I believed
The phrase "I believed" is rooted in the Hebrew word "אָמַנְתִּי" (aman), which conveys a deep sense of trust and faithfulness. In the context of Psalm 116, this belief is not merely intellectual assent but a profound trust in God amidst adversity. Historically, the psalmist's declaration of belief reflects the covenant relationship between God and His people, where faith is a response to God's steadfast love and faithfulness. This belief is foundational to the Christian life, echoing the call to trust in God's promises despite circumstances.

therefore I said
The phrase "therefore I said" indicates a direct correlation between belief and proclamation. The Hebrew structure suggests that genuine faith naturally leads to verbal expression. In the biblical narrative, speaking one's faith is an act of witness and testimony. This reflects the broader scriptural theme that faith is not silent but is to be shared and declared, as seen in the lives of the prophets and apostles who spoke boldly because of their trust in God.

I am greatly afflicted
"I am greatly afflicted" reveals the psalmist's honest acknowledgment of suffering. The Hebrew word for "afflicted" (עָנִיתִי, aniti) encompasses a range of hardships, including physical, emotional, and spiritual distress. This phrase situates the psalm within the tradition of lament, where believers bring their pain before God. Historically, this reflects the human condition in a fallen world, yet it also points to the hope that God hears and responds to the cries of His people. The psalmist's affliction is not the end of the account but a prelude to divine intervention and deliverance.

(10, 11) I believed, therefore have I spoken.--This is the rendering of LXX. and Vulg., and it has become almost proverbial from St. Paul's adaptation of it (2Corinthians 4:13; see New Testament Commentary). And no doubt this is the sense of the words, though the particle khi has been taken in a wrong connection. Mr. Burgess has certainly given the true explanation of the use of this particle. It sometimes follows instead of preceding the verb affected by it. We must render, It is because I believed that I spoke (of God's graciousness, &c.). What follows then comes in as an antithesis. I was in great trouble; I said in my pain, "All men are untrustworthy or deceitful" Or (LXX.), In an ecstasy of despair I said, "The whole race of mankind is a delusion." The meaning of the whole passage may be thus put: It is through trust in God that I thus speak (as above--viz., of God being glorious and righteous, and of His preserving the souls of the simple). It was not always so. Once in distrust I thought that God did not care for man, and that the whole of humanity was a failure. The word ch?phez, rendered in Authorised Version haste, more properly alarm, is in Job 40:23 contrasted with trust, as it is here with faith. For the sense failure or vanity for the word rendered in Authorised Version liars, see Isaiah 58:11 ("fail;" margin, "lie or deceive").

Verses 10, 11. - Parenthetic and obscure. Both the connection and rendering are doubtful. Professor Cheyne translates, "I was confident that I should speak thus;" i.e. even while my affliction was going on, I felt confident that relief would come, and that I should one day speak as I have just spoken. I was, however, too sorely afflicted to give utterance to my feeling. Instead of so doing, I vented my unhappiness in abuse of my fellow-men. Thus understood, the words are an apologia. Verse 10. - I believed, therefore have I spoken. So the LXX., Ἐπίστευσα διὸ ἐλάλησα. But many other meanings are suggested. See the preceding paragraph. I was greatly afflicted (comp. ver. 3).

Parallel Commentaries ...


I believed,
הֶ֭אֱמַנְתִּי (he·’ĕ·man·tî)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 539: To confirm, support

therefore
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

I have spoken:
אֲדַבֵּ֑ר (’ă·ḏab·bêr)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

“I
אֲ֝נִ֗י (’ă·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

am greatly
מְאֹֽד׃ (mə·’ōḏ)
Adverb
Strong's 3966: Vehemence, vehemently, wholly, speedily

afflicted.”
עָנִ֥יתִי (‘ā·nî·ṯî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 6031: To be bowed down or afflicted


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OT Poetry: Psalm 116:10 I believed therefore I said I was (Psalm Ps Psa.)