CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 40:17 But I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my helper and deliverer; O my God, do not delay.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/40-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/19_Psa_040_017.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 40:17 - I Waited Patiently for the LORD" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my helper and deliverer; O my God, do not delay." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/40-17.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/40-17.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/40.htm">Chapter 40</a> > Verse 17</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad17.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/40-16.htm" title="Psalm 40:16">◄</a> Psalm 40:17 <a href="/psalms/41-1.htm" title="Psalm 41:1">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/40.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/40.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />But as for me, I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; you are my God, do not delay.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/40.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />As for me, since I am poor and needy, let the Lord keep me in his thoughts. You are my helper and my savior. O my God, do not delay.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/40.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/40.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my helper and deliverer; O my God, do not delay.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/40.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />But I <i>am</i> poor and needy; <i>yet</i> the Lord thinketh upon me: thou <i>art</i> my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/40.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But I <i>am</i> poor and needy; <i>Yet</i> the LORD thinks upon me. You <i>are</i> my help and my deliverer; Do not delay, O my God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/40.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But I am afflicted and needy; May the Lord be mindful of me. You are my help and my savior; Do not delay, my God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/40.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Since I am afflicted and needy, Let the Lord be mindful of me. You are my help and my deliverer; Do not delay, O my God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/40.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Since I am afflicted and needy, Let the Lord be mindful of me; Thou art my help and my deliverer; Do not delay, O my God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/40.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />As for me, I am afflicted and needy, May the Lord think of me. You are my help and the One who rescues me; Do not delay, O my God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/40.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Even though I am afflicted and needy, Still the Lord takes thought <i>and</i> is mindful of me. You are my help and my rescuer. O my God, do not delay.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/40.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I am oppressed and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my helper and my deliverer; my God, do not delay.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/40.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I am afflicted and needy; the Lord thinks of me. You are my helper and my deliverer; my God, do not delay. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/40.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But I am poor and needy; Yet the Lord thinketh upon me: Thou art my help and my deliverer; Make no tarrying, O my God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/40.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I am poor and needy, but, LORD God, you care about me, and you come to my rescue. Please hurry and help. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/40.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/40.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />But I am oppressed and needy. May the Lord think of me. You are my help and my savior. O my God, do not delay!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/40.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I am weak and poor, O Lord, but you have not forgotten me. You are my savior and my God--hurry to my aid! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/40.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />But I am poor and needy; may the Lord think about me. You are my help and deliverer. My God, do not tarry too long!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/40.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my helper and deliverer; O my God, do not delay.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/40.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />I am oppressed and needy! May the Lord pay attention to me! You are my helper and my deliverer! O my God, do not delay! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/40.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But I am poor and needy. May the Lord think about me. You are my help and my deliverer. Do not delay, my God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/40.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no delay, O my God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/40.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But I am poor and needy. May the Lord think about me. You are my help and my deliverer. Don’t delay, my God. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/40.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And I [am] poor and needy, "" The Lord devises for me. You [are] my help and my deliverer, O my God, do not linger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/40.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And I am poor and needy, The Lord doth devise for me. My help and my deliverer art Thou, O my God, tarry Thou not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/40.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And I am poor and needy, Jehovah will think upon me: thou my help and my deliverer; thou will not delay, O my God.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/40.