New International Version Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. New Living Translation Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God! English Standard Version Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my 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. Berean Literal Bible Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Wait for God, for still I will praise Him, the salvation of my face, and my God. King James Bible 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. New King James Version Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God. New American Standard Bible Why are you in despair, my soul? And why are you restless within me? Wait for God, for I will again praise Him For the help of His presence, my God. NASB 1995 Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God. NASB 1977 Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, The help of my countenance, and my God. Legacy Standard Bible Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you disturbed within me? Wait for God, for I shall still praise Him, The salvation of my presence and my God. Amplified Bible Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you restless and disturbed within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall again praise Him, The help of my [sad] countenance and my God. Berean Annotated Bible Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God {Elohim}, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God. Christian Standard Bible Why, my soul, are you so dejected? Why are you in such turmoil? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise him, my Savior and my God. Holman Christian Standard Bible Why am I so depressed? Why this turmoil within me? Put your hope in God, for I will still 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 is the help of my countenance, and my God. Contemporary English Version Why am I discouraged? Why am I restless? I trust you, LORD! And I will praise you again because you help me, and you are my God. English Revised 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 is the health of my countenance, and my God. GOD'S WORD® Translation Why are you discouraged, my soul? Why are you so restless? Put your hope in God, because I will still praise him. He is my savior and my God. Good News Translation Why am I so sad? Why am I so troubled? I will put my hope in God, and once again I will praise him, my savior and my God. International Standard Version Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, because I will praise him once again, since his presence saves me and he is my God. NET Bible Why are you depressed, O my soul? Why are you upset? Wait for God! For I will again give thanks to my God for his saving intervention. New Heart English Bible Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God. For I will again give him thanks, my saving presence and my God. Webster's Bible Translation 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhy 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. World English Bible Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God! For I shall still praise him: my Savior, my helper, and my God. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionWhy bow yourself, O my soul? And why are you troubled within me? Wait for God, for I still confess Him, "" The salvation of my countenance, and my God! Berean Literal Bible Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Wait for God, for still I will praise Him, the salvation of my face, and my God. Young's Literal Translation What! bowest thou thyself, O my soul? And what! art thou troubled within me? Wait for God, for still I confess Him, The salvation of my countenance, and my God! Smith's Literal Translation Why wilt thou be bowed down, O my soul? and why wilt thou be disturbed upon me? hope upon God, for yet shall I praise him, the salvation of my face, and my God. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleTo thee, O God my God, I will give praise upon the harp : why art thou sad, O my soul? and why dost thou disquiet me? Hope in God, for I will still give praise to him : the salvation of my countenance, and my God. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible Why are you downcast, my soul? Why do you groan within me? Wait for God, for I shall again praise him, my savior and my God. New Revised Standard Version Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleWhy are you disturbed, O my soul? and why are you sad within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise him, who is the Saviour of my honor and my God. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Why have you agitated me, my soul, and why have you perplexed me? Look for God, because I shall again praise him, The Savior of my entire being, and my God. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why moanest thou within me? Hope thou in God; for I shall yet praise Him, The salvation of my countenance, and my God. Brenton Septuagint Translation Wherefore art thou very sad, O my soul? and wherefore dost thou trouble me? Hope in God; for I will give thanks to him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Send Out Your Light…4Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my greatest joy. I will praise You with the harp, O God, my God. 5Why 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. Cross References Why are you downcast, O my soul? Psalm 42:5 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him for the salvation of His presence. Lamentations 3:20 Surely my soul remembers and is humbled within me. Why the unease within me? Psalm 42:11 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. Psalm 94:19 When anxiety overwhelms me, Your consolation delights my soul. John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid. Put your hope in God, Psalm 62:5 Rest in God alone, O my soul, for my hope comes from Him. Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. for I will yet praise Him, Psalm 71:14 But I will always hope and will praise You more and more. Hebrews 13:15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that confess His name. my Savior and my God. Luke 1:47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! John 20:28 Thomas replied, “My Lord and my God!” 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. Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint. Lamentations 3:24-26 “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in Him.” / The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. / It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. Psalm 27:14 Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD! Psalm 130:5 I wait for the LORD; my soul does wait, and in His word I put my hope. Treasury of Scripture Why are you cast down, O my soul? and why are you disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. cast down Psalm 42:5,11 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance… health. Psalm 44:4 Thou art my King, O God: command deliverances for Jacob. Jump to Previous Bowest Cast Chief Countenance Crushed Despair Disquieted Disturbed Downcast Health Help Helper Hope Korah Maschil Moanest Musician Praise Psalm Salvation Savior Soul Thyself Troubled WithinJump to Next Bowest Cast Chief Countenance Crushed Despair Disquieted Disturbed Downcast Health Help Helper Hope Korah Maschil Moanest Musician Praise Psalm Salvation Savior Soul Thyself Troubled WithinPsalm 43 1. David, praying to be restored to the temple, promises to serve God joyfully5. He encourages his soul to trust in God Why are you downcast, O my soul? The psalmist confronts his own despair rather than yielding to it. Separated from the sanctuary and oppressed by ungodly adversaries, he brings the turmoil of his heart before God. The same refrain appears in Psalm 42, joining these psalms in a testimony of faith amid spiritual darkness. Psa 42:5 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me?… Why the unease within me? Inner agitation does not escape God’s notice or place a believer beyond His care. Fear, grief, and confusion may press heavily upon the heart, yet they are to be examined in the light of God’s character and promises. Psa 42:11 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me?… Put your hope in God, Hope rests not in changed circumstances, human strength, or the defeat of enemies, but in the living God. Israel’s covenant Lord had repeatedly delivered His people, and He remained faithful even when His servant could not yet see the outcome. Psa 62:5 Rest in God alone, O my soul, for my hope comes from Him. for I will yet praise Him, Present sorrow will not have the final word. The psalmist anticipates returning to public worship and giving thanks to God for His deliverance. Faith praises God in expectation because His faithfulness is certain. Psa 71:14 But I will always hope and will praise You more and more. my Savior and my God. God is personally known as the One who rescues from distress and reigns over all things. The deliverance sought in the psalm points beyond temporal rescue to the salvation fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the Savior who brings His people into lasting fellowship with God. Luk 1:47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! Persons / Places / Events 1. The PsalmistThe author of Psalm 43, traditionally attributed to David, who expresses a deep personal struggle and a longing for God's presence. 2. God Referred to as the Psalmist's Savior and God, highlighting a personal relationship and trust in divine deliverance. 3. The Soul Represents the inner self of the Psalmist, experiencing turmoil and seeking solace in God. Teaching Points Understanding Spiritual DespondencyRecognize that feeling downcast or uneasy is a common human experience, even for those with strong faith. The Importance of Self-Reflection The Psalmist's questioning of his own soul encourages believers to engage in self-reflection to understand their spiritual state. Hope as a Spiritual Anchor Emphasize the importance of placing hope in God as a stabilizing force during times of emotional and spiritual turmoil. Praise as a Response to Despair Highlight the transformative power of praise, which shifts focus from personal distress to God's sovereignty and goodness. Personal Relationship with God Encourage believers to cultivate a personal relationship with God, recognizing Him as both Savior and God, which provides comfort and strength. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Psalm 43:5?2. How can Psalm 43:5 guide us in overcoming feelings of despair today? 3. What does "put your hope in God" mean in practical daily life? 4. How does Psalm 43:5 connect with Philippians 4:6-7 about peace and prayer? 