Psalms 43:5

KJV

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, [who is] the health of my countenance, and my God.

KJV (with Strong's)

Why art thou cast down {H7817}{H8709)}, O my soul {H5315}? and why art thou disquieted {H1993}{H8799)} within me? hope {H3176}{H8685)} in God {H430}: for I shall yet praise {H3034}{H8686)} him, who is the health {H3444} of my countenance {H6440}, and my God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

My soul, why are you so downcast? Why are you groaning inside me? Hope in God, since I will praise him again for being my Savior and God.

Berean Standard Bible

Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.

American Standard Version

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God; for I shall yet praise him, Who isthe help of my countenance, and my God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 43:5 is a profound self-exhortation, concluding a unified lament (Psalms 42-43) in which the psalmist grapples with deep spiritual and emotional distress. It captures the essence of faith's triumph over despair, as the psalmist confronts his own despondent soul, questions its inner turmoil, and then issues a resolute command to place unwavering hope in God. This declaration is grounded in the confident expectation of future praise for God, who is identified as the source of visible restoration and personal salvation, ultimately transforming the psalmist's downcast countenance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 43 is widely considered the concluding part of a single poetic unit that begins with Psalms 42, evident by the shared themes of longing for God, distress over separation from the sanctuary, and the identical threefold refrain found in [Psalms 42:5](/psalms/42-5 "Psalms 42:5 - The First Refrain of Hope"), [Psalms 42:11](/psalms/42-11 "Psalms 42:11 - The Second Refrain of Hope"), and [Psalms 43:5](/psalms/43-5 "Psalms 43:5 - The Concluding Refrain of Hope"). The psalmist, likely a Levite, expresses deep anguish over his inability to access the temple and participate in corporate worship, feeling abandoned by God and taunted by his enemies. Psalms 43 begins with a plea for vindication and deliverance from ungodly people, culminating in this final, powerful affirmation of faith that resolves the internal conflict presented throughout the two psalms. The repetition of the refrain serves as a structural anchor, marking the psalmist's persistent struggle and his determined return to hope in God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the specific historical circumstances of the psalmist are not explicitly stated, the themes strongly suggest a period of exile, forced separation from Jerusalem, or severe oppression. The lament over being "cast down" and "disquieted" is intensified by the psalmist's longing for God's "holy hill" and "dwelling place" ([Psalms 43:3](/psalms/43-3 "Longing for God's Sanctuary")), which refers to the Temple in Jerusalem. For an Israelite, particularly a Levite, separation from the Temple meant a profound spiritual and communal dislocation, as the Temple was the central place of God's presence and corporate worship. The taunts of enemies, questioning "Where is your God?" ([Psalms 42:3](/psalms/42-3 "The Taunts of Enemies")), further exacerbated the psalmist's distress, challenging his faith in the face of apparent divine absence. This context underscores the radical nature of the psalmist's decision to hope in God despite overwhelming external and internal pressures.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 43:5 encapsulates several crucial themes prevalent throughout this lament and the broader Psalter. The most prominent is **Inner Dialogue and Self-Exhortation**, as the psalmist engages in a profound conversation with his own soul, challenging its despair and directing it toward truth. This models a healthy way to process difficult emotions by actively engaging one's inner being rather than passively succumbing to despondency. Another key theme is **Hope in God Amidst Despair**, which is not a passive wish but an active, decisive act of placing trust and expectation in the Lord, transcending current circumstances and looking forward to future deliverance. This active hope is a hallmark of biblical faith, as seen in [Hebrews 11:1](/hebrews/11-1 "The Nature of Faith"). Furthermore, the verse highlights **God as the Source of Visible Restoration**, beautifully expressed in the phrase "the health of my countenance." This implies that God's saving work is not merely internal but also brings about a visible transformation, restoring joy, peace, and confidence that are evident to others, causing the face to shine with His presence. Finally, there is the **Certainty of Future Praise**, as the psalmist declares, "for I shall yet praise him." This unwavering conviction, even in the midst of present sorrow, demonstrates a profound faith that anticipates God's faithfulness and future vindication, leading to an inevitable outpouring of thanksgiving and worship, as also affirmed in [Psalms 27:13](/psalms/27-13 "Believing to See God's Goodness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cast down (שָׁחָה, _shachah_):** This Hebrew verb literally means "to bow down," "to sink low," or "to be depressed." It vividly portrays both a physical posture of dejection and the profound emotional and spiritual state of despair. The psalmist's soul is not merely sad but weighed down, as if crushed by the burden of its circumstances, unable to stand upright in hope or joy.
