Psalms 129:2
Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth: yet they have not prevailed against me.
Original Language Analysis
רַ֭בַּת
Many a time
H7227
רַ֭בַּת
Many a time
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
1 of 7
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
צְרָר֣וּנִי
have they afflicted
H6887
צְרָר֣וּנִי
have they afflicted
Strong's:
H6887
Word #:
2 of 7
to cramp, literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive
מִנְּעוּרָ֑י
me from my youth
H5271
מִנְּעוּרָ֑י
me from my youth
Strong's:
H5271
Word #:
3 of 7
(only in plural collective or emphatic form) youth, the state (juvenility) or the persons (young people)
גַּ֝ם
H1571
גַּ֝ם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 7
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Psalms 34:19Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.Matthew 16:18And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.Psalms 125:1They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.Psalms 118:13Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me.Psalms 42:1As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.John 16:33These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.Job 5:19He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee.
Historical Context
Despite centuries of opposition, Israel survived as distinct people, religious community, and covenant nation. This was unprecedented - other ancient peoples were absorbed, destroyed, or disappeared. Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, and Persia all failed to eliminate Israel permanently. Even when judgment came (exile), God preserved a remnant. This survival testified to divine protection and covenant faithfulness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the 'yet' transform affliction testimony from complaint to praise?
- What is the difference between experiencing affliction and being finally prevailed against?
- How does Israel's historical preservation despite repeated attacks testify to God's faithfulness?
- In what ways does this pattern (afflicted but not defeated) characterize Christian experience?
- What hope does this provide for believers currently experiencing affliction?
Analysis & Commentary
The testimony continues with crucial qualifier: 'Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth: yet they have not prevailed against me.' The first half repeats verse 1, creating emphasis through repetition. The word 'yet' introduces the pivotal contrast that transforms complaint into praise. Despite repeated affliction, enemies 'have not prevailed' - they didn't achieve ultimate victory, complete destruction, or permanent subjugation. The Hebrew 'yakol' (prevailed) means to overcome, be able, or have power. Though enemies attacked repeatedly, they couldn't finally defeat Israel. This verse shifts perspective from suffering (which was real) to preservation (which was miraculous). The pattern established is: affliction yes, destruction no. This demonstrates God's protective power - not preventing all suffering but preventing ultimate defeat. The verse models how to testify truthfully about hardship while celebrating divine preservation.