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 40:2 He lifted me up from the pit of despair, out of the miry clay; He set my feet upon a rock, and made my footsteps firm.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/40-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/19_Psa_040_002.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 40:2 - I Waited Patiently for the LORD" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="He lifted me up from the pit of despair, out of the miry clay; He set my feet upon a rock, and made my footsteps firm." /><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/40-2.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/40-2.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 2</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="/ad2.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/40-1.htm" title="Psalm 40:1">◄</a> Psalm 40:2 <a href="/psalms/40-3.htm" title="Psalm 40:3">►</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">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/psalms/40.htm">New International Version</a> He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. <a href="/nlt/psalms/40.htm">New Living Translation</a> He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. <a href="/esv/psalms/40.htm">English Standard Version</a> He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. <a href="/bsb/psalms/40.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> He lifted me up from the pit of despair, out of the miry clay; He set my feet upon a rock, and made my footsteps firm. <a href="/kjv/psalms/40.htm">King James Bible</a> He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. <a href="/nkjv/psalms/40.htm">New King James Version</a> He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps. <a href="/nasb_/psalms/40.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the mud; And He set my feet on a rock, making my footsteps firm. <a href="/nasb/psalms/40.htm">NASB 1995</a> He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm. <a href="/nasb77/psalms/40.htm">NASB 1977 </a> He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay; And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm. <a href="/lsb/psalms/40.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, And He set my feet upon a high rock, He established my steps. <a href="/amp/psalms/40.htm">Amplified Bible</a> He brought me up out of a horrible pit [of tumult and of destruction], out of the miry clay, And He set my feet upon a rock, steadying my footsteps and establishing my path. <a href="/csb/psalms/40.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> He brought me up from a desolate pit, out of the muddy clay, and set my feet on a rock, making my steps secure. <a href="/hcsb/psalms/40.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> He brought me up from a desolate pit, out of the muddy clay, and set my feet on a rock, making my steps secure. <a href="/asv/psalms/40.htm">American Standard Version</a> He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay; And he set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. <a href="/cev/psalms/40.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> and pulled me from a lonely pit full of mud and mire. You let me stand on a rock with my feet firm, <a href="/erv/psalms/40.htm">English Revised Version</a> He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay; and he set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. <a href="/gwt/psalms/40.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> He pulled me out of a horrible pit, out of the mud and clay. He set my feet on a rock and made my steps secure. <a href="/gnt/psalms/40.htm">Good News Translation</a> He pulled me out of a dangerous pit, out of the deadly quicksand. He set me safely on a rock and made me secure. <a href="/isv/psalms/40.htm">International Standard Version</a> He plucked me out of a pit of confusion, even out of the quicksand; he placed my feet on a rock and established my steps. <a href="/msb/psalms/40.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> He lifted me up from the pit of despair, out of the miry clay; He set my feet upon a rock, and made my footsteps firm. <a href="/net/psalms/40.htm">NET Bible</a> He lifted me out of the watery pit, out of the slimy mud. He placed my feet on a rock and gave me secure footing. <a href="/nheb/psalms/40.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> He also brought me up out of a pit of tumult, out of the miry clay; and he set my feet on a rock, making my steps secure. <a href="/wbt/psalms/40.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. <a href="/web/psalms/40.htm">World English Bible</a> He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay. He set my feet on a rock, and gave me a firm place to stand. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/psalms/40.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And He causes me to come up "" From a pit of desolation—from mire of mud, "" And He raises up my feet on a rock, "" He is establishing my steps. <a href="/ylt/psalms/40.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And He doth cause me to come up From a pit of desolation -- from mire of mud, And He raiseth up on a rock my feet, He is establishing my steps. <a href="/slt/psalms/40.