* **Disquieted (הָמָה, _hamah_):** This word conveys a sense of inner turmoil, agitation, or restlessness. It describes a noisy, confused, and unsettled state, like a roaring sea or a tumultuous crowd. Applied to the soul, it speaks of a mind plagued by anxiety, internal conflict, and a lack of peace, where thoughts and emotions are in an uproar.
* **Health of my countenance (יְשׁוּעוֹת פָּנָיו, _yeshu'ot panav_):** This powerful phrase combines _yeshu'ot_ (plural of _yeshu'ah_, meaning "salvation," "deliverance," "help") with _panav_ (meaning "his face" or "his presence," here referring to God's face/presence). The literal translation is "the salvations of His face" or "the deliverance of His presence." This signifies that God's saving action is so complete and evident that it will literally change the psalmist's outward appearance, lifting his head, restoring joy, and causing his face to shine with peace and confidence. It is a visible manifestation of God's inner healing and saving power, reflecting the light of His favor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Why art thou cast down, O my soul?":** The psalmist begins with a direct, rhetorical question addressed to his own inner being, personifying his soul as a distinct entity. This immediately establishes the internal conflict and the psalmist's active engagement with his emotional state, refusing to passively accept despair. It is a profound act of self-awareness and spiritual discipline.
* **"and why art thou disquieted within me?":** This second rhetorical question parallels and intensifies the first, further probing the source and nature of the soul's inner turmoil. The repetition underscores the depth of the psalmist's distress and his determination to confront the agitation that plagues him from within.
* **"hope in God:":** This is the pivotal command, the turning point from lament to resolve. It is an imperative, an active directive to the soul to shift its focus and place its trust entirely in God. This is not a suggestion but a firm declaration of where true help and stability are to be found.
* **"for I shall yet praise him,":** This clause expresses the psalmist's unwavering confidence and prophetic certainty. Despite his current despair, he is absolutely convinced that a future time of praise and thanksgiving will come. This "yet" signifies a faith that looks beyond present suffering to God's ultimate faithfulness and deliverance.
* **"[who is] the health of my countenance, and my God.":** This final phrase provides the theological ground for the psalmist's hope and certainty. God is identified as the ultimate source of salvation and visible restoration—the one who can lift the downcast face and bring back joy and peace. The personal declaration "and my God" reaffirms the intimate, covenantal relationship that is the bedrock of the psalmist's enduring faith, even in the darkest moments.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 43:5 is rich with literary artistry that amplifies its emotional and spiritual impact. The most striking device is **Apostrophe**, where the psalmist directly addresses his own soul ("O my soul"), treating it as a separate entity capable of being questioned and commanded. This creates a powerful sense of internal dialogue and self-exhortation. The opening lines also employ **Rhetorical Questions** ("Why art thou cast down... and why art thou disquieted...?"), which are not asked for information but to express the psalmist's deep anguish and to challenge his own despondency, setting the stage for the subsequent command to hope. **Personification** is evident in the description of the soul being "cast down" and "disquieted," attributing human actions and states to an abstract concept. The entire verse functions as a **Refrain**, appearing identically in [Psalms 42:5](/psalms/42-5 "The First Refrain") and [Psalms 42:11](/psalms/42-11 "The Second Refrain"), which provides structural unity to Psalms 42-43 and emphasizes the recurring nature of the psalmist's struggle and his consistent response of faith. The phrase "the health of my countenance" is a beautiful **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "countenance" (face) stands for the entire person's well-being, joy, and outward expression of inner peace. It powerfully conveys the holistic nature of God's salvation, affecting not just the spirit but also the visible manifestation of one's life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 43:5 stands as a powerful testament to the biblical theology of lament and hope. It affirms that genuine faith does not deny suffering or inner turmoil but confronts it honestly before God. The psalmist's self-exhortation models a crucial spiritual discipline: the active redirection of one's soul from despair to divine trust. This verse underscores God's character as the ultimate deliverer and restorer, whose salvation is so comprehensive that it impacts not only the inner spirit but also the outward expression of joy and peace. It teaches that even when God's presence feels distant and circumstances are overwhelming, the believer's hope is anchored in God's unchanging faithfulness and the certainty of future vindication and praise. This unwavering conviction transforms the lament into an act of profound worship, demonstrating that true spiritual health is found in a steadfast reliance on God alone.

