Psalms 41:10

But You, O LORD, be gracious to me and raise me up, that I may repay them.

Berean Standard Bible

Study note

Setting — The psalmist addresses Yahweh immediately after a trusted companion who shared his bread has betrayed him. The prayer marks the pivot from recounting the betrayal to requesting divine intervention.

The words — חָנֵּנִי (chānēnî) literally means "show favor to me," and הַקִּמֵּנִי (haqqîmmēnî) translates as "raise me up." These verbs structure the core petition for restoration and standing.

The thread — The request for God to lift the psalmist aligns with the deliverance described in Psalms 3:3 and Psalms 18:37. The expectation of repaying adversaries parallels the judgment motif in Luke 19:27.

Why it lands — The text explicitly conditions vindication on God's gracious action rather than human retaliation. It requires the reader to direct the plea for restoration to God before pursuing any response.

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

וְאַתָּ֤הve./'a.Tahand/ you יְהוָ֗הYah.wehO Yahweh חָנֵּ֥נִיcho.ne./nishow favor to/ me וַהֲקִימֵ֑נִיva./ha.ki.Me./niand/ raise up/ me וַֽאֲשַׁלְּמָ֥הva./'a.sha.le.Mahso/ let me repayלָהֶֽם׃la./Hemto/ them

King James Version

But thou, O Lord, be merciful unto me, and raise me up, that I may requite them.

Cross-references

Luke 19:27 And these enemies of mine who were unwilling for me to rule over them, bring them here and slay them in front of me.’”
Psalms 3:3 But You, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head.
Psalms 18:37 I pursued my enemies and overtook them; I did not turn back until they were consumed.
Psalms 21:8 Your hand will apprehend all Your enemies; Your right hand will seize those who hate You.
Psalms 57:1 For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when he fled from Saul into the cave. Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy, for in You my soul takes refuge. In the shadow of Your wings I will take shelter until the danger has passed.
Psalms 69:22 May their table become a snare; may it be a retribution and a trap.
Psalms 109:6 Set over him a wicked man; let an accuser stand at his right hand.