Psalms 31:7
I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;
Original Language Analysis
אָגִ֥ילָה
I will be glad
H1523
אָגִ֥ילָה
I will be glad
Strong's:
H1523
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, to spin round (under the influence of any violent emotion), i.e., usually rejoice, or (as cringing) fear
וְאֶשְׂמְחָ֗ה
and rejoice
H8055
וְאֶשְׂמְחָ֗ה
and rejoice
Strong's:
H8055
Word #:
2 of 10
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
בְּחַ֫סְדֶּ֥ךָ
in thy mercy
H2617
בְּחַ֫סְדֶּ֥ךָ
in thy mercy
Strong's:
H2617
Word #:
3 of 10
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
4 of 10
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
רָ֭אִיתָ
for thou hast considered
H7200
רָ֭אִיתָ
for thou hast considered
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
5 of 10
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יָ֝דַ֗עְתָּ
thou hast known
H3045
יָ֝דַ֗עְתָּ
thou hast known
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
8 of 10
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
Cross References
Isaiah 49:13Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted.Isaiah 63:9In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old.Psalms 119:153Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law.Galatians 4:9But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?Isaiah 63:16Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: thou, O LORD, art our father, our redeemer; thy name is from everlasting.2 Timothy 2:19Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.Isaiah 43:2When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.Psalms 71:20Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth.Psalms 142:3When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.Lamentations 3:50Till the LORD look down, and behold from heaven.
Historical Context
God considering and knowing suffering echoes Exodus 3:7—God saw Israel's affliction and knew their sorrows. David places himself in redemptive history.
Ancient Near Eastern laments moved from complaint to confidence. David deepens this theologically—confidence rests on God's covenantal character (hesed), not past miracles alone. Covenant mercy is unchanging foundation for joy amid unchanging circumstances.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you practice choosing gladness based on God's character before circumstances improve?
- What does it mean that God 'considers' your troubles with thoughtful engagement?
- How does God's knowing your soul in adversity differ from human sympathy?
- In what ways does covenant theology provide deeper security than circumstantial blessings?
- How does David's example challenge expectations for immediate relief from suffering?
Analysis & Commentary
I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities. David moves from petition to praise, demonstrating faith that rejoices before deliverance because God's mercy is already at work in acknowledging suffering.
The future tense (I will be glad) based on past tense (thou hast considered) reveals faith's logic. David chooses joy based on God's attention. Thy mercy (hesed) is covenant lovingkindness—loyal, steadfast love that never abandons. David rejoices not in relief but in unchanging divine character.
Thou hast considered uses Hebrew ra'ah—to see with understanding and purpose. God sees, understands, and acts for His suffering children. Thou hast known my soul intensifies this—God knows intimately, experientially, the depths of David's adversity.
Reformed theology emphasizes God's particular, electing love. He specifically sees and knows each chosen one in individual afflictions. This personal knowledge grounds Christian assurance.