Psalms 41:2

KJV

The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; [and] he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} will preserve {H8104}{H8799)} him, and keep him alive {H2421}{H8762)}; and he shall be blessed {H833}{H8795)} upon the earth {H776}: and thou wilt not deliver {H5414}{H8799)} him unto the will {H5315} of his enemies {H341}{H8802)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI will preserve them, keep them alive, and make them happy in the land. You will not hand them over to the whims of their enemies.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD will protect and preserve him; He will bless him in the land and refuse to surrender him to the will of his foes.

American Standard Version

Jehovah will preserve him, and keep him alive, And he shall be blessed upon the earth; And deliver not thou him unto the will of his enemies.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 41:2 offers a profound divine assurance of preservation, sustained life, and earthly blessing for the individual who demonstrates compassion and considers the poor, as introduced in the preceding verse. It declares that the LORD Himself acts as a vigilant guardian, actively safeguarding the righteous from the malicious intentions and destructive power of their adversaries, thereby securing their well-being and preventing their ultimate downfall.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 41 concludes Book One of the Psalter, serving as a significant bridge to the subsequent collections. It commences with a beatitude in [Psalm 41:1](/psalms/41-1 "Psalm 41:1 - Blessing for the Compassionate"), pronouncing a blessing upon those who show compassionate consideration for the weak and needy. Verse 2 immediately elaborates on the tangible, divine responses to such merciful action, detailing the specific protection and favor that follow. The psalm then transitions from this general principle to David’s deeply personal lament over severe illness and the painful betrayal by a close friend, starkly contrasting God's unwavering faithfulness with human treachery, as seen in [Psalm 41:4-9](/psalms/41-4-9 "Psalm 41:4-9 - David's Illness and Betrayal"). Despite his profound suffering, David expresses unwavering confidence in God's ultimate vindication and concludes with a powerful doxology, affirming God's eternal sovereignty in [Psalm 41:10-13](/psalms/41-10-13 "Psalm 41:10-13 - David's Plea and Doxology"). Thus, verse 2 stands as a foundational promise of God's character and commitment, even when the psalmist's immediate experience seems to contradict it.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Traditionally attributed to King David, Psalm 41 likely reflects a period of intense personal suffering, possibly a severe illness that brought him to the brink of death, compounded by the anguish of betrayal by a trusted confidant. This internal struggle was set against the backdrop of persistent threats from external enemies who eagerly anticipated his demise. In ancient Israel, illness was frequently perceived as a consequence of sin or a sign of divine judgment, making divine healing and preservation a profound manifestation of God's favor and covenant faithfulness. The "enemies" mentioned were not abstract concepts but real political or personal foes who would gloat over David's misfortune and actively seek his downfall. The concept of being "blessed upon the earth" was a highly cherished aspect of the covenant, signifying tangible well-being, prosperity, long life, and the flourishing of one's household and endeavors, standing in stark contrast to the shame, destitution, and vulnerability often associated with being delivered to one's enemies.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **Divine Retribution and Reward**, asserting that God actively responds to human actions, particularly those demonstrating righteousness and compassion, with tangible blessings and protection. It underscores the profound importance of **Compassion and Care for the Vulnerable**, a recurring motif throughout Scripture, exemplified in the Mosaic Law, the teachings of the Prophets, and most fully in the life and teachings of Jesus, as seen in [Matthew 5:7](/matthew/5-7 "Matthew 5:7 - Blessed are the Merciful"). The psalm also deeply grapples with the theme of **Suffering and Deliverance**, presenting the paradox that while the righteous may indeed suffer, God ultimately preserves and vindicates them. Finally, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **Trust in God's Sovereignty**, even in the face of profound betrayal and adversity, demonstrating that God's ultimate control over the "will of his enemies" ensures the ultimate security and flourishing of His faithful ones, as also echoed in [Psalm 91](/psalms/91 "Psalm 91 - The Security of Those Who Trust in God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Preserve (Hebrew, _shâmar'_):** From H8104, this primitive root means "to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc." It signifies an active, diligent, and continuous oversight by God. It implies not merely passive observation but an engaged act of safeguarding, suggesting a divine commitment to the well-being of the compassionate individual, preventing harm or destruction by enclosing them in a protective sphere.
* **Keep him alive (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** From H2421, this primitive root means "to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive." It denotes not only the continuation of physical life but also restoration, revival, or renewal of vitality. In the context of potential illness or threat, it points to God's power to restore health, invigorate, and sustain life even when it is gravely threatened by sickness or adversaries, ensuring a thriving existence, not just mere survival.
* **Will (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** From H5315, this word properly refers to "a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality." Used very widely, it can mean soul, appetite, desire, or the very essence of a person's being. In the phrase "will of his enemies," it refers to their deepest, most malicious desires, their very "soul's intent" to harm or destroy. God's promise is that He will not deliver the righteous to the core malicious intent or destructive purposes of their adversaries.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive":** This opening clause establishes God (Yᵉhôvâh, H3068) as the active subject and primary agent of protection and sustenance. The dual verbs emphasize the comprehensive nature of divine care: not only guarding against external threats (preserve) but also maintaining and restoring internal vitality (keep alive), which is particularly relevant in a context of illness or weakness. It highlights God's personal, intimate, and active involvement in the life of the righteous, ensuring their holistic well-being.
* **"[and] he shall be blessed upon the earth":** This phrase specifies the scope and nature of the divine favor. The blessing (H833, _ʼâshar_) is not merely spiritual or eschatological but tangible and experienced "upon the earth" (H776, _ʼerets_). It signifies a state of flourishing, well-being, and prosperity in the present life, indicating that God's favor has practical, observable manifestations in the world, leading to a life of genuine happiness and divine approval.
* **"and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies":** This strong negative declaration provides a crucial assurance. It emphasizes God's ultimate sovereignty over the malevolent intentions and schemes of adversaries (H341, _ʼôyêb_). God guarantees that He will not permit their ultimate triumph or allow the righteous to fall completely under their malicious control (H5315, _nephesh_). This clause underscores divine protection against the deepest desires of foes, ensuring final vindication and security from their destructive purposes.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 41:2 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message of divine protection and blessing. **Parallelism** is prominently featured in the opening phrases: "The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive." This is a clear instance of **synonymous parallelism**, where the second clause reinforces and expands upon the first, emphasizing the comprehensive and multifaceted nature of God's safeguarding. A subtle form of **antithetical parallelism** can also be observed between the positive affirmation of "he shall be blessed upon the earth" and the negative assurance "thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies," contrasting God's benevolent bestowal of favor with His protective negation of malicious intentions. The direct, declarative statements throughout the verse create a powerful sense of **Divine Assurance**, conveying absolute certainty and the unwavering nature of God's promises. Furthermore, the phrase "the will of his enemies" uses **personification** to attribute malicious intent, desire, and agency to abstract adversaries, making their threat more vivid and the divine protection more impactful and personal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse deeply connects to the biblical understanding of God's character as both a righteous judge and a compassionate Father who actively intervenes on behalf of those who reflect His own heart. It underscores the profound principle that acts of mercy and kindness towards the vulnerable are not merely good deeds but are, in a sense, "lent to the LORD" and met with divine favor and protection. The promise of preservation and blessing, particularly from the designs of enemies, reveals God's unwavering commitment to upholding justice and ensuring the ultimate vindication of the righteous. This is not a transactional theology where good deeds earn salvation, but rather an affirmation that God's covenant faithfulness extends to those who live in alignment with His kingdom values, demonstrating His profound care for His people in the midst of a fallen world.

