Psalms 41:3
The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness.
Original Language Analysis
יְֽהוָ֗ה
The LORD
H3068
יְֽהוָ֗ה
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
1 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מִ֝שְׁכָּב֗וֹ
all his bed
H4904
מִ֝שְׁכָּב֗וֹ
all his bed
Strong's:
H4904
Word #:
7 of 9
a bed (figuratively, a bier); abstractly, sleep; by euphemism, carnal intercourse
Cross References
Psalms 73:26My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.2 Kings 1:16And he said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Forasmuch as thou hast sent messengers to enquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron, is it not because there is no God in Israel to enquire of his word? therefore thou shalt not come down off that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die.2 Kings 1:6And they said unto him, There came a man up to meet us, and said unto us, Go, turn again unto the king that sent you, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that thou sendest to enquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron? therefore thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern culture often interpreted illness as divine punishment. This psalm subverts that theology by showing God's care for the sick righteous person, anticipating Jesus' healing ministry to the outcasts.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's promise to 'make all his bed' in sickness comfort you in times of physical weakness?
- What does this verse teach about the relationship between faith and physical health?
Analysis & Commentary
The promise that God will 'strengthen him upon the bed of languishing' addresses the reality that even the compassionate suffer illness. The phrase 'make all his bed in his sickness' suggests God's intimate, tender care--like a nurse adjusting bedding for comfort. Divine care extends to the most vulnerable moments of physical weakness.