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And he will bring me up from the pit of destruction, from the clay of mire, and he will set my feet upon a rock, preparing my goings.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/psalms/40.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And he heard my prayers, and brought me out of the pit of misery and the mire of dregs. And he set my feet upon a rock, and directed my steps. <a href="/cpdv/psalms/40.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> <V 39:3>And he heard my prayers and he led me out of the pit of misery and the quagmire. And he stationed my feet upon a rock, and he directed my steps. <a href="/nabre/psalms/40.htm">New American Bible</a> Draws me up from the pit of destruction, out of the muddy clay, Sets my feet upon rock, steadies my steps, <a href="/nrsvce/psalms/40.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> He drew me up from the desolate pit, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/psalms/40.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the mire of destruction, and set my feet upon a rock and established my goings. <a href="/hpbt/psalms/40.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And he brought me up from the pit of misery and from the mire of destruction; he set my feet upon a rock and he has made my ways ready.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/psalms/40.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> He brought me up also out of the tumultuous pit, out of the miry clay; And He set my feet upon a rock, He established my goings. <a href="/sep/psalms/40.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And he brought me up out of a pit of misery, and from miry clay: and he set my feet on a rock, and ordered my goings aright. <a href="/parallel/psalms/40-2.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=4680" 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> 1For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; He inclined to me and heard my cry. 2<a href="/hebrew/5927.htm" title="5927: way·ya·‘ă·lê·nî (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3ms:: 1cs) -- A primitive root; to ascend, intransitively or actively; used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative.">He lifted me up</a> <a href="/hebrew/953.htm" title="953: mib·bō·wr (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- A pit, cistern, well. From buwr; a pit hole.">from the pit</a> <a href="/hebrew/7588.htm" title="7588: šā·’ō·wn (N-ms) -- A roar (of waters, etc.), din, crash, uproar. From sha'ah; uproar; by implication, destruction.">of despair,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3121.htm" title="3121: hay·yā·wên (Art:: N-ms) -- Mire. From the same as yayin; properly, dregs; hence, mud.">out of the miry</a> <a href="/hebrew/2916.htm" title="2916: miṭ·ṭîṭ (Prep-m:: N-msc) -- Mud, mire, clay. From an unused root meaning apparently to be sticky; mud or clay; figuratively, calamity.">clay;</a> <a href="/hebrew/6965.htm" title="6965: way·yā·qem (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To arise, stand up, stand. A primitive root; to rise.">He set</a> <a href="/hebrew/7272.htm" title="7272: raḡ·lay (N-fdc:: 1cs) -- Foot. From ragal; a foot; by implication, a step; by euphem. The pudenda.">my feet</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">upon</a> <a href="/hebrew/5553.htm" title="5553: se·la‘ (N-ms) -- A crag, cliff. From an unused root meaning to be lofty; a craggy rock, literally or figuratively.">a rock,</a> <a href="/hebrew/838.htm" title="838: ’ă·šu·rāy (N-fpc:: 1cs) -- Step, going. Or ashshur; from 'ashar in the sense of going; a step.">and made my footsteps</a> <a href="/hebrew/3559.htm" title="3559: kō·w·nên (V-Piel-Perf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to be erect; hence to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal, or figurative.">firm.</a> 3He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.…<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="/psalms/69-14.htm">Psalm 69:14-15</a> Rescue me from the mire and do not let me sink; deliver me from my foes and out of the deep waters. / Do not let the floods engulf me or the depths swallow me up; let not the Pit close its mouth over me. <a href="/psalms/103-4.htm">Psalm 103:4</a> who redeems your life from the Pit and crowns you with loving devotion and compassion, <a href="/psalms/18-16.htm">Psalm 18:16-19</a> He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of deep waters. / He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from foes too mighty for me. / They confronted me in my day of calamity, but the LORD was my support. ... <a href="/psalms/27-5.htm">Psalm 27:5</a> For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter; He will conceal me under the cover of His tent; He will set me high upon a rock. <a href="/psalms/30-1.htm">Psalm 30:1-3</a> A Psalm. A song for the dedication of the temple. Of David. I will exalt You, O LORD, for You have lifted me up and have not allowed my foes to rejoice over me. / O LORD my God, I cried to You for help, and You healed me. / O LORD, You pulled me up from Sheol; You spared me from descending into the Pit. <a href="/psalms/116-8.htm">Psalm 116:8-9</a> For You have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling. / I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living. <a href="/isaiah/38-17.htm">Isaiah 38:17</a> Surely for my own welfare I had such great