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They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me. <a href="/nlt/psalms/40.htm">New Living Translation</a> For troubles surround me— too many to count! My sins pile up so high I can’t see my way out. They outnumber the hairs on my head. I have lost all courage. <a href="/esv/psalms/40.htm">English Standard Version</a> For evils have encompassed me beyond number; my iniquities have overtaken me, and I cannot see; they are more than the hairs of my head; my heart fails me. <a href="/bsb/psalms/40.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> For evils without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, so that I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart has failed within me. <a href="/kjv/psalms/40.htm">King James Bible</a> For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me. <a href="/nkjv/psalms/40.htm">New King James Version</a> For innumerable evils have surrounded me; My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to look up; They are more than the hairs of my head; Therefore my heart fails me. <a href="/nasb_/psalms/40.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For evils beyond number have surrounded me; My guilty deeds have overtaken me, so that I am not able to see; They are more numerous than the hairs of my head, And my heart has failed me. <a href="/nasb/psalms/40.htm">NASB 1995</a> For evils beyond number have surrounded me; My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to see; They are more numerous than the hairs of my head, And my heart has failed me. <a href="/nasb77/psalms/40.htm">NASB 1977 </a> For evils beyond number have surrounded me; My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to see; They are more numerous than the hairs of my head; And my heart has failed me. <a href="/lsb/psalms/40.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For evils beyond number have surrounded me; My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to see; They are more numerous than the hairs of my head, And my heart has failed me. <a href="/amp/psalms/40.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For innumerable evils have encompassed me; My sins have overtaken me, so that I am not able to see. They are more numerous than the hairs of my head, And my heart has failed me. <a href="/csb/psalms/40.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For troubles without number have surrounded me; my iniquities have overtaken me; I am unable to see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my courage leaves me. <a href="/hcsb/psalms/40.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For troubles without number have surrounded me; my sins have overtaken me; I am unable to see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my courage leaves me. <a href="/asv/psalms/40.htm">American Standard Version</a> For innumerable evils have compassed me about; Mine iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to look up; They are more than the hairs of my head; And my heart hath failed me. <a href="/cev/psalms/40.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> I have more troubles than I can count. My sins are all around me, and I can't find my way. My sins outnumber the hairs on my head, and I feel weak. <a href="/erv/psalms/40.htm">English Revised Version</a> For innumerable evils have compassed me about, mine iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head, and my heart hath failed me. <a href="/gwt/psalms/40.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Countless evils have surrounded me. My sins have caught up with me so that I can no longer see. They outnumber the hairs on my head. I have lost heart. <a href="/gnt/psalms/40.htm">Good News Translation</a> I am surrounded by many troubles--too many to count! My sins have caught up with me, and I can no longer see; they are more than the hairs of my head, and I have lost my courage. <a href="/isv/psalms/40.htm">International Standard Version</a> Innumerable evils have surrounded me; my iniquities have overtaken me so that I cannot see. They are more in number than the hair on my head, and my courage has forsaken me. <a href="/msb/psalms/40.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> For evils without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, so that I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart has failed within me. <a href="/net/psalms/40.htm">NET Bible</a> For innumerable dangers surround me. My sins overtake me so I am unable to see; they outnumber the hairs of my head so my strength fails me. <a href="/nheb/psalms/40.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For innumerable evils have surrounded me. My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to look up. They are more than the hairs of my head. My heart has failed me. <a href="/wbt/psalms/40.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For innumerable evils have encompassed me: my iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of my head: therefore my heart faileth me. <a href="/web/psalms/40.htm">World English Bible</a> For innumerable evils have surrounded me. My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to look up. They are more than the hairs of my head. My heart has failed me. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/psalms/40.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> For innumerable evils have surrounded me, "" My iniquities have overtaken me, "" And I have not been able to see; They have been more than the hairs of my head, "" And my heart has forsaken me. <a href="/ylt/psalms/40.