Psalms 141:5
Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities.
Original Language Analysis
יֶ֥הֶלְמֵֽנִי
smite
H1986
יֶ֥הֶלְמֵֽנִי
smite
Strong's:
H1986
Word #:
1 of 13
to strike down; by implication, to hammer, stamp, conquer, disband
חֶ֡סֶד
me it shall be a kindness
H2617
חֶ֡סֶד
me it shall be a kindness
Strong's:
H2617
Word #:
3 of 13
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
וְֽיוֹכִיחֵ֗נִי
and let him reprove
H3198
וְֽיוֹכִיחֵ֗נִי
and let him reprove
Strong's:
H3198
Word #:
4 of 13
to be right (i.e., correct); reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict
שֶׁ֣מֶן
oil
H8081
שֶׁ֣מֶן
oil
Strong's:
H8081
Word #:
5 of 13
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
רֹאשִׁ֑י
me it shall be an excellent
H7218
רֹאשִׁ֑י
me it shall be an excellent
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
6 of 13
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
7 of 13
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
יָנִ֣י
which shall not break
H5106
יָנִ֣י
which shall not break
Strong's:
H5106
Word #:
8 of 13
to refuse, forbid, dissuade, or neutralize
רֹאשִׁ֑י
me it shall be an excellent
H7218
רֹאשִׁ֑י
me it shall be an excellent
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
9 of 13
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
10 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
ע֥וֹד
H5750
ע֥וֹד
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
11 of 13
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
Cross References
Ecclesiastes 7:5It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.Revelation 3:19As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.Galatians 6:1Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.Proverbs 25:12As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.Proverbs 19:25Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.Proverbs 6:23For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:Proverbs 15:5A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.Matthew 5:44But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;2 Chronicles 25:16And it came to pass, as he talked with him, that the king said unto him, Art thou made of the king's counsel? forbear; why shouldest thou be smitten? Then the prophet forbare, and said, I know that God hath determined to destroy thee, because thou hast done this, and hast not hearkened unto my counsel.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern honor-shame cultures valued reputation and face-saving, making public correction painful. Yet biblical wisdom literature consistently celebrates teachability and correction (Proverbs 9:8, 12:1, 13:18, 15:31-32, 25:12). The comparison to anointing oil recalls special significance—anointing designated kings, priests, and prophets for holy service. To accept correction is to receive consecration for God's purposes. Early church fathers cited this verse as model for spiritual direction and fraternal correction within Christian community.
Questions for Reflection
- Who are the 'righteous' people in your life positioned to offer correction, and how can you cultivate openness to their reproof?
- How can you distinguish between godly correction (which builds up) and destructive criticism (which tears down)?
- What does it mean practically to pray 'in their calamities'—interceding for those who correct you? How does this display Christlike humility?
Analysis & Commentary
Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities. This verse expresses remarkable openness to correction from godly people. "Let the righteous smite me" (יֶהֶלְמֵנִי־צַדִּיק חֶסֶד/yehelemeni-tsaddiq chesed) welcomes rebuke from those walking uprightly. Halam means to strike or beat, suggesting forceful correction, yet the psalmist calls it "kindness" (חֶסֶד/chesed)—covenant loyalty, faithful love. True friends wound for our good (Proverbs 27:6).
"Let him reprove me" (וְיוֹכִיחֵנִי/veyokhicheni) uses יָכַח (yakach), to correct, convince, or reason with. This isn't casual advice but pointed confrontation exposing sin or error. The psalmist compares it to "excellent oil" (שֶׁמֶן רֹאשׁ/shemen rosh)—literally "oil of the head," finest anointing oil bringing honor and blessing. What feels harsh (smiting, reproof) is actually precious anointing.
"Which shall not break my head" (אַל־יָנִי רֹאשִׁי/al-yani roshi) contrasts godly correction (which heals) with false flattery or wicked influence (which destroys). Some interpret יָנִי (yani) as "refuse" rather than "break"—the psalmist won't refuse correction. Either way, the point stands: righteous reproof benefits, while rejecting it harms. The verse concludes with commitment to pray even for those who correct him, demonstrating grace and humility.