anguish; but Your love has delivered me from the pit of oblivion, for You have cast all my sins behind Your back. <a href="/isaiah/42-7.htm">Isaiah 42:7</a> to open the eyes of the blind, to bring prisoners out of the dungeon and those sitting in darkness out from the prison house. <a href="/jeremiah/38-6.htm">Jeremiah 38:6-13</a> So they took Jeremiah and dropped him into the cistern of Malchiah, the king’s son, which was in the courtyard of the guard. They lowered Jeremiah with ropes into the cistern, which had no water but only mud, and Jeremiah sank down into the mud. / Now Ebed-melech the Cushite, a court official in the royal palace, heard that Jeremiah had been put into the cistern. While the king was sitting at the Gate of Benjamin, / Ebed-melech went out from the king’s palace and said to the king, ... <a href="/lamentations/3-55.htm">Lamentations 3:55-57</a> I called on Your name, O LORD, out of the depths of the Pit. / You heard my plea: “Do not ignore my cry for relief.” / You drew near when I called on You; You said, “Do not be afraid.” <a href="/jonah/2-6.htm">Jonah 2:6</a> To the roots of the mountains I descended; the earth beneath me barred me in forever! But You raised my life from the pit, O LORD my God! <a href="/matthew/7-24.htm">Matthew 7:24-25</a> Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. / The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock. <a href="/matthew/14-29.htm">Matthew 14:29-31</a> “Come,” said Jesus. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. / But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” / Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and took hold of Peter. “You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?” <a href="/luke/1-79.htm">Luke 1:79</a> to shine on those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” <a href="/john/5-24.htm">John 5:24</a> Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment. Indeed, he has crossed over from death to life.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet on a rock, and established my goings.brought<a href="/psalms/18-16.htm">Psalm 18:16,17</a> He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters… <a href="/psalms/71-20.htm">Psalm 71:20</a> Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth.<a href="/psalms/86-13.htm">Psalm 86:13</a> For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell.horrible pit [heb.<a href="/matthew/13-50.htm">Matthew 13:50</a> And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.the miry<a href="/psalms/69-2.htm">Psalm 69:2,14,15</a> I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me… <a href="/jeremiah/38-6.htm">Jeremiah 38:6-12</a> Then took they Jeremiah, and cast him into the dungeon of Malchiah the son of Hammelech, that was in the court of the prison: and they let down Jeremiah with cords. And in the dungeon there was no water, but mire: so Jeremiah sunk in the mire… <a href="/lamentations/3-53.htm">Lamentations 3:53-55</a> They have cut off my life in the dungeon, and cast a stone upon me… set<a href="/psalms/27-5.htm">Psalm 27:5</a> For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.<a href="/psalms/61-2.htm">Psalm 61:2</a> From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.<a href="/matthew/7-24.htm">Matthew 7:24,25</a> Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: … established<a href="/psalms/17-5.htm">Psalm 17:5</a> Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.<a href="/psalms/18-36.htm">Psalm 18:36</a> Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip.<a href="/psalms/37-23.htm">Psalm 37:23</a> The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/12-6.htm">Clay</a> <a href="/psalms/39-3.htm">Deep</a> <a href="/psalms/34-22.htm">Desolate</a> <a href="/psalms/38-12.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/psalms/18-16.htm">Drew</a> <a href="/psalms/37-29.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/psalms/37-23.htm">Established</a> <a href="/psalms/38-17.htm">Feet</a> <a href="/psalms/37-23.htm">Firm</a> <a href="/psalms/17-5.htm">Footsteps</a> <a href="/psalms/37-31.htm">Goings</a> <a href="/psalms/11-6.htm">Horrible</a> <a href="/psalms/37-34.htm">Lifted</a> <a href="/psalms/37-7.htm">Making</a> <a href="/daniel/2-43.htm">Miry</a> <a href="/psalms/18-42.htm">Mud</a> <a href="/psalms/35-8.htm">Pit</a> <a href="/psalms/31-3.htm">Rock</a> <a href="/psalms/30-6.htm">Secure</a> <a href="/psalms/22-14.htm">Soft</a> <a href="/psalms/38-11.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/psalms/37-31.htm">Steps</a> <a href="/exodus/2-3.htm">Sticky</a> <a href="/psalms/2-1.htm">Tumultuous</a> <a href="/psalms/31-10.htm">Waste</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/29-16.htm">Clay</a> <a href="/psalms/42-7.htm">Deep</a> <a href="/psalms/40-15.htm">Desolate</a> <a href="/psalms/44-22.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/psalms/107-18.htm">Drew</a> <a href="/psalms/40-6.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/psalms/65-6.htm">Established</a> <a href="/psalms/44-5.htm">Feet</a> <a href="/psalms/73-4.htm">Firm</a> <a href="/psalms/58-10.htm">Footsteps</a> <a href="/psalms/68-20.htm">Goings</a> <a href="/jeremiah/5-30.htm">Horrible</a> <a href="/psalms/41-9.htm">Lifted</a> <a href="/psalms/50-5.htm">Making</a> <a href="/psalms/69-2.htm">Miry</a> <a href="/isaiah/57-20.htm">Mud</a> <a href="/psalms/49-9.htm">Pit</a> <a href="/psalms/42-9.htm">Rock</a> <a href="/psalms/48-8.htm">Secure</a> <a href="/psalms/65-10.htm">Soft</a> <a href="/psalms/41-12.