5. Why is praising God important when facing personal struggles, according to Psalm 43:5? 6. How can we encourage others to "hope in God" during their difficult times? 7. How does Psalm 43:5 address feelings of despair and hope in a believer's life? 8. What historical context influenced the writing of Psalm 43:5? 9. How does Psalm 43:5 reflect the theme of trust in God during difficult times? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 43? What Does Psalm 43:5 Mean Why are you downcast, O my soul?The psalmist opens by speaking straight to his own inner life, taking honest inventory of discouragement. • Scripture never denies the reality of sorrow; instead it names it (Psalm 42:3-4). • David modeled the same self-conversation when “David strengthened himself in the LORD his God” (1 Samuel 30:6). • This approach guards us from pretending everything is fine while quietly imploding inside. By asking the question, the writer refuses to let feelings dictate truth. Why the unease within me? The second inquiry digs into the anxiety that rides shotgun with discouragement. • “My heart is anguished within me… fear and trembling grip me” (Psalm 55:4-5) mirrors this agitation. • Jesus contrasts that unrest with His promise: “Peace I leave with you… Do not let your hearts be troubled” (John 14:27). • Paul echoes it: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything… the peace of God… will guard your hearts” (Philippians 4:6-7). Unease is acknowledged but not excused; it becomes an invitation to redirect the heart. Put your hope in God Here the psalmist shifts from interrogation to instruction. • Biblical hope is not wishful thinking; it is a settled trust in God’s character. “I wait for the LORD; my soul waits, and in His word I put my hope” (Psalm 130:5). • Hope is active: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe” (Romans 15:13). • It anchors the soul: “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure” (Hebrews 6:19). Choosing hope is a deliberate move from feelings toward faith. for I will yet praise Him The psalmist speaks of future praise as a certainty, not a possibility. • Praise is pledged before circumstances change—faith’s declaration of God’s eventual deliverance (Habakkuk 3:17-19). • David often set his intent in advance: “I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips” (Psalm 34:1). • This forward-looking worship keeps the believer from drowning in present pain. my Savior and my God He ends by focusing on who God personally is to him. • “I, yes I, am the LORD, and there is no Savior but Me” (Isaiah 43:11) affirms the exclusive saving power of God. • In Christ, that salvation is fully revealed: we wait “for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). • The psalmist’s declaration moves from private emotion to public confession: the God who rescues is also the God he worships. summary Psalm 43:5 escorts the downcast believer on a clear path: 1. Recognize and name the discouragement. 2. Probe the restless anxiety that tags along. 3. Redirect the heart to conscious hope in God’s unchanging character. 4. Commit to praise in advance of deliverance. 5. Anchor everything in the personal reality that the Lord is both Savior and God. Following this sequence, the soul moves from despair to confident, worship-filled hope. Verse 5. - 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. The refrain of Psalm 42:11 is here repeated totidem verbis; and the plaint of the exiled monarch is brought to an end. The burden of the refrain is hope and confidence. Notwithstanding the woes of the present, the writer has no doubt in respect of the future; he will yet have occasion to "praise" God, whom he feels to be "his God - his Health and Salvation.
Hebrew Whyמַה־ (mah-) Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what are you downcast, תִּשְׁתּ֬וֹחֲחִ֨י ׀ (tiš·tō·w·ḥă·ḥî) Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - second person feminine singular Strong's 7817: To bow, be bowed down, crouch O my soul? נַפְשִׁי֮ (nap̄·šî) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion Why וּֽמַה־ (ū·mah-) Conjunctive waw | Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what the unease תֶּהֱמִ֪י (te·hĕ·mî) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person feminine singular Strong's 1993: To make a, loud sound, commotion, tumult, to rage, war, moan, clamor within me? עָ֫לָ֥י (‘ā·lāy) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against Put your hope הוֹחִ֣ילִי (hō·w·ḥî·lî) Verb - Hifil - Imperative - feminine singular Strong's 3176: To wait, to be patient, hope in God, לֵֽ֭אלֹהִים (lê·lō·hîm) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative for כִּי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction I shall yet ע֣וֹד (‘ō·wḏ) Adverb Strong's 5750: Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more praise Him, אוֹדֶ֑נּוּ (’ō·w·ḏen·nū) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common singular | third person masculine singular Strong's 3034: To throw, at, away, to revere, worship, to bemoan my Savior יְשׁוּעֹ֥ת (yə·šū·‘ōṯ) Noun - feminine plural construct Strong's 3444: Something saved, deliverance, aid, victory, prosperity and my God. וֵֽאלֹהָֽי׃ (wê·lō·hāy) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative Additonal Resources Psalm 43:5 Blue Letter BiblePsalm 43:5 Bible Gateway Psalm 43:5 Bible.com Psalm 43:5 NIV |
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