Psalm 43:5
New International Version
Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

New Living Translation
Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God!

English Standard Version
Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.

Berean Standard Bible
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.

King James Bible
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

New King James Version
Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.

New American Standard Bible
Why are you in despair, my soul? And why are you restless within me? Wait for God, for I will again praise Him For the help of His presence, my God.

NASB 1995
Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.

NASB 1977
Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, The help of my countenance, and my God.

Legacy Standard Bible
Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you disturbed within me? Wait for God, for I shall still praise Him, The salvation of my presence and my God.

Amplified Bible
Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you restless and disturbed within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall again praise Him, The help of my [sad] countenance and my God.

Christian Standard Bible
Why, my soul, are you so dejected? Why are you in such turmoil? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise him, my Savior and my God.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Why am I so depressed? Why this turmoil within me? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God.

American Standard Version
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God; for I shall yet praise him, Who is the help of my countenance, and my God.

Contemporary English Version
Why am I discouraged? Why am I restless? I trust you, LORD! And I will praise you again because you help me, and you are my God.

English Revised Version
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Why are you discouraged, my soul? Why are you so restless? Put your hope in God, because I will still praise him. He is my savior and my God.

Good News Translation
Why am I so sad? Why am I so troubled? I will put my hope in God, and once again I will praise him, my savior and my God.

International Standard Version
Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, because I will praise him once again, since his presence saves me and he is my God.

Majority Standard Bible
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.

NET Bible
Why are you depressed, O my soul? Why are you upset? Wait for God! For I will again give thanks to my God for his saving intervention.

New Heart English Bible
Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God. For I will again give him thanks, my saving presence and my God.

Webster's Bible Translation
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

World English Bible
Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God! For I shall still praise him: my Savior, my helper, and my God.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Why bow yourself, O my soul? And why are you troubled within me? Wait for God, for I still confess Him, "" The salvation of my countenance, and my God!

Young's Literal Translation
What! bowest thou thyself, O my soul? And what! art thou troubled within me? Wait for God, for still I confess Him, The salvation of my countenance, and my God!

Smith's Literal Translation
Why wilt thou be bowed down, O my soul? and why wilt thou be disturbed upon me? hope upon God, for yet shall I praise him, the salvation of my face, and my God.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
To thee, O God my God, I will give praise upon the harp : why art thou sad, O my soul? and why dost thou disquiet me? Hope in God, for I will still give praise to him : the salvation of my countenance, and my God.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Why are you sad, my soul? And why do you disquiet me? Hope in God, for I will still give praise to him: the salvation of my countenance and my God.

New American Bible
For the leader. A maskil of the Korahites.

New Revised Standard Version
Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Why are you disturbed, O my soul? and why are you sad within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise him, who is the Saviour of my honor and my God.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Why have you agitated me, my soul, and why have you perplexed me? Look for God, because I shall again praise him, The Savior of my entire being, and my God.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? And why moanest thou within me? Hope thou in God; for I shall yet praise Him, The salvation of my countenance, and my God.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Wherefore art thou very sad, O my soul? and wherefore dost thou trouble me? Hope in God; for I will give thanks to him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Send Out Your Light
4Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my greatest joy. I will praise You with the harp, O God, my God. 5Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.

Cross References
Psalm 42:11
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.

Psalm 42:5
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him for the salvation of His presence.

Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Isaiah 40:31
But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.

Lamentations 3:24-26
“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in Him.” / The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. / It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.

Psalm 27:14
Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD!

Psalm 62:5
Rest in God alone, O my soul, for my hope comes from Him.

Psalm 71:14
But I will always hope and will praise You more and more.

Psalm 130:5
I wait for the LORD; my soul does wait, and in His word I put my hope.

Psalm 31:24
Be strong and courageous, all you who hope in the LORD.

Romans 15:13
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, / who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

Philippians 4:6-7
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. / And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.


Treasury of Scripture

Why are you cast down, O my soul? and why are you disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

cast down

Psalm 42:5,11
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance…

health.

Psalm 44:4
Thou art my King, O God: command deliverances for Jacob.

Jump to Previous
Bowest Cast Chief Countenance Crushed Despair Disquieted Disturbed Downcast Health Help Helper Hope Korah Maschil Moanest Musician Praise Psalm Salvation Savior Soul Thyself Troubled Within
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Bowest Cast Chief Countenance Crushed Despair Disquieted Disturbed Downcