Psalms 41:8

KJV

An evil disease, [say they], cleaveth fast unto him: and [now] that he lieth he shall rise up no more.

KJV (with Strong's)

An evil {H1100} disease {H1697}, say they, cleaveth fast {H3332}{H8803)} unto him: and now that he lieth {H7901}{H8804)} he shall rise up {H6965}{H8800)} no more {H3254}{H8686)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"A fatal disease has attached itself to him; now that he lies ill, he will never get up."

Berean Standard Bible

“A vile disease has been poured into him; he will never get up from where he lies!”

American Standard Version

An evil disease, say they, cleaveth fast unto him; And now that he lieth he shall rise up no more.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 41:8 captures the cruel and malicious pronouncements of David's enemies, who interpret his severe illness as an "evil disease"—a wicked affliction or divine judgment—that has irrevocably seized him. They declare with certainty that his current prostration is permanent, expressing their fervent hope and belief that he will never recover, rise from his bed of suffering, or regain his position of power, thus signaling his complete and irreversible downfall. This verse vividly portrays the depth of their animosity and their desire for his utter ruin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 41 concludes Book One of the Psalter, serving as a poignant summation of themes prevalent throughout this section: the suffering of the righteous, the treachery of enemies, and the ultimate trust in God's deliverance. The psalm opens with a beatitude for those who care for the afflicted, immediately setting up a contrast with the enemies' lack of compassion, as seen in [the blessing for the compassionate](/psalms/41-1 "Psalm 41:1 - Blessing for the Compassionate"). David quickly shifts from a general observation to his personal lament, detailing his severe physical illness, a condition where [God sustains the sick](/psalms/41-3 "Psalm 41:3 - God Sustains the Sick"), and the profound betrayal of a trusted friend, as highlighted in [Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Close Friend"). Verse 8 directly follows David's plea for God's mercy and healing, highlighting the external pressure and psychological torment inflicted by his adversaries who gloat over his condition and predict his demise, making his plea for divine intervention all the more urgent.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During David's time, illness was often perceived as a direct consequence of sin, a common ancient Near Eastern belief that even some biblical figures held, though it is challenged elsewhere in Scripture, such as in [Jesus' teaching on blindness and sin](/john/9-3 "John 9:3 - Jesus on Blindness and Sin"). David's enemies, therefore, likely saw his sickness not merely as a physical ailment but as divine judgment for some hidden sin, justifying their malicious hopes. The political landscape was often precarious, and a king's perceived weakness, especially due to illness, could invite rebellion or undermine his authority. The desire for David to "rise up no more" reflects not only a wish for his death but also for the permanent end of his reign and influence, a common ambition among rivals and traitors in ancient monarchies. The betrayal by a close confidant, explicitly mentioned in [Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Betrayal by a Close Friend"), further underscores the personal and political vulnerability David experienced.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of the **suffering of the righteous**, showing that even God's anointed can face severe physical and emotional distress, compounded by the cruelty of others. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **false accusation and malicious judgment**, as David's enemies wrongly attribute his suffering to divine wrath and eagerly anticipate his permanent downfall. This stands in stark contrast to the theme of **divine justice and vindication**, which David trusts in and ultimately experiences, as seen in [David's hope for vindication](/psalms/41-10-13 "Psalm 41:10-13 - David's Hope for Vindication"). Finally, the psalm, particularly [the betrayal prophecy](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - The Betrayal Prophecy"), introduces the profound theme of **betrayal by a trusted friend**, a motif that finds its ultimate and tragic fulfillment in the New Testament with Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus, as referenced in [John 13:18](/john/13-18 "John 13:18 - Jesus Prophesies Betrayal").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Evil disease (Hebrew, _dâbâr bᵉlîyaʻal'_ - H1697, H1100):** The King James Version translates this phrase as "An evil disease." However, a more literal translation of the Hebrew דְּבַר בְּלִיַּעַל (_dâbâr bᵉlîyaʻal_) is "a word/thing of worthlessness" or "a matter of wickedness." The word _dâbâr_ (H1697) means "word," "thing," "matter," or "affair," and can indeed imply "disease" in certain contexts. The term _bᵉlîyaʻal_ (H1100) signifies "worthlessness," "wickedness," or "destruction," often associated with ungodly or wicked individuals (hence "Belial"). Thus, the enemies are not merely observing David's physical illness but are attributing it to something inherently wicked, worthless, or even demonic that has taken hold of him. They imply it is an incurable, morally charged affliction, perhaps a divine curse or a manifestation of his own supposed wickedness. This interpretation underscores their judgmental and condemnatory attitude.
* **Cleaveth fast (Hebrew, _yâtsaq'_ - H3332):** The Hebrew verb יָצַק (_yâtsaq_) means "to pour out," "to melt or cast as metal," and by extension, "to place firmly," "to stiffen," or "to grow hard." In this context, it conveys the idea of an inescapable, persistent, and deeply rooted condition, as if the "evil disease" has been poured onto him and hardened, becoming inextricably bound to David. The enemies believe that this affliction is not a temporary ailment but a permanent, fatal attachment from which he cannot be separated, much like metal cast into a mold. This reinforces their conviction that his downfall is irreversible.
* **Rise up (Hebrew, _qûwm'_ - H6965):** The Hebrew verb קוּם (_qûwm_) is a primitive root meaning "to rise" in various applications, including literal standing up, getting up from a bed, or figuratively, to recover, be established, or succeed. In the enemies' malicious declaration, "he shall rise up no more," this word carries the full weight of their desire for David's complete and irreversible downfall. It implies not only that he will not physically recover from his illness but also that he will not regain his strength, his position, or his authority. It signifies the permanent end of his influence and reign.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"An evil disease, [say they], cleaveth fast unto him:"** This clause reveals the enemies' diagnosis and judgment. They are not merely observing David's physical suffering but are actively interpreting it as a profound, morally tainted affliction. The parenthetical "[say they]" (added by KJV translators for clarity) correctly indicates that these are the words and opinions of David's adversaries. They assert that a "thing of wickedness" or a "worthless matter" has been "poured out" upon him and has "cleaved fast" or become firmly fixed to him, suggesting an incurable and perhaps divinely inflicted malady that has taken permanent hold. This phrase reflects their malicious glee and their belief that David's suffering is just punishment.
* **"and [now] that he lieth he shall rise up no more."** This second clause expresses the enemies' desired prognosis and ultimate hope. Based on their diagnosis of an "evil disease" that has "cleaved fast," they conclude that David's current prostrate state (lying ill in bed) will be permanent. The phrase "he shall rise up no more" signifies their wish for his complete and irreversible ruin—not only physical death but also the end of his influence, his reign, and any possibility of recovery or vindication. It is a declaration of his utter and final defeat from their perspective.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 41:8 employs several potent literary devices to convey the enemies' malice and David's plight. **Malicious Prognostication** is central, as the adversaries not only observe David's illness but actively declare his future, predicting his permanent downfall. This is coupled with **Hyperbole**, as their declaration "he shall rise up no more" is an exaggerated expression of their desire for his complete and irreversible ruin, extending beyond mere physical death to the cessation of his influence and reign. There is also a strong element of **Dramatic Irony**, particularly when viewed from the broader context of the psalm and David's life, as David *does* ultimately rise and is vindicated by God, proving his enemies' prognosis false. The phrase "evil disease" also carries a strong sense of **Loaded Language**, as it is not an objective medical diagnosis but a morally charged accusation, implying divine judgment or inherent wickedness on David's part. Furthermore, the verb "cleaveth fast" (Hebrew _yâtsaq_) functions as a **Metaphor** for the permanent, unyielding nature of the affliction they wish upon him, likening it to something poured and hardened, an inescapable bond.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 41:8 speaks powerfully to the human experience of suffering, particularly when compounded by the cruelty and false judgment of others. The enemies' declaration that David's illness is an "evil disease" and that he "shall rise up no more" reflects a common ancient misconception that all suffering is a direct result of personal sin, a notion challenged throughout Scripture. Theologically, this verse underscores God's sovereignty over life and death, and His power to vindicate the righteous even when they are at their weakest and most vulnerable. It highlights the stark contrast between human malice and divine faithfulness, reminding us that God's plans for His people often transcend the immediate circumstances and the desires of their adversaries. David's ultimate recovery and vindication, implied by the psalm's hopeful conclusion, demonstrate that God has the final word, not human enemies.

* [Job 2:9-10](/job/2-9 "Job 2:9-10 - Job's Wife and His Response")
* [Luke 23:35](/luke/23-35 "Luke 23:35 - Mocking of Jesus on the Cross")
* [Psalms 27:1-3](/psalms/27-1-3 "Psalm 27:1-3 - The Lord is My Light and Salvation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 41:8 serves as a stark reminder of the human tendency to judge, condemn, and even gloat over the misfortunes of others, particularly when we believe their suffering is deserved. It challenges us to examine our own hearts: Do we ever secretly wish for the downfall of those we oppose, or attribute their struggles to hidden sins? This verse calls us to cultivate compassion and empathy, even for those we disagree with, and to resist the urge to pronounce final judgments on anyone's life or spiritual standing. Instead, like David, we are called to place our trust in God's ultimate justice and healing power, knowing that He alone is the arbiter of life and death, and that His power to restore and vindicate transcends human malice. It encourages us to persevere in faith, even when others predict our ruin, holding fast to the hope that God can raise us up from any "bed of affliction" and confound the expectations of our adversaries.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I respond when I see others suffering, especially those I might disagree with or dislike?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to attribute someone's difficulties to their own sin, rather than seeking to offer compassion or understanding?**
* **When I face my own "evil disease" or debilitating challenges, do I trust in God's power to raise me up, even if others doubt or wish for my downfall?**
* **How can I actively guard my heart against schadenfreude or malicious thoughts towards others?**

### FAQ
**What does "evil disease" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: The King James Version's "evil disease" translates the Hebrew phrase _dâbâr bᵉlîyaʻal_ (דְּבַר בְּלִיַּעַל), which more literally means "a word/thing of worthlessness" or "a matter of wickedness." It's not merely a medical diagnosis but a morally charged accusation. David's enemies are implying that his illness is not just a physical ailment but a deep-seated, perhaps divinely inflicted, consequence of his own supposed wickedness or a manifestation of something inherently evil that has taken hold of him. They are using his suffering as "proof" of his unworthiness or divine judgment, as seen in [Job's wife and his response](/job/2-9-10 "Job 2:9-10 - Job's Wife and His Response") where Job's wife suggests he curse God and die, and his friends attribute his suffering to sin.

**Was David's illness a direct punishment for sin, as his enemies claimed?**

Answer: The text of Psalms 41:8 presents this as the *enemies'* claim, not necessarily a divine declaration. While the Bible does show instances where sin leads to physical consequences, such as in [2 Samuel 12:15-18](/2_samuel/12-15-18 "2 Samuel 12:15-18 - David's Child Dies"), it also explicitly challenges the simplistic notion that all suffering is a direct result of personal sin, as seen in [Jesus healing a man born blind](/john/9-1-3 "John 9:1-3 - Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind"). David himself confesses sin in other psalms, like [David's prayer of repentance](/psalms/51-1-4 "Psalm 51:1-4 - David's Prayer of Repentance"), but Psalms 41 focuses more on his trust in God despite his suffering and the malice of his foes. The enemies' interpretation is driven by their desire for his downfall, rather than an accurate theological understanding of suffering.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 41:8, with its portrayal of a righteous sufferer afflicted by a seemingly incurable "evil disease" and facing the malicious hopes of enemies who declare he "shall rise up no more," finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Jesus, the ultimate righteous sufferer, endured not only physical agony but also the slander and false accusations of those who believed His suffering was a sign of divine rejection, as vividly depicted in the [mocking of Jesus on the cross](/matthew/27-39-43 "Matthew 27:39-43 - Mocking of Jesus"). His enemies, including the religious leaders, viewed His crucifixion as His definitive end, confidently proclaiming that He would not "rise up" from the grave, as they sought to secure [the guard at the tomb](/matthew/27-62-66 "Matthew 27:62-66 - The Guard at the Tomb"). The betrayal by a trusted friend, hinted at in [the betrayal prophecy](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - The Betrayal Prophecy") and explicitly cited by Jesus in [John 13:18](/john/13-18 "John 13:18 - Jesus Prophesies Betrayal"), further deepens this connection. Yet, contrary to the malicious hopes and pronouncements of His adversaries, Jesus *did* rise from the dead, triumphing over sin, death, and the grave, as celebrated in [Christ's resurrection and new life](/romans/6-9-10 "Romans 6:9-10 - Christ's Resurrection and New Life"). His resurrection is the ultimate refutation of the enemy's declaration, demonstrating God's power to vindicate His Anointed and bring life out of death, ensuring that the "evil disease" of sin and death could not cleave fast to Him forever.

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 71:11

Saying, God hath forsaken him: persecute and take him; for [there is] none to deliver [him].

Job 2:7

¶ So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.

Job 2:8

And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes.

Psalms 3:2

Many [there be] which say of my soul, [There is] no help for him in God. Selah.

Matthew 27:63

Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.

Matthew 27:64

Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.

Luke 13:16

And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?