Psalms 119:107

Authorized King James Version

PDF

I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.

Original Language Analysis

נַעֲנֵ֥יתִי I am afflicted H6031
נַעֲנֵ֥יתִי I am afflicted
Strong's: H6031
Word #: 1 of 6
to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)
עַד H5704
עַד
Strong's: H5704
Word #: 2 of 6
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
מְאֹ֑ד very much H3966
מְאֹ֑ד very much
Strong's: H3966
Word #: 3 of 6
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
יְ֝הוָ֗ה me O LORD H3068
יְ֝הוָ֗ה me O LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 4 of 6
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
חַיֵּ֥נִי quicken H2421
חַיֵּ֥נִי quicken
Strong's: H2421
Word #: 5 of 6
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
כִדְבָרֶֽךָ׃ according unto thy word H1697
כִדְבָרֶֽךָ׃ according unto thy word
Strong's: H1697
Word #: 6 of 6
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

Analysis & Commentary

I am afflicted very much (נַעֲנֵיתִי עַד־מְאֹד, na'aneiti ad-me'od)—the verb anah means to be bowed down, humbled, or oppressed. Despite this crushing affliction, the psalmist's plea is not for relief but for spiritual vitality: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word (חַיֵּנִי יְהוָה כִּדְבָרֶךָ, chayyeni YHWH kidvarekha). The verb chayah means to make alive, revive, preserve life—occurring ten times in Psalm 119.

This petition reveals profound theology: affliction drives us to seek life-giving power from God's word, not merely escape from suffering. The psalmist prays for resurrection life in the midst of death-like circumstances. Paul echoes this in 2 Corinthians 4:8-10, where affliction produces spiritual life. True revival comes not from changed circumstances but from God's quickening according to His promises.

Historical Context

Affliction was common in Israel's history—persecution, exile, opposition. The psalmist's focus on being 'quickened' rather than merely rescued reflects the theology of the exile, where physical deliverance seemed impossible but spiritual vitality remained accessible through God's word.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics