
* **When facing a pressing need, what does it mean to pray with urgency, asking God to "make no tarrying," while still trusting His perfect timing?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of God as your personal "help and deliverer" in your daily walk?**

### FAQ
**What does "poor and needy" truly mean in the context of this Psalm?**

Answer: While the terms "poor" (`‘āniy`) and "needy" (`’eḇyôn`) can certainly refer to literal economic destitution, in the Psalms, they often carry a deeper, multi-faceted meaning. Here, "poor and needy" primarily describes a spiritual and social condition of humility, affliction, and complete dependence on God. It signifies one who is without human resources, power, or influence, and therefore looks solely to God for justice, protection, and provision. It's a posture of spiritual bankruptcy, acknowledging one's utter inability to help oneself and thus opening the door to God's gracious intervention. It encompasses the humble, the oppressed, and those who are afflicted in spirit.

**Is it appropriate to tell God to "make no tarrying"? Doesn't God act in His own time?**

Answer: Yes, it is entirely appropriate. The psalmist's plea to "make no tarrying" (`’al-tə’aḥar`) is not an attempt to dictate God's timing or to express impatience born of doubt. Rather, it is a fervent, faith-filled cry born out of deep distress and an earnest desire for God's swift and decisive intervention. It reflects profound trust in God's power and willingness to act, coupled with the acute suffering of the petitioner. It is a passionate expression of need, acknowledging that only God can bring about the desired deliverance. While God's timing is indeed perfect and sovereign, the Bible encourages us to pray boldly, persistently, and with urgency, laying our deepest desires and needs before Him ([Luke 18:1-8](/luke/18-1 "Luke 18:1-8 - The Parable of the Persistent Widow")).

**How does God "think upon" us, as the verse states?**

Answer: The phrase "the Lord thinketh upon me" (from the Hebrew `ḥāšaḇ`) signifies God's deep, intentional, and purposeful consideration. It's far more than a casual thought; it implies that God is actively devising, planning, and purposing for the psalmist's well-being. This speaks to God's meticulous providence and His intimate, personal care for His children. It assures us that God is not distant or indifferent to our struggles but is actively engaged in our lives, remembering us, and working out His good purposes for us ([Jeremiah 29:11](/jeremiah/29-11 "Jeremiah 29:11 - God's Plans for You")). It means He has us constantly in His mind, with thoughts of peace and a future, demonstrating His unfailing love and faithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 40:17 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The psalmist's declaration, "But I am poor and needy," resonates deeply with Christ's incarnation and earthly ministry. Though eternally rich in glory, Jesus "made himself poor" for our sakes ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")), emptying Himself of divine prerogatives to take on human flesh and experience the full spectrum of human vulnerability, affliction, and dependence. He was truly the "poor in spirit" ([Matthew 5:3](/matthew/5-3 "Matthew 5:3 - Blessed are the Poor in Spirit")), relying utterly on His Father. The assurance that "the Lord thinketh upon me" is perfectly embodied in God the Father's meticulous plan for redemption, conceived in eternity and executed through His Son. Every step of Christ's life, from His miraculous birth to His agonizing death and glorious resurrection, was part of the Father's intentional thought and purpose to deliver humanity. Jesus Himself is the ultimate "help and deliverer," providing salvation from sin and death through His atoning sacrifice on the cross ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Deliverance from Death")). He is our constant Helper, interceding for us at the Father's right hand ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession")). Finally, the psalmist's urgent plea, "make no tarrying, O my God," finds its answer in Christ's decisive and timely work of salvation. God did not tarry in sending His Son "when the fullness of time had come" ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - God Sent His Son in the Fullness of Time")), providing the ultimate and eternal deliverance for all who are "poor and needy" in spirit and call upon His name.

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 70:5

But I [am] poor and needy: make haste unto me, O God: thou [art] my help and my deliverer; O LORD, make no tarrying.

Isaiah 41:17

[When] the poor and needy seek water, and [there is] none, [and] their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.

Psalms 34:6

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

Hebrews 13:6

So that we may boldly say, The Lord [is] my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

1 Peter 5:7

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Psalms 54:4

¶ Behold, God [is] mine helper: the Lord [is] with them that uphold my soul.

Psalms 40:5

Many, O LORD my God, [are] thy wonderful works [which] thou hast done, and thy thoughts [which are] to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: [if] I would declare and speak [of them], they are more than can be numbered.