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> For compassed me have evils innumerable, Overtaken me have mine iniquities, And I have not been able to see; They have been more than the hairs of my head, And my heart hath forsaken me. <a href="/slt/psalms/40.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For evils even not being numbered encompassed about me: mine iniquities overtook me, and I was not able to see; they were numerous above the hairs of my head, and my heart forsook me.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/psalms/40.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For evils without number have surrounded me; my iniquities have overtaken me, and I was not able to see. They are multiplied above the hairs of my head : and my heart hath forsaken me. <a href="/cpdv/psalms/40.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> <V 39:13>For evils without number have surrounded me. My iniquities have taken hold of me, and I was not able to see. They have been multiplied beyond the hairs of my head. And my heart has forsaken me. <a href="/nabre/psalms/40.htm">New American Bible</a> But evils surround me until they cannot be counted. My sins overtake me, so that I can no longer see. They are more numerous than the hairs of my head; my courage fails me. <a href="/nrsvce/psalms/40.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For evils have encompassed me without number; my iniquities have overtaken me, until I cannot see; they are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails me.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/psalms/40.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For innumerable evils have surrounded me; mine iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of my head; and my heart fails me. <a href="/hpbt/psalms/40.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Because evils without number surround me, and my sins have overtaken me and I was not able to see, and they have increased more than the hairs of my head, and my heart has forsaken me.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/psalms/40.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> For innumerable evils have compassed me about, Mine iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to look up; They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart hath failed me. <a href="/sep/psalms/40.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> For innumerable evils have encompassed me; my transgressions have taken hold of me, and I could not see; they are multiplied more than the hairs of my head; and my heart has failed me. <a href="/parallel/psalms/40-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=4785" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/psalms/40.htm">I Waited Patiently for the LORD</a> …11O LORD, do not withhold Your mercy from me; Your loving devotion and faithfulness will always guard me. 12<a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">For</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: rā·‘ō·wṯ (N-fp) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">evils</a> <a href="/hebrew/5704.htm" title="5704: ‘aḏ- (Prep) -- As far as, even to, up to, until, while. Properly, the same as ad; as far as, whether of space or time or degree."></a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: ’ên (Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">without</a> <a href="/hebrew/4557.htm" title="4557: mis·pār (N-ms) -- Number, tally. From caphar; a number, definite or indefinite; also narration.">number</a> <a href="/hebrew/661.htm" title="661: ’ā·p̄ə·p̄ū- (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To surround, encompass. A primitive root; to surround.">surround me;</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ā·lay (Prep:: 1cs) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5771.htm" title="5771: ‘ă·wō·nō·ṯay (N-cpc:: 1cs) -- Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity. Or oavown; from avah; perversity, i.e. evil.">my sins</a> <a href="/hebrew/5381.htm" title="5381: hiś·śî·ḡū·nî (V-Hifil-Perf-3cp:: 1cs) -- To reach, overtake. A primitive root; to reach.">have overtaken me,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō- (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">so that I cannot</a> <a href="/hebrew/3201.htm" title="3201: yā·ḵō·lə·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To be able, have power. Or yakowl; a primitive root; to be able, literally or morally."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: lir·’ō·wṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">see.</a> <a href="/hebrew/6105.htm" title="6105: ‘ā·ṣə·mū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- A primitive root; to bind fast, i.e. Close; intransitively, to be powerful or numerous; denominatively to crunch the bones.">They are more</a> <a href="/hebrew/8185.htm" title="8185: miś·śa·‘ă·rō·wṯ (Prep-m:: N-fpc) -- Hair. Feminine of se'ar; hairiness.">than the hairs</a> <a href="/hebrew/7218.htm" title="7218: rō·šî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Head. From an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head, whether literal or figurative.">of my head,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: wə·lib·bî (Conj-w:: N-msc:: 1cs) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">and my heart</a> <a href="/hebrew/5800.htm" title="5800: ‘ă·zā·ḇā·nî (V-Qal-Perf-3ms:: 1cs) -- To loosen, relinquish, permit. A primitive root; to loosen, i.e. Relinquish, permit, etc.">has failed within me.