* [Proverbs 19:17](/proverbs/19-17 "Proverbs 19:17 - Lending to the LORD")
* [Matthew 5:7](/matthew/5-7 "Matthew 5:7 - Blessed are the Merciful")
* [Psalm 91:14-16](/psalms/91-14-16 "Psalm 91:14-16 - God's Promise of Deliverance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 41:2 offers profound comfort and enduring encouragement for believers navigating a world often marked by suffering, injustice, and opposition. It serves as a powerful reminder that our acts of compassion, particularly towards the marginalized and vulnerable, are not only noticed but deeply honored by God. While we are not promised a life entirely free from hardship, illness, or betrayal, this verse assures us that God's preserving and sustaining hand is upon us. Our ultimate security rests not in our fleeting circumstances or fragile human alliances, but in the unwavering faithfulness of the LORD, who will not allow the malicious desires of our spiritual or physical enemies to ultimately prevail against us. This profound truth empowers us to continue living with open hearts and generous hands, trusting that God will sustain us, bless our lives, and ultimately deliver us, even when facing our deepest trials. It calls us to embody the very compassion we receive from God, knowing that our security is anchored in His unchanging character and sovereign power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does showing compassion to others reflect God's character, and how might this verse encourage you to practice it more intentionally in your daily life?**
* **In what specific ways have you personally experienced God's preservation, sustenance, or blessing in your life, especially during times of difficulty, illness, or opposition?**
* **How does the promise of protection from "the will of his enemies" encourage and strengthen you when facing spiritual attacks, personal adversaries, or systemic injustices?**
* **Considering the broader context of [Psalm 41:1](/psalms/41-1 "Psalm 41:1 - Blessing for the Compassionate"), what practical steps can you take this week to "consider the poor" or vulnerable in your community, trusting in God's promise of favor and blessing?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse promise that compassionate people will never experience suffering or illness?**

