Bible Strands
Psalms 138:3
On the day I called, You answered me; You emboldened me and strengthened my soul.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The psalmist addresses God directly, recording a specific moment of divine response immediately following his temple worship and thanksgiving.
The words — The Hebrew term תַּרְהִבֵ֖/נִי (tar.hi.Ve./ni) from the root רָהַב [H7292] literally means "you made bold me," occurring alongside עֹֽז ('Oz) for "strength" acting upon the psalmist's נַפְשִׁ֣/י (naf.Sh/i) or "soul."
The thread — This sequence of calling and receiving divine response parallels the deliverance recorded in Psalms 18:6 and Psalms 34:4, while the theme of God strengthening those He calls corresponds to 1 Peter 5:10.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to acknowledge that God's answer to prayer actively replaces fear with courage and fortifies the inner person.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.
Cross-references
- 1 Peter 5:10 And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you.
- Psalms 18:6 In my distress I called upon the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for His help reached His ears.
- Psalms 34:4 I sought the LORD, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.
- Isaiah 40:29 He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak.
- Zechariah 10:12 I will strengthen them in the LORD, and in His name they will walk,” declares the LORD.
- Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
- Isaiah 12:2 Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. For the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and He also has become my salvation.”
- Psalms 27:14 Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD!
- Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
- Psalms 29:11 The LORD gives His people strength; the LORD blesses His people with peace.