</a> 13Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me; hurry, O LORD, to help me.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/isaiah/53-6.htm">Isaiah 53:6</a> We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all. <a href="/romans/7-18.htm">Romans 7:18-24</a> I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh; for I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. / For I do not do the good I want to do. Instead, I keep on doing the evil I do not want to do. / And if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. ... <a href="/psalms/38-4.htm">Psalm 38:4</a> For my iniquities have overwhelmed me; they are a burden too heavy to bear. <a href="/jeremiah/14-7.htm">Jeremiah 14:7</a> Although our iniquities testify against us, O LORD, act for the sake of Your name. Indeed, our rebellions are many; we have sinned against You. <a href="/2_corinthians/5-21.htm">2 Corinthians 5:21</a> God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. <a href="/psalms/69-5.htm">Psalm 69:5</a> You know my folly, O God, and my guilt is not hidden from You. <a href="/romans/3-23.htm">Romans 3:23</a> for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, <a href="/isaiah/59-12.htm">Isaiah 59:12</a> For our transgressions are multiplied before You, and our sins testify against us. Our transgressions are indeed with us, and we know our iniquities: <a href="/1_john/1-8.htm">1 John 1:8-9</a> If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. / If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. <a href="/psalms/51-3.htm">Psalm 51:3</a> For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. <a href="/james/1-14.htm">James 1:14-15</a> But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. / Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. <a href="/job/13-23.htm">Job 13:23</a> How many are my iniquities and sins? Reveal to me my transgression and sin. <a href="/romans/6-23.htm">Romans 6:23</a> For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. <a href="/psalms/25-11.htm">Psalm 25:11</a> For the sake of Your name, O LORD, forgive my iniquity, for it is great. <a href="/1_timothy/1-15.htm">1 Timothy 1:15</a> This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For innumerable evils have compassed me about: my iniquities have taken hold on me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of my head: therefore my heart fails me.innumerable<a href="/psalms/22-11.htm">Psalm 22:11-19</a> Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help… <a href="/hebrews/4-15.htm">Hebrews 4:15</a> For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.mine<a href="/psalms/38-4.htm">Psalm 38:4</a> For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me.<a href="/isaiah/53-6.htm">Isaiah 53:6</a> All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.<a href="/luke/18-13.htm">Luke 18:13,14</a> And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner… they are<a href="/psalms/19-12.htm">Psalm 19:12</a> Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.<a href="/psalms/69-4.htm">Psalm 69:4</a> They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away.heart<a href="/psalms/73-26.htm">Psalm 73:26</a> My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.<a href="/genesis/42-28.htm">Genesis 42:28</a> And he said unto his brethren, My money is restored; and, lo, it is even in my sack: and their heart failed them, and they were afraid, saying one to another, What is this that God hath done unto us?<a href="/luke/21-26.htm">Luke 21:26</a> Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.faileth [heb.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/36-12.htm">Able</a> <a href="/psalms/38-6.htm">Bent</a> <a href="/psalms/22-16.htm">Compassed</a> <a href="/psalms/22-16.htm">Encompassed</a> <a href="/psalms/34-19.htm">Evils</a> <a href="/psalms/31-10.htm">Failed</a> <a href="/psalms/38-10.htm">Faileth</a> <a href="/psalms/38-10.htm">Fails</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-52.htm">Hairs</a> <a href="/psalms/38-4.htm">Head</a> <a href="/psalms/40-10.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/psalms/39-12.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/psalms/38-4.htm">Iniquities</a> <a href="/job/21-33.htm">Innumerable</a> <a href="/job/14-6.htm">Look</a> <a href="/psalms/40-5.htm">Numerous</a> <a href="/psalms/18-37.htm">Overtaken</a> <a href="/psalms/34-7.htm">Round</a> <a href="/psalms/39-8.htm">Sins</a> <a href="/psalms/39-13.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/psalms/32-10.htm">Surround</a> <a href="/psalms/22-16.htm">Surrounded</a> <a href="/psalms/35-26.htm">Troubles</a> <a href="/psalms/3-2.htm">Unnumbered</a> <a href="/psalms/39-11.htm">Weight</a> <a href="/psalms/40-10.htm">Within</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/49-8.htm">Able</a> <a href="/psalms/44-16.htm">Bent</a> <a href="/psalms/88-17.htm">Compassed</a> <a href="/psalms/88-17.htm">Encompassed</a> <a href="/psalms/65-3.htm">Evils</a> <a href="/psalms/77-8.htm">Failed</a> <a href="/psalms/49-8.htm">Faileth</a> <a href="/psalms/71-9.htm">Fails</a> <a href="/psalms/69-4.htm">Hairs</a> <a href="/psalms/44-14.htm">Head</a> <a href="/psalms/41-6.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/psalms/41-12.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/psalms/51-9.htm">Iniquities</a> <a href="/psalms/104-25.htm">Innumerable</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-9.htm">Look</a> <a href="/psalms/68-11.htm">Numerous</a> <a href="/psalms/119-143.htm">Overtaken</a> <a href="/psalms/44-13.htm">Round</a> <a href="/psalms/51-9.htm">Sins</a> <a href="/psalms/41-3.