Psalms 41:4

I said, LORD, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee.

I said {H559}{H8804)}, LORD {H3068}, be merciful {H2603}{H8798)} unto me: heal {H7495}{H8798)} my soul {H5315}; for I have sinned {H2398}{H8804)} against thee.

I said, "ADONAI, have pity on me! Heal me, for I have sinned against you!" 830

I said, โ€œO LORD, be gracious to me; heal me, for I have sinned against You.โ€

I said, O Jehovah, have mercy upon me: Heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee.

Commentary

Psalm 41:4 presents a profound plea from the psalmist, likely King David, to God for mercy and healing in the midst of personal suffering and the acknowledgment of sin. This verse encapsulates a foundational aspect of biblical faith: the direct appeal to a compassionate God for restoration following an admission of wrongdoing.

Context of Psalms 41:4

Psalm 41 concludes the first book of the Psalms and is often attributed to David, written during a time of significant personal distress, possibly involving illness and betrayal by close associates (as hinted in Psalm 41:9). The preceding verses describe the blessedness of those who consider the poor and afflicted, perhaps a contrast to the psalmist's own suffering. In verse 4, David shifts from observing others to an intensely personal cry for divine intervention. This context highlights the vulnerability and genuine repentance expressed, setting the stage for his plea for mercy and healing.

Key Themes in Psalms 41:4

  • Confession of Sin: The explicit statement, "for I have sinned against thee," is central. It demonstrates humility and accountability, recognizing that all sin, ultimately, is against God (as seen in Psalm 51:4).
  • Plea for Mercy: "LORD, be merciful unto me" is a direct request for God's undeserved favor and compassion, acknowledging dependence on divine grace.
  • Desire for Spiritual Healing: The phrase "heal my soul" points beyond mere physical recovery to a deeper, spiritual restoration. It implies that sin has caused an internal wound or sickness that only God can remedy.
  • Divine Sovereignty and Grace: The verse underscores God's authority to grant mercy and perform spiritual healing, emphasizing His role as the ultimate restorer.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "merciful" is channeni (ื—ึธื ึตึผื ึดื™), derived from the root chanan, meaning to show favor, be gracious, or have pity. It implies a voluntary act of kindness from a superior to an inferior, highlighting God's sovereign grace. The phrase "heal my soul" uses repha naphshi (ืจึฐืคึธื ื ึทืคึฐืฉึดืื™). Repha means to heal, repair, or restore, and naphshi refers to the soul, self, or life force. This isn't just about physical recovery but a deep, inner restoration from the damaging effects of sin and spiritual brokenness. It suggests that sin has a profound impact on one's inner being, requiring divine intervention for wholeness.

Theological Significance

Psalms 41:4 profoundly illustrates the biblical truth that sin is primarily an offense against God. Even when actions harm others or ourselves, the ultimate transgression is against the Holy God who established moral law. The psalmist's immediate turning to God for healing and mercy after confessing sin reveals a core principle of the covenant relationship: God is ready to forgive and restore those who sincerely repent. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Practical Application of Psalms 41:4

This verse offers a timeless model for believers today. It teaches us the importance of:

  • Humble Confession: Acknowledging our sins directly to God, without excuse or blame, is the first step towards reconciliation and healing.
  • Seeking Divine Mercy: We are always dependent on God's grace, not our own merit, for forgiveness and restoration.
  • Understanding Sin's Impact: Recognizing that sin wounds our inner being ("soul") and requires spiritual healing from God, not just outward behavioral change.
  • Finding Hope in God's Character: Even in distress and guilt, we can confidently approach God, knowing He is merciful and able to heal all our spiritual ailments. This verse encourages us to bring our brokenness before Him, trusting in His compassionate nature.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 103:3 (18 votes)

    Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

  • James 5:15 (4 votes)

    And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

  • James 5:16 (4 votes)

    Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

  • 2 Chronicles 30:18 (4 votes)

    For a multitude of the people, [even] many of Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, The good LORD pardon every one

  • 2 Chronicles 30:20 (4 votes)

    And the LORD hearkened to Hezekiah, and healed the people.

  • Psalms 147:3 (4 votes)

    He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.

  • Hosea 6:1 (3 votes)

    ยถ Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.