The Bible — World English Bible
Psalm 41
In brief
Psalm 41 is a psalm of David that closes the first book of the Psalms. It opens with a beatitude: blessed is the one who considers the poor, for God sustains him in the day of trouble. David, then sick and surrounded by mockers, asks God to have mercy on him, admits his sin and suffers the betrayal of a close friend. He ends with trust and praise.
The chapter in 4 parts
1Blessed is he who considers the poor. Yahweh will deliver him in the day of evil.
2Yahweh will preserve him, and keep him alive. He shall be blessed on the earth, and he will not surrender him to the will of his enemies.
3Yahweh will sustain him on his sickbed, and restore him from his bed of illness.
4I said, “Yahweh, have mercy on me! Heal me, for I have sinned against you.”
5My enemies speak evil against me: “When will he die, and his name perish?”
6If he comes to see me, he speaks falsehood. His heart gathers iniquity to itself. When he goes abroad, he tells it.
7All who hate me whisper together against me. They imagine the worst for me.
8“An evil disease”, they say, “has afflicted him. Now that he lies he shall rise up no more.”
9Yes, my own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, who ate bread with me, has lifted up his heel against me.
10But you, Yahweh, have mercy on me, and raise me up, that I may repay them.
11By this I know that you delight in me, because my enemy doesn’t triumph over me.
12As for me, you uphold me in my integrity, and set me in your presence forever.
13Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Israel, from everlasting and to everlasting! Amen and amen.
Key verses
Blessed is he who considers the poor. Yahweh will deliver him in the day of evil.
The psalm opens with what makes a person blessed: paying attention to the weak. The text speaks of the one who considers the poor, meaning who thinks of them and acts, not only who experiences poverty.
I said, “Yahweh, have mercy on me! Heal me, for I have sinned against you.”
David prays for healing, but first he admits that he has sinned. He does not present his prayer as a right, he relies on God's mercy.
Yes, my own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, who ate bread with me, has lifted up his heel against me.
The betrayal comes from the one who ate his bread. Jesus quotes this verse about Judas in the Gospel of John (13:18).
Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Israel, from everlasting and to everlasting! Amen and amen.
This last verse is a praise that concludes the first book of the Psalms (Psalms 1 to 41), and not only this psalm.
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What the sermons say
Frequently asked questions about Psalm 41
What does Psalm 41 mean?
Psalm 41 links two realities: the happiness of the one who cares for the weak, and the distress of David, sick and betrayed. It teaches that God supports the one who commits to helping the poor, while leaving prayer open to the one who suffers. It does not guarantee that every illness will disappear, but it shows where to find refuge.
Who wrote Psalm 41?
The title attributes it to David. The exact context is not given: we see a sick king, watched by enemies who await his death, and betrayed by someone close. Some readers think of Absalom's revolt, but the text does not say so.
How can I pray with Psalm 41?
First read verses 1 to 3 and ask God who around you is in need: a concrete act may follow. If you are going through sickness or betrayal, take up verses 4 to 12 as your own prayer, honest about your faults. Finish with the praise of verse 13.
Articles quoting Psalm 41
World English Bible translation — public domain.