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/psalms/49-5.htm">Surround</a> <a href="/psalms/88-17.htm">Surrounded</a> <a href="/psalms/54-7.htm">Troubles</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-29.htm">Unnumbered</a> <a href="/psalms/55-3.htm">Weight</a> <a href="/psalms/42-4.htm">Within</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 40</div>1. <a href="/psalms/40-1.htm">The benefit of confidence in God</a> 6. <a href="/psalms/40-6.htm">Obedience is the best sacrifice</a> 11. <a href="/psalms/40-11.htm">The sense of David's evils inflames his prayer</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/40.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/40.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>For evils without number surround me; This phrase reflects the overwhelming nature of the psalmist's troubles, which are so numerous they cannot be counted. In the biblical context, "evils" often refer to adversities or calamities, which could be external threats or internal struggles. The imagery of being surrounded suggests a sense of entrapment or being besieged, common in the Psalms where the writer often feels overwhelmed by enemies or circumstances. This can be connected to the experiences of King David, who faced numerous adversaries throughout his life, including King Saul and his own son Absalom. Theologically, this can also be seen as a type of Christ, who was surrounded by evils and adversaries during His earthly ministry, particularly leading up to His crucifixion.my sins have overtaken me, so that I cannot see. Here, the psalmist acknowledges personal sin, which has become so burdensome that it blinds him. This blindness can be understood as a spiritual condition where sin obscures one's vision of God and His righteousness. The phrase "overtaken me" suggests being overwhelmed or caught by surprise, indicating the pervasive and insidious nature of sin. In the broader biblical narrative, sin is often depicted as a force that ensnares and blinds individuals, as seen in the story of Samson (Judges 16) or the warnings in Proverbs about the consequences of sin. This acknowledgment of sin is crucial for repentance and restoration, a theme echoed in the New Testament, where believers are called to confess and turn from their sins (1 <a href="/john/1-9.htm">John 1:9</a>).They are more than the hairs of my head, This hyperbolic expression emphasizes the vast number of the psalmist's sins, suggesting they are innumerable. The comparison to the hairs of one's head is a common biblical metaphor for something vast and uncountable, as seen in Jesus' teaching about God's intimate knowledge of us (<a href="/matthew/10-30.htm">Matthew 10:30</a>). This phrase underscores the depth of human sinfulness and the need for divine grace. It also reflects the psalmist's deep sense of conviction and awareness of his moral failings, which is a step towards seeking God's mercy and forgiveness.and my heart has failed within me. The heart, in biblical terms, often represents the center of one's emotions, will, and intellect. The psalmist's statement that his heart has failed indicates a profound sense of despair and helplessness. This failure of heart can be seen as a loss of courage or strength, often resulting from the weight of sin and external pressures. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, the heart was considered the seat of life and vitality, so its failure signifies a deep spiritual and emotional crisis. This mirrors the experience of many biblical figures who faced moments of deep despair, such as Elijah under the broom tree (1 Kings 19) or Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (<a href="/matthew/26-38.htm">Matthew 26:38</a>). The psalmist's cry for help is a precursor to the hope and deliverance that God provides, a theme that resonates throughout the Psalms and the entire biblical narrative.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> Traditionally attributed as the author of this psalm, David is expressing a deep sense of personal distress and recognition of his own sinfulness. 2. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> The psalm is a prayer directed to God, acknowledging His power and mercy in the face of overwhelming troubles. 3. <a href="/topical/e/enemies.htm">Enemies</a> Though not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the context of the psalm suggests that David is surrounded by adversaries, both external and internal (his own sins). 4. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> While not directly mentioned, David's life and prayers are often centered around Jerusalem, the city of God. 5. <a href="/topical/s/sin_and_iniquity.htm">Sin and Iniquity</a> These are the internal struggles David faces, acknowledging his own failures and the weight of his sins.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/r/recognition_of_sin.htm">Recognition of Sin</a> Acknowledge the reality and weight of personal sin. Like David, we must come to terms with our own iniquities and their impact on our lives. <a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_god.htm">Dependence on God</a> In times of overwhelming distress, whether from external evils or internal sins, our ultimate hope and deliverance come from God. <a href="/topical/t/the_heart's_condition.htm">The Heart's Condition</a> Understand that sin affects not just our actions but also our heart, leading to spiritual blindness and failure. <a href="/topical/c/confession_and_repentance.htm">Confession and Repentance</a> Regularly practice confession and repentance, trusting in God's mercy and forgiveness. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_warfare.htm">Spiritual Warfare</a> Recognize the spiritual battle we face, both from external forces and internal struggles, and equip ourselves with prayer and Scripture.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_40.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 40</a> <a href="/q/how_does_psalm_28_4_align_with_mercy.htm">In Psalm 28:4, how does David's plea for divine retribution align with broader biblical themes of mercy and forgiveness?</a> <a href="/q/is_psalm_40_12_hyperbole_or_historical.htm">Does historical evidence show David or any Israelite king facing countless troubles as in Psalm 40:12, or is this hyperbole affecting historical accuracy?</a> <a href="/q/how_is_david_innocent_in_psalm_17_3.htm">How can David claim innocence in Psalm 17:3 if the Bible elsewhere teaches that all humans are sinful (Romans 3:23)?</a> <a href="/q/can_a_sin_truly_remain_private.htm">Can a sin truly remain private?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/40.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 12. - For innumerable evils have compassed me about; literally, for evils have gathered upon me until there is no number (comp. vers. 1, 2). The exact nature of the "evils" is not mentioned; but the worst of them appears to be "the deep and bitter consciousness of sin" revealed in the next clause. Another was, beyond all doubt, the continued animosity of enemies (ver. 14). Mental and bodily weakness may have been added, and have completed the crushing load whereof complaint is made. It is noted that the exceedingly deep consciousness of sin here displayed "belongs altogether to a late part of David's life" (Canon Cook). Mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; rather, so that 1 am not able to see. An actual failure of sight seems to be intended (comp. <a href="/psalms/6-7.htm">Psalm 6:7</a>; <a href="/psalms/31-9.htm">Psalm 31:9</a>; 28:10). They are more than the hairs of my head; i.e. they are more in number. Therefore my heart faileth me; i.e. "my courage" and "my strength of mind" (comp. <a href="/psalms/38-10.htm">Psalm 38:10</a>). <a href="/commentaries/psalms/40-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>For כִּ֤י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction evils רָע֡וֹת (rā·‘ō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> Bad, evil without אֵ֬ין (’ên) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> A non-entity, a negative particle number מִסְפָּ֗ר (mis·pār) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4557.htm">Strong's 4557: </a> A number, definite, indefinite, narration surround me; אָפְפ֥וּ־ (’ā·p̄ə·p̄ū-) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_661.htm">Strong's 661: </a> To surround, encompass my sins עֲ֭וֺנֹתַי (‘ă·wō·nō·ṯay) Noun - common plural construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5771.htm">Strong's 5771: </a> Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity have overtaken me, הִשִּׂיג֣וּנִי (hiś·śî·ḡū·nî) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person common plural | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5381.htm">Strong's 5381: </a> To reach, overtake so that I cannot וְלֹא־ (wə·lō-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no see. לִרְא֑וֹת (lir·’ō·wṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> To see They are more עָצְמ֥וּ (‘ā·ṣə·mū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6105.htm">Strong's 6105: </a> To bind fast, close, powerful, numerous, to crunch the bones than the hairs מִשַּֽׂעֲר֥וֹת (miś·śa·‘ă·rō·wṯ) Preposition-m | Noun - feminine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8185.htm">Strong's 8185: </a> Hairiness of my head, רֹ֝אשִׁ֗י (rō·šî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7218.htm">Strong's 7218: </a> The head and my heart וְלִבִּ֥י (wə·lib·bî) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre has failed within me. עֲזָבָֽנִי׃ (‘ă·zā·ḇā·nî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5800.htm">Strong's 5800: </a> To loosen, relinquish, permit <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/40-12.htm">Psalm 40:12 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/psalms/40-12.htm">Psalm 40:12 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/psalms/40-12.htm">Psalm 40:12 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/psalms/40-12.htm">Psalm 40:12 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/psalms/40-12.htm">Psalm 40:12 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/40-12.htm">Psalm 40:12 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/40-12.htm">Psalm 40:12 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/40-12.htm">Psalm 40:12 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/40-12.htm">Psalm 40:12 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/psalms/40-12.htm">Psalm 40:12 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/psalms/40-12.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 40:12 For innumerable evils have surrounded me (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/40-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 40:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 40:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/40-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 40:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 40:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>