Answer: No, this verse does not promise immunity from suffering or illness. In fact, the immediate context of Psalm 41 itself reveals that David, the psalmist, was experiencing severe illness and betrayal when he wrote this psalm, as detailed in [Psalm 41:3-4](/psalms/41-3-4 "Psalm 41:3-4 - God Sustains the Sick"). The promise here is that God will *preserve* and *keep alive* the compassionate individual *through* their suffering, sustaining them and preventing their ultimate destruction by their enemies. God's preservation often means granting strength, resilience, and eventual deliverance *in* the midst of trials, rather than preventing all hardship. As [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Grace is Sufficient") reminds us, God's power is often made perfect in our weakness, sustaining us through rather than removing our trials.

**What does "blessed upon the earth" mean in a modern context?**

Answer: "Blessed upon the earth" refers to tangible well-being, divine favor, and a profound sense of God's presence and provision in one's earthly life. In a modern context, this does not necessarily guarantee material wealth or an absence of challenges, but rather encompasses a holistic sense of flourishing. It can include physical health, emotional peace, adequate provision for needs, meaningful relationships, spiritual vitality, and the ability to thrive and fulfill one's purpose, even amidst difficulties. It signifies God's sustaining hand and His active involvement in the daily lives of His faithful, ensuring that their fundamental needs are met and their lives bear fruit for His glory, as promised in [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs").

**How can God "not deliver him unto the will of his enemies" when believers still face opposition and persecution, even to the point of death?**

Answer: This promise speaks to God's ultimate sovereignty and the spiritual security of His people, rather than a guarantee of physical immunity from all harm. While believers may indeed face intense opposition, persecution, and even martyrdom, God ensures that the *ultimate* will of the enemy—to utterly destroy faith, thwart God's purposes, or claim final victory over the believer's soul—will not prevail. God's preservation means that the believer's soul and ultimate destiny are eternally secure in His hands. Even in death, believers are not "delivered unto the will of their enemies" because death itself has been conquered by Christ. The promise assures that no adversary, no matter how powerful, can ultimately separate believers from God's love or prevent His eternal plan from unfolding for those who trust in Him, as powerfully articulated in [Romans 8:37-39](/romans/8-37-39 "Romans 8:37-39 - More Than Conquerors").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 41:2 finds its most profound and complete fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate "blessed man" who perfectly embodied the compassion described in [Psalm 41:1](/psalms/41-1 "Psalm 41:1 - Blessing for the Compassionate"), consistently showing mercy to the poor, sick, and outcast throughout His earthly ministry, as vividly portrayed in [Matthew 9:36](/matthew/9-36 "Matthew 9:36 - Jesus' Compassion for the Crowds"). Though He faced immense suffering, betrayal by a close friend, and the relentless "will of His enemies" (both human and demonic forces), the LORD indeed "preserved Him" through countless attempts on His life until His appointed time for the cross, as indicated in [John 7:30](/john/7-30 "John 7:30 - Jesus' Time Had Not Yet Come"). Ultimately, God "kept Him alive" by raising Him from the dead, triumphing over sin, death, and the very power of the enemy, a truth powerfully declared in [Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Jesus From the Dead"). Jesus was truly "blessed upon the earth" through His glorious resurrection and ascension, receiving all authority in heaven and on earth, as He Himself proclaimed in [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus"), and establishing His eternal kingdom. For believers, this promise is fulfilled by virtue of their spiritual union with Christ: because He was preserved, kept alive, and blessed, those who are "in Him" share in His victory and receive His Spirit, ensuring their own ultimate preservation and eternal blessing, beyond the reach of any enemy's will, for their life is "hidden with Christ in God" as [Colossians 3:3](/colossians/3-3 "Colossians 3:3 - Your Life is Hidden with Christ in God") assures us.

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

Jeremiah 45:4

Thus shalt thou say unto him, The LORD saith thus; Behold, [that] which I have built will I break down, and that which I have planted I will pluck up, even this whole land.

Jeremiah 45:5

And seekest thou great things for thyself? seek [them] not: for, behold, I will bring evil upon all flesh, saith the LORD: but thy life will I give unto thee for a prey in all places whither thou goest.

Psalms 27:12

Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.

1 Timothy 4:8

For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

Psalms 37:32

The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.

Psalms 37:33

The LORD will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.

Psalms 37:22

For [such as be] blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and [they that be] cursed of him shall be cut off.