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/psalms/44-18.htm">Steps</a> <a href="/psalms/69-14.htm">Sticky</a> <a href="/isaiah/13-4.htm">Tumultuous</a> <a href="/psalms/49-14.htm">Waste</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>He lifted me up from the pit of despair This phrase reflects a common biblical metaphor for deliverance from severe distress or danger. The "pit of despair" can be understood as a deep, dark place of hopelessness, akin to a cistern or dungeon, which were often used as prisons in ancient times (<a href="/genesis/37-24.htm">Genesis 37:24</a>, <a href="/jeremiah/38-6.htm">Jeremiah 38:6</a>). The imagery suggests a situation from which one cannot escape without divine intervention. This deliverance is a recurring theme in the Psalms, where God is often depicted as a rescuer (<a href="/psalms/103-4.htm">Psalm 103:4</a>). Theologically, this can be seen as a type of Christ's redemptive work, lifting humanity from the depths of sin and death.out of the miry clay "Miry clay" suggests a slippery, unstable ground, symbolizing the instability and danger of the psalmist's situation. In ancient Near Eastern culture, clay was a common material, and its use here emphasizes the difficulty of finding firm footing. This imagery is also found in <a href="/jeremiah/38-6.htm">Jeremiah 38:6</a>, where the prophet is thrown into a cistern filled with mud. Spiritually, it represents the entanglements of sin and the world's troubles, from which only God can deliver. This deliverance foreshadows the stability and security found in Christ, who is the solid foundation (<a href="/1_corinthians/3-11.htm">1 Corinthians 3:11</a>).He set my feet upon a rock The "rock" symbolizes strength, stability, and security. In biblical times, rocks were often used as places of refuge and safety (<a href="/psalms/18-2.htm">Psalm 18:2</a>). This imagery is significant in the context of ancient Israel, where rocky terrain provided natural fortresses. Spiritually, the rock is a metaphor for God's unchanging nature and faithfulness. In the New Testament, Christ is referred to as the cornerstone (<a href="/ephesians/2-20.htm">Ephesians 2:20</a>), the foundation upon which believers stand firm. This phrase underscores the transformation from instability to security through divine intervention.and made my footsteps firm This phrase indicates a transition from instability to a secure and directed path. In biblical literature, walking often symbolizes one's life journey or conduct (<a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Proverbs 3:5-6</a>). The firm footsteps suggest guidance and assurance in one's life path, provided by God. This assurance is echoed in other scriptures, such as <a href="/psalms/37-23.htm">Psalm 37:23</a>, where the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord. Theologically, it points to the sanctifying work of God in a believer's life, ensuring that their journey is aligned with His will, much like the guidance provided by the Holy Spirit in the New Testament (<a href="/galatians/5-16.htm">Galatians 5:16</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a> Traditionally attributed as the author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/40.htm">Psalm 40</a>, David is expressing a personal testimony of deliverance by God. 2. <a href="/topical/p/pit_of_destruction.htm">Pit of Destruction</a> Symbolic of a place of despair, danger, or sin from which David was rescued. 3. <a href="/topical/m/miry_clay.htm">Miry Clay</a> Represents instability and helplessness, akin to being stuck in a difficult situation. 4. <a href="/topical/r/rock.htm">Rock</a> Symbolizes stability, security, and the firm foundation provided by God. 5. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> The deliverer who rescues David, providing stability and direction.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god_as_deliverer.htm">God as Deliverer</a> Recognize that God is the ultimate source of deliverance from life's trials and tribulations. <a href="/topical/s/stability_in_christ.htm">Stability in Christ</a> Emphasize the importance of building one's life on the firm foundation of Christ, who provides stability and direction. <a href="/topical/t/transformation_from_despair.htm">Transformation from Despair</a> Understand that God can transform situations of despair into opportunities for growth and testimony. <a href="/topical/f/faith_in_action.htm">Faith in Action</a> Encourage believers to actively trust in God's ability to lift them from difficult circumstances. <a href="/topical/g/gratitude_for_god's_intervention.htm">Gratitude for God's Intervention</a> Cultivate a heart of gratitude for the times God has intervened and provided a way out of challenging situations.<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/psalm_40_2_-_is_'pit'_metaphorical_or_literal.htm">Psalm 40:2 – How can we reconcile the “pit of destruction” metaphor with a literal historical event or location, given the lack of evidence for David’s confinement in such a pit?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_rescued_from_mud_mean.htm">What does being rescued from mud and mire mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_if_one_rejects_belief_in_god.htm">What does being rescued from mud and mire mean?