Psalms 25:17

Authorized King James Version

PDF

The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses.

Original Language Analysis

צָר֣וֹת The troubles H6869
צָר֣וֹת The troubles
Strong's: H6869
Word #: 1 of 5
transitively, a female rival
לְבָבִ֣י of my heart H3824
לְבָבִ֣י of my heart
Strong's: H3824
Word #: 2 of 5
the heart (as the most interior organ)
הִרְחִ֑יבוּ are enlarged H7337
הִרְחִ֑יבוּ are enlarged
Strong's: H7337
Word #: 3 of 5
to broaden (intransitive or transitive, literal or figurative)
מִ֝מְּצֽוּקוֹתַ֗י of my distresses H4691
מִ֝מְּצֽוּקוֹתַ֗י of my distresses
Strong's: H4691
Word #: 4 of 5
narrowness, i.e., (figuratively) trouble
הוֹצִיאֵֽנִי׃ O bring thou me out H3318
הוֹצִיאֵֽנִי׃ O bring thou me out
Strong's: H3318
Word #: 5 of 5
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

Analysis & Commentary

The plea 'The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses' describes expanding inner turmoil. 'Troubles of my heart' emphasizes emotional and spiritual anguish, not just external circumstances. The petition for divine deliverance ('bring thou me out') acknowledges only God can rescue from such distress. Reformed theology sees God's sovereignty over all afflictions—He permits troubles for sanctifying purposes and delivers in His perfect timing.

Historical Context

David's psalms gave voice to internal struggles that external observers might not see. This validated emotional honesty before God, teaching that prayer includes expressing psychological pain, not just requesting material needs.

Questions for Reflection