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But I am a beggar and poor : the Lord is careful for me. Thou art my helper and my protector : O my God, be not slack. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/40.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 39:18>But I am a beggar and poor. The Lord has been concerned about me. You are my helper and my protector. My God, do not delay.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/40.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Though I am afflicted and poor, my Lord keeps me in mind. You are my help and deliverer; my God, do not delay! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/40.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/40.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But I am poor and needy; O my LORD, they have conspired against me; help me and deliver me; do not tarry, O my God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/40.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And I am poor and afflicted, my Lord; they have plotted against me; You are my helper and my deliver; my God, do not delay!" Ps<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/40.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />But, as for me, that am poor and needy, The Lord will account it unto me; Thou art my help and my deliverer; O my God, tarry not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/40.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />But I am poor and needy; the Lord will take care of me; thou art my helper, and my defender, O my God, delay not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/40-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=4833" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/40.htm">I Waited Patiently for the LORD</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">16</span>May all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; may those who love Your salvation always say, “The LORD be magnified!” <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: wa·’ă·nî (Conj-w:: Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">But I am</a> <a href="/hebrew/6041.htm" title="6041: ‘ā·nî (Adj-ms) -- Poor, afflicted, humble. From anah; depressed, in mind or circumstances.">poor</a> <a href="/hebrew/34.htm" title="34: wə·’eḇ·yō·wn (Conj-w:: Adj-ms) -- In want, needy, poor. From 'abah, in the sense of want; destitute.">and needy;</a> <a href="/hebrew/136.htm" title="136: ’ă·ḏō·nāy (N-proper-ms) -- Lord. Am emphatic form of 'adown; the Lord.">may the Lord</a> <a href="/hebrew/2803.htm" title="2803: ya·ḥă·šāḇ (V-Qal-Imperf.Jus-3ms) -- To think, account. ">think</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">of me.</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tāh (Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">You</a> <a href="/hebrew/5833.htm" title="5833: ‘ez·rā·ṯî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Help, helper, assistance. Or mezrath; feminine of ezer; aid.">are my helper</a> <a href="/hebrew/6403.htm" title="6403: ū·mə·p̄al·ṭî (Conj-w:: V-Piel-Prtcpl-msc:: 1cs) -- To escape. A primitive root; to slip out, i.e. Escape; causatively, to deliver.">and deliverer;</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hay (N-mpc:: 1cs) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">O my God,</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/309.htm" title="309: tə·’a·ḥar (V-Piel-Imperf-2ms) -- To remain behind, tarry. A primitive root; to loiter; by implication to procrastinate.">delay.</a> </span><div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/41-17.htm">Isaiah 41:17</a></span><br />The poor and needy seek water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. I, the LORD, will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-3.htm">Matthew 5:3</a></span><br />“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/70-5.htm">Psalm 70:5</a></span><br />But I am poor and needy; hurry to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD, do not delay.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-20.htm">Luke 6:20</a></span><br />Looking up at His disciples, Jesus said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/86-1.htm">Psalm 86:1</a></span><br />A prayer of David. Incline Your ear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-5.htm">James 2:5</a></span><br />Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/109-22.htm">Psalm 109:22</a></span><br />For I am poor and needy; my heart is wounded within me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/8-9.htm">2 Corinthians 8:9</a></span><br />For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/69-32.htm">Psalm 69:32</a></span><br />The humble will see and rejoice. You who seek God, let your hearts be revived!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/4-19.htm">Philippians 4:19</a></span><br />And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/34-6.htm">Psalm 34:6</a></span><br />This poor man called out, and the LORD heard him; He saved him from all his troubles.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-7.htm">1 Peter 5:7</a></span><br />Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/35-10.htm">Psalm 35:10</a></span><br />All my bones will exclaim, “Who is like You, O LORD, who delivers the afflicted from the aggressor, the poor and needy from the robber?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/13-5.htm">Hebrews 13:5-6</a></span><br />Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” / So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/72-12.htm">Psalm 72:12-13</a></span><br />For he will deliver the needy who cry out and the afflicted who have no helper. / He will take pity on the poor and needy and save the lives of the oppressed.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinks on me: you are my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.</p><p class="hdg">I am poor</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/40-5.htm">Psalm 40:5</a></b></br> Many, O LORD my God, <i>are</i> thy wonderful works <i>which</i> thou hast done, and thy thoughts <i>which are</i> to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: <i>if</i> I would declare and speak <i>of them</i>, they are more than can be numbered.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/34-6.htm">Psalm 34:6</a></b></br> This poor man cried, and the LORD heard <i>him</i>, and saved him out of all his troubles.