Psalms 41:8
An evil disease, say they, cleaveth fast unto him: and now that he lieth he shall rise up no more.
Original Language Analysis
דְּֽבַר
disease
H1697
דְּֽבַר
disease
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
1 of 9
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
בְּ֭לִיַּעַל
An evil
H1100
בְּ֭לִיַּעַל
An evil
Strong's:
H1100
Word #:
2 of 9
without profit, worthlessness; by extension, destruction, wickedness
יָצ֣וּק
say they cleaveth fast
H3332
יָצ֣וּק
say they cleaveth fast
Strong's:
H3332
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, to pour out (transitive or intransitive); by implication, to melt or cast as metal; by extension, to place firmly, to stiffen or grow hard
וַאֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
וַאֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 9
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
שָׁ֝כַ֗ב
unto him and now that he lieth
H7901
שָׁ֝כַ֗ב
unto him and now that he lieth
Strong's:
H7901
Word #:
6 of 9
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Historical Context
The Hebrew phrase 'thing of Belial' connotes worthlessness or wickedness. Enemies attributed David's illness to demonic or evil influence, claiming his condition proved divine abandonment.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we resist the temptation to interpret others' suffering as evidence of divine judgment?
- What is the proper response when others misinterpret our trials as proof of God's displeasure?
Analysis & Commentary
The enemies' whispered verdict is that 'an evil disease' (literally 'a thing of Belial') cleaves to David. They interpret his suffering as evidence of divine judgment, concluding 'now that he lieth he shall rise up no more.' This theological misinterpretation of suffering recurs in Job's friends and those who mocked Jesus on the cross.