</a> <a href="/q/how_do_millennials_and_gen_z_differ.htm">What does 'the rocks will cry out' mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/40.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) Horrible pit.--The rendering of the margin, "pit of noise," takes shaon in its primary sense, as in <a href="/isaiah/17-12.htm" title="Woe to the multitude of many people, which make a noise like the noise of the seas; and to the rushing of nations, that make a rushing like the rushing of mighty waters!">Isaiah 17:12</a>, <a href="/psalms/65-7.htm" title="Which stills the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people.">Psalm 65:7</a>, and the idea of a noise of rushing water suits this passage. Most commentators, however, take it here in the sense the cognate bears in <a href="/psalms/35-8.htm" title="Let destruction come on him at unawares; and let his net that he has hid catch himself: into that very destruction let him fall.">Psalm 35:8</a>, "destruction." The LXX. and Vulg. have "misery."Miry clay.--The word translated "clay" (comp. <a href="/psalms/69-2.htm" title="I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me.">Psalm 69:2</a>) is from a root meaning to boil up, or ferment. (One of its derivatives means "wine.") Hence "froth," or "slime." LXX., ilus; Vulg., f?x. A verse of R. Browning's perhaps expresses the poet's image:--"It frothed by,A black eddy, bespate with flakes and fumes." . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/40.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 2. - He brought me up also out of an horrible pit; literally, a pit of tumult or uproar, which is variously explained. Some imagine a pit with rushing water at the bottom of it, but such pits are scarcely known in Palestine. Others a pit which is filled with noise as a warrior, with crash of arms and amid the shouts of enemies, falls into it. But pits, though used in hunting, were not employed in warfare. The explanation that שׁאון here is to be taken in the secondary sense of "destruction" or "misery," seems to me preferable (see the Septuagint, ἐκ λάκκου ταλαιπωρίας). Out of the miry clay (comp. <a href="/psalms/69-2.htm">Psalm 69:2, 14</a>). Such "clay "would be frequently found at the bottom of disused cisterns. And set my feet upon a rock; i.e. upon solid ground, where I had a firm footing. And established my goings; literally, and make my steps firm (comp. <a href="/psalms/17-5.htm">Psalm 17:5</a>; <a href="/psalms/18-36.htm">Psalm 18:36</a>; <a href="/psalms/94-18.htm">Psalm 94:18</a>). <a href="/commentaries/psalms/40-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>He lifted me up וַיַּעֲלֵ֤נִי ׀ (way·ya·‘ă·lê·nî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5927.htm">Strong's 5927: </a> To ascend, in, actively from the pit מִבּ֥וֹר (mib·bō·wr) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_953.htm">Strong's 953: </a> A pit, cistern, well of destruction, שָׁאוֹן֮ (šā·’ō·wn) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7588.htm">Strong's 7588: </a> A roar (of waters, etcetera), din, crash, uproar out of the miry הַיָּ֫וֵ֥ן (hay·yā·wên) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3121.htm">Strong's 3121: </a> Dregs, mud clay; מִטִּ֪יט (miṭ·ṭîṭ) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2916.htm">Strong's 2916: </a> Mud, clay, calamity He set וַיָּ֖קֶם (way·yā·qem) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6965.htm">Strong's 6965: </a> To arise, stand up, stand my feet רַגְלַ֗י (raḡ·lay) Noun - fdc | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7272.htm">Strong's 7272: </a> A foot, a step, the pudenda upon עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against a rock, סֶ֥לַע (se·la‘) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5553.htm">Strong's 5553: </a> A craggy rock [and] made my footsteps אֲשֻׁרָֽי׃ (’ă·šu·rāy) Noun - feminine plural construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_838.htm">Strong's 838: </a> Step, going firm. כּוֹנֵ֥ן (kō·w·nên) Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3559.htm">Strong's 3559: </a> To be erect <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/40-2.htm">Psalm 40:2 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/psalms/40-2.htm">Psalm 40:2 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/psalms/40-2.htm">Psalm 40:2 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/psalms/40-2.htm">Psalm 40:2 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/psalms/40-2.htm">Psalm 40:2 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/40-2.htm">Psalm 40:2 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/40-2.htm">Psalm 40:2 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/40-2.htm">Psalm 40:2 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/40-2.htm">Psalm 40:2 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/psalms/40-2.htm">Psalm 40:2 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/psalms/40-2.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 40:2 He brought me up also out (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/40-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 40:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 40:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/40-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 40:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 40:3" /></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>