Psalms 116:10

Authorized King James Version

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I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted:

Original Language Analysis

הֶ֭אֱמַנְתִּי I believed H539
הֶ֭אֱמַנְתִּי I believed
Strong's: H539
Word #: 1 of 6
properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen
כִּ֣י H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 2 of 6
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אֲדַבֵּ֑ר therefore have I spoken H1696
אֲדַבֵּ֑ר therefore have I spoken
Strong's: H1696
Word #: 3 of 6
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
אֲ֝נִ֗י H589
אֲ֝נִ֗י
Strong's: H589
Word #: 4 of 6
i
עָנִ֥יתִי afflicted H6031
עָנִ֥יתִי afflicted
Strong's: H6031
Word #: 5 of 6
to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)
מְאֹֽד׃ I was greatly H3966
מְאֹֽד׃ I was greatly
Strong's: H3966
Word #: 6 of 6
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

Analysis & Commentary

I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted. This verse establishes the connection between faith and testimony. I believed, therefore have I spoken (he'emanti ki adaber, הֶאֱמַנְתִי כִּי אֲדַבֵּר) uses aman (אָמַן), the root of 'amen,' meaning to confirm, support, be faithful. Belief isn't merely internal assent but produces external testimony. Faith speaks.

Paul quotes this verse in 2 Corinthians 4:13: 'We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak.' Faith compels testimony despite affliction. The gospel isn't silenced by suffering but proclaimed through it.

I was greatly afflicted (ani aniti meod, אֲנִי עָנִיתִי מְאֹד) admits extreme suffering. Anah (עָנָה) means to be afflicted, humbled, oppressed. The adverb meod (מְאֹד, greatly, exceedingly) intensifies the description. Yet affliction didn't silence faith—it produced testimony. This is the Christian paradox: weakness occasions powerful witness (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

Historical Context

Israel's history testified despite affliction. Exiled in Babylon, they sang the LORD's songs in strange lands (Psalm 137). Persecuted Judeans maintained faith under Syrian oppression (Maccabean period). Post-exilic returnees rebuilt despite opposition (Ezra-Nehemiah). Faith speaks because it must—testimony is intrinsic to belief. The early church faced persecution yet proclaimed Christ boldly (Acts 4:20, 'We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard'). Martyrdom itself became witness (martyria, testimony).

Questions for Reflection