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/69-33.htm">Psalm 69:33</a></b></br> For the LORD heareth the poor, and despiseth not his prisoners.</p><p class="hdg">the Lord</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_peter/2-23.htm">1 Peter 2:23</a></b></br> Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed <i>himself</i> to him that judgeth righteously:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_peter/5-7.htm">1 Peter 5:7</a></b></br> Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.</p><p class="hdg">help</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/54-4.htm">Psalm 54:4</a></b></br> Behold, God <i>is</i> mine helper: the Lord <i>is</i> with them that uphold my soul.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/50-7.htm">Isaiah 50:7-9</a></b></br> For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/hebrews/13-6.htm">Hebrews 13:6</a></b></br> So that we may boldly say, The Lord <i>is</i> my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.</p><p class="hdg">make</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/143-7.htm">Psalm 143:7,8</a></b></br> Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/revelation/22-20.htm">Revelation 22:20</a></b></br> He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/31-13.htm">Account</a> <a href="/psalms/37-14.htm">Afflicted</a> <a href="/psalms/40-1.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/psalms/40-1.htm">David</a> <a href="/2_kings/9-3.htm">Delay</a> <a href="/psalms/18-48.htm">Deliverer</a> <a href="/psalms/40-13.htm">Help</a> <a href="/psalms/31-12.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/psalms/25-7.htm">Mindful</a> <a href="/psalms/40-1.htm">Musician</a> <a href="/psalms/37-14.htm">Needy</a> <a href="/psalms/37-14.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/psalms/40-1.htm">Psalm</a> <a href="/psalms/30-5.htm">Tarry</a> <a href="/judges/3-26.htm">Tarrying</a> <a href="/psalms/35-25.htm">Think</a> <a href="/job/41-32.htm">Thinketh</a> <a href="/psalms/39-3.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/psalms/40-1.htm">Waiting</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/56-7.htm">Account</a> <a href="/psalms/41-8.htm">Afflicted</a> <a href="/psalms/41-1.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/psalms/41-1.htm">David</a> <a href="/psalms/70-5.htm">Delay</a> <a href="/psalms/70-5.htm">Deliverer</a> <a href="/psalms/42-5.htm">Help</a> <a href="/psalms/42-4.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/psalms/80-14.htm">Mindful</a> <a href="/psalms/41-1.htm">Musician</a> <a href="/psalms/49-2.htm">Needy</a> <a href="/psalms/41-1.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/psalms/41-1.htm">Psalm</a> <a href="/psalms/59-15.htm">Tarry</a> <a href="/psalms/70-5.htm">Tarrying</a> <a href="/psalms/59-7.htm">Think</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-7.htm">Thinketh</a> <a href="/psalms/44-24.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/psalms/56-6.htm">Waiting</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 40</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/40-1.htm">The benefit of confidence in God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/40-6.htm">Obedience is the best sacrifice</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/40-11.htm">The sense of David's evils inflames his prayer</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>But I am poor and needy;</b><br>This phrase reflects a common theme in the Psalms where the psalmist acknowledges his humble state and dependence on God. The terms "poor" and "needy" are often used in the Bible to describe not only material poverty but also spiritual humility and a recognition of one's need for God's intervention. This aligns with the Beatitudes in <a href="/matthew/5-3.htm">Matthew 5:3</a>, where Jesus says, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." The psalmist's admission of need is a posture of humility, which is essential for receiving God's grace.<p><b>may the Lord think of me.</b><br>The request for the Lord to "think of me" indicates a desire for God's attention and care. In the ancient Near Eastern context, being remembered by a deity was crucial for receiving favor and blessings. This plea is similar to the cry of the thief on the cross in <a href="/luke/23-42.htm">Luke 23:42</a>, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." It underscores the belief that God's thoughts towards an individual are powerful and life-changing, as seen in <a href="/jeremiah/29-11.htm">Jeremiah 29:11</a>, where God declares His plans to prosper and not harm.<p><b>You are my helper and deliverer;</b><br>The psalmist acknowledges God as both "helper" and "deliverer," titles that emphasize God's active role in providing assistance and salvation. This dual role is seen throughout the Old Testament, where God delivers Israel from Egypt (Exodus 14) and helps David in his battles (1 Samuel 17). The concept of God as a deliverer is a type of Christ, who is the ultimate deliverer from sin and death, as described in <a href="/romans/11-26.htm">Romans 11:26</a>, "The Deliverer will come from Zion."<p><b>O my God, do not delay.</b><br>The urgency in this plea reflects the psalmist's desperate need for immediate divine intervention. This sense of urgency is echoed in other scriptures, such as <a href="/psalms/70.htm">Psalm 70:1</a>, "Hasten, O God, to save me; come quickly, Lord, to help me." The cry for God not to delay is a testament to the psalmist's faith in God's ability to act swiftly and decisively. It also points to the eschatological hope found in <a href="/revelation/22-20.htm">Revelation 22:20</a>, where the church prays, "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus," expressing a longing for Christ's return and the fulfillment of God's promises.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of this Psalm, David often expressed his reliance on God amidst his struggles and triumphs.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The Lord (Yahweh)</a></b><br>The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal presence and faithfulness to His people.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_psalmist's_condition.htm">The Psalmist's Condition</a></b><br>The state of being "poor and needy," reflecting both physical and spiritual dependence on God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_god.htm">Dependence on God</a></b><br>Recognize our spiritual poverty and need for God's intervention in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god_as_deliverer.htm">God as Deliverer</a></b><br>Trust in God's timing and His ability to rescue us from our troubles.