Psalms 138:3

Authorized King James Version

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In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.

Original Language Analysis

בְּי֣וֹם In the day H3117
בְּי֣וֹם In the day
Strong's: H3117
Word #: 1 of 6
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
קָ֭רָֽאתִי when I cried H7121
קָ֭רָֽאתִי when I cried
Strong's: H7121
Word #: 2 of 6
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
וַֽתַּעֲנֵ֑נִי thou answeredst H6030
וַֽתַּעֲנֵ֑נִי thou answeredst
Strong's: H6030
Word #: 3 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,
תַּרְהִבֵ֖נִי me and strengthenedst H7292
תַּרְהִבֵ֖נִי me and strengthenedst
Strong's: H7292
Word #: 4 of 6
to urge severely, i.e., (figuratively) importune, embolden, capture, act insolently
בְנַפְשִׁ֣י in my soul H5315
בְנַפְשִׁ֣י in my soul
Strong's: H5315
Word #: 5 of 6
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
עֹֽז׃ me with strength H5797
עֹֽז׃ me with strength
Strong's: H5797
Word #: 6 of 6
strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)

Analysis & Commentary

In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul. This verse provides the evidence for David's thanksgiving—God's past faithfulness in answering prayer. "In the day when I cried" (be-yom karati, בְּיוֹם קָרָאתִי) identifies specific historical moment when David called to God in distress. Kara (קָרָא) means "to call, cry out, summon"—urgent appeal in desperate need. The immediacy "in the day" suggests God's prompt response, not delayed answer after prolonged waiting.

"Thou answeredst me" (anitani, עֲנִיתָנִי) uses anah (עָנָה), meaning "to answer, respond, testify." God didn't merely hear but actively responded—His answer included tangible help, not just sympathetic listening. This testimony encourages believers that prayer isn't one-way monologue but dialogue with responsive God who acts on behalf of His people. The personal pronoun "me" emphasizes individual relationship—God answers specific people's specific prayers, not just general petitions.

"And strengthenedst me with strength in my soul" (tarhibeni ve-naphshi oz, תַּרְהִבֵנִי בְנַפְשִׁי עֹז) describes the nature of God's answer. Rahab (רָהַב) in Hiphil stem means "to make bold, encourage, strengthen"—internal fortification rather than external circumstance change. Oz (עֹז, "strength") denotes power, might, boldness. Nephesh (נֶפֶשׁ, "soul") encompasses the entire inner person—mind, will, emotions, vitality. God's strengthening was internal transformation that enabled David to face external challenges. The crisis may have continued, but David's inner capacity to handle it increased dramatically through divine empowerment.

Historical Context

David's life provides numerous examples of God answering prayer in crisis. When pursued by Saul, David repeatedly cried to God and experienced deliverance (1 Samuel 23:10-13, 26:1-25). When his men spoke of stoning him after the Amalekite raid on Ziklag, "David encouraged himself in the LORD his God" (1 Samuel 30:6), then inquired of God and received strategic direction leading to victory (1 Samuel 30:8-20). During Absalom's rebellion, David fled Jerusalem praying for God to defeat Ahithophel's counsel, and God answered specifically (2 Samuel 15:31, 17:14). Each crisis produced prayers that God answered, not always by removing difficulty immediately but by strengthening David internally to persevere faithfully through the trial.

Questions for Reflection