Psalms 41:2
The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָ֤ה׀
The LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֤ה׀
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
1 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
יִשְׁמְרֵ֣הוּ
will preserve
H8104
יִשְׁמְרֵ֣הוּ
will preserve
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
וִֽ֭יחַיֵּהוּ
him and keep him alive
H2421
וִֽ֭יחַיֵּהוּ
him and keep him alive
Strong's:
H2421
Word #:
3 of 9
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
יְאֻשַּׁ֣ר
and he shall be blessed
H833
יְאֻשַּׁ֣ר
and he shall be blessed
Strong's:
H833
Word #:
4 of 9
to be straight (used in the widest sense, especially to be level, right, happy); figuratively, to go forward, be honest, prosper
וְאַֽל
H408
וְאַֽל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
6 of 9
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תִּ֝תְּנֵ֗הוּ
and thou wilt not deliver
H5414
תִּ֝תְּנֵ֗הוּ
and thou wilt not deliver
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
7 of 9
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
Cross References
Psalms 27:12Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.1 Timothy 4:8For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.Psalms 37:22For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.Psalms 33:19To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.
Historical Context
Care for the poor was embedded in Israel's covenant law (Deuteronomy 15), distinguishing them from surrounding nations where the weak were often exploited. This psalm connects personal blessing with social responsibility.
Questions for Reflection
- How does care for the poor reflect God's own character?
- What connection exists between showing mercy and receiving divine protection?
Analysis & Commentary
The LORD promises to 'preserve' and 'keep alive' the one who considers the poor. The Hebrew shamar (preserve) implies active guarding and protection. Being 'blessed upon the earth' connects earthly prosperity with compassionate action, while 'not delivered unto the will of his enemies' assures divine protection from those who would exploit vulnerability.