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/urgency_in_prayer.htm">Urgency in Prayer</a></b><br>Approach God with a sense of urgency and expectation, knowing He hears and cares for us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_before_god.htm">Humility Before God</a></b><br>Embrace humility, acknowledging our limitations and God's sufficiency.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_in_god's_provision.htm">Faith in God's Provision</a></b><br>Have confidence that God will provide for our needs, both physical and spiritual.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_40.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 40</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_god_view_acts_of_injustice.htm">How does God view acts of injustice?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_deliverance.htm">What does the Bible teach about deliverance?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_global_suffering_contradict_psalm_72.htm">Psalm 72:12-14 promises deliverance for the needy, yet suffering persists globally; does this contradict the psalm's assurance?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_psalm_40_6_downplay_sacrifices.htm">Psalm 40:6 - Why does this verse downplay the role of sacrifices and offerings, seemingly contradicting other Old Testament passages that emphasize the necessity of animal sacrifices?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/40.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 17.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">But I am poor and</span> <span class="cmt_word">needy.</span> David could say this in time of trouble. No one is more in need than a discrowned king, driven from his throne and land, and not yet restored to either (<a href="/2_samuel/9-4.htm">2 Samuel 9:4</a>-20). <span class="cmt_word">Yet the Lord thinketh upon me</span>. The "poor and needy" are those whom God especially considers (see <a href="/psalms/9-18.htm">Psalm 9:18</a>; <a href="/psalms/10-12.htm">Psalm 10:12, 17, 18</a>; <a href="/psalms/34-6.htm">Psalm 34:6</a>; <a href="/psalms/35-10.htm">Psalm 35:10</a>, etc<span class="cmt_word">.). Thou art my Help and my Deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God</span> (comp. ver. 13, and the comment ad loc.). <p> <p> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/40-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">But I [am]</span><br /><span class="heb">וַאֲנִ֤י ׀</span> <span class="translit">(wa·’ă·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> </span><span class="str2">I</span><br /><br /><span class="word">poor</span><br /><span class="heb">עָנִ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6041.htm">Strong's 6041: </a> </span><span class="str2">Poor, afflicted, humble</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and needy;</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאֶבְיוֹן֮</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’eḇ·yō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_34.htm">Strong's 34: </a> </span><span class="str2">In want, needy, poor</span><br /><br /><span class="word">may the Lord</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲדֹנָ֪י</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḏō·nāy)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_136.htm">Strong's 136: </a> </span><span class="str2">The Lord</span><br /><br /><span class="word">think of me.</span><br /><span class="heb">יַחֲשָׁ֫ב</span> <span class="translit">(ya·ḥă·šāḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2803.htm">Strong's 2803: </a> </span><span class="str2">To think, account</span><br /><br /><span class="word">You</span><br /><span class="heb">אַ֑תָּה</span> <span class="translit">(’at·tāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> </span><span class="str2">Thou and thee, ye and you</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are my helper</span><br /><span class="heb">עֶזְרָתִ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(‘ez·rā·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5833.htm">Strong's 5833: </a> </span><span class="str2">Help, helper, assistance</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and deliverer;</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמְפַלְטִ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(ū·mə·p̄al·ṭî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6403.htm">Strong's 6403: </a> </span><span class="str2">To slip out, escape, to deliver</span><br /><br /><span class="word">O my God,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱ֝לֹהַ֗י</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">do not</span><br /><span class="heb">אַל־</span> <span class="translit">(’al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">delay.</span><br /><span class="heb">תְּאַחַֽר׃</span> <span class="translit">(tə·’a·ḥar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_309.htm">Strong's 309: </a> </span><span class="str2">To loiter, to procrastinate</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/40-17.htm">Psalm 40:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/40-17.htm">Psalm 40:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/40-17.htm">Psalm 40:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/40-17.htm">Psalm 40:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/40-17.htm">Psalm 40:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/40-17.htm">Psalm 40:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/40-17.htm">Psalm 40:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/40-17.htm">Psalm 40:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/40-17.htm">Psalm 40:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/40-17.htm">Psalm 40:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/40-17.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 40:17 But I am poor and needy (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/40-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 40:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 40:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/41-1.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 41:1"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 41:1" /></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>