* [Lamentations 3:21-24](/lamentations/3-21 "Lamentations 3:21-24 - Hope in God's Steadfast Love")
* [2 Corinthians 4:8-9](/2_corinthians/4-8 "2 Corinthians 4:8-9 - Afflicted but Not Crushed")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Peace that Surpasses Understanding")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 43:5 offers timeless wisdom for navigating the universal human experience of emotional and spiritual distress. It provides a profound model for how believers can engage with their inner turmoil, rather than being consumed by it. The psalmist's example encourages us to be honest about our feelings of being "cast down" or "disquieted," acknowledging them before God and ourselves. However, the verse does not stop at mere acknowledgment; it issues an imperative: "hope in God." This is an active, volitional choice to direct our trust, expectation, and future orientation toward the Lord, even when circumstances seem bleak or God feels distant. It reminds us that our hope is not in changing circumstances or our own strength, but in the unchanging character and power of God, who is the "health of our countenance." This means anticipating God's restorative work, believing that He desires not only our inner peace but also our outward manifestation of His joy and salvation. Embracing the "yet praise him" mentality cultivates a resilient faith that sustains us through trials, knowing that ultimate deliverance and an opportunity for thanksgiving are assured.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you typically respond when your soul feels "cast down" or "disquieted," and how might the psalmist's self-exhortation challenge your usual approach?**
* **What does it practically mean for you to "hope in God" when your circumstances are overwhelming or when you feel God's presence is distant?**
* **In what ways has God been "the health of your countenance" in your own life, bringing visible restoration or lifting your spirit in a way that was evident to others?**
* **How can you cultivate a spirit of "yet praise him" even before your deliverance arrives, and what difference might this make in your present struggles?**

### FAQ

**Is it okay for a believer to feel "cast down" or "disquieted"?**

Answer: Absolutely. The Psalms, including [Psalms 43:5](/psalms/43-5 "The Psalmist's Lament and Hope"), are replete with expressions of deep human emotion, including despair, anxiety, and inner turmoil. This verse not only validates such feelings but also models a healthy, biblical response: honest lament before God combined with active self-exhortation to hope in Him. It teaches that while these feelings are real, they are not the final word for the believer, who can always direct their soul back to God.

**What does "the health of my countenance" mean?**

Answer: This beautiful and profound phrase, literally "the salvations of my face" (Hebrew: _yeshu'ot panav_), signifies that God's deliverance and saving power are so complete and effective that they will bring about a visible transformation. It implies a restoration of joy, peace, and confidence that is outwardly evident, causing the face to reflect inner healing and divine favor. When God acts as the "health of your countenance," He lifts the downcast head, dispels the visible signs of sorrow, and replaces them with the radiant glow of His presence and peace. It speaks to a holistic salvation—spiritual, emotional, and even physically manifest.

**Why is this verse repeated in Psalms 42?**

Answer: The repetition of this refrain in [Psalms 42:5](/psalms/42-5 "The First Refrain of Hope"), [Psalms 42:11](/psalms/42-11 "The Second Refrain of Hope"), and finally in [Psalms 43:5](/psalms/43-5 "The Concluding Refrain of Hope") serves as a powerful literary and theological device. It underscores the recurring nature of the psalmist's struggle with despair and his consistent, determined self-exhortation to hope in God. This threefold repetition binds Psalms 42 and 43 together as a single, unified lament, demonstrating the persistent nature of faith's battle against inner turmoil and the unwavering resolve to place trust in God despite repeated challenges. It highlights the spiritual discipline of continually reminding one's soul of God's faithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 43:5 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus, who perfectly embodies both the profound "casting down" and "disquiet" of the human soul, and the ultimate "health of our countenance." In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus himself experienced deep anguish, declaring, "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death" ([Matthew 26:38](/matthew/26-38 "Jesus' Anguish in Gethsemane")). He bore the full weight of human sin and the Father's wrath, becoming "cast down" and "disquieted" on our behalf, even crying out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")). Yet, through His obedient suffering, death, and glorious resurrection, Jesus became the definitive "health of our countenance," the very source of our salvation and visible transformation. He is the one in whom we "hope in God," for through His finished work, we have peace with God ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Peace with God through Christ")) and a living hope that transcends all despair ([1 Peter 1:3](/1_peter/1-3 "Living Hope Through Resurrection")). Because Christ was cast down, we can be lifted up; because He was disquieted, we can find true rest for our souls ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). Our future praise is not merely a hopeful anticipation but a certain reality, secured by His victory, as we are being transformed into His image, from one degree of glory to another ([2 Corinthians 3:18](/2_corinthians/3-18 "Transformed into Christ's Image")), until the day when we see Him face to face and our countenances truly reflect the full "health" of His salvation.

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.