Psalms 119:42
So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word.
Original Language Analysis
וְאֶֽעֱנֶ֣ה
to answer
H6030
וְאֶֽעֱנֶ֣ה
to answer
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
חֹרְפִ֣י
him that reproacheth
H2778
חֹרְפִ֣י
him that reproacheth
Strong's:
H2778
Word #:
2 of 6
to pull off, i.e., (by implication) to expose (as by stripping); specifically, to betroth (as if a surrender); figuratively, to carp at, i.e., defame;
בִּדְבָרֶֽךָ׃
So shall I have wherewith
H1697
בִּדְבָרֶֽךָ׃
So shall I have wherewith
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
3 of 6
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 6
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Acts 27:25Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.Matthew 27:63Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again.Psalms 119:74They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.Psalms 119:49Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.Psalms 119:81My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.Proverbs 27:11My son, be wise, and make my heart glad, that I may answer him that reproacheth me.Psalms 56:4In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.Psalms 42:10As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God?Psalms 3:2Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.
Historical Context
Ancient Israel faced constant mockery from pagan nations: 'Where is your God?' (Psalm 42:3, 79:10). The psalmist needs experiential salvation to answer skeptics. This apologetic pattern appears throughout Scripture—God vindicates His people not through persuasive words but mighty acts of deliverance that silence mockers and attract nations to Himself.
Questions for Reflection
- How has God's faithfulness to His word in your experience given you testimony to answer skeptics and scoffers?
- What reproaches against biblical faith do you face, and how does personal experience of God's salvation equip you to respond?
- How does Christ's resurrection serve as the ultimate 'answer' to all reproach against trusting God's promises?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me (וְאֶֽעֱנֶה חֹרְפִי דָבָר)—Anah (to answer, respond) follows from verse 41's mercies and salvation. Chorfi (the one reproaching me) is the scoffer who mocks covenant faith. Davar (word, matter) is the substance of the answer—experiencing God's salvation provides testimony to silence skeptics. For I trust in thy word (כִּֽי־בָטַחְתִּי בִּדְבָרֶךָ)—Batach (to trust, rely upon) is confident dependence on God's dabar (word). The reproacher mocks this trust; God's merciful salvation vindicates it.
This verse presents apologetics rooted in experience: the answer to mockers isn't clever argument but demonstrated deliverance. When God fulfills His word through salvation, the believer has evidence to silence reproach. This is 1 Peter 3:15's 'reason for the hope' grounded not in speculation but God's faithfulness. The pattern continues: scoffers mock faith (2 Peter 3:3-4), believers trust God's word, God acts, faith is vindicated. Ultimately Christ's resurrection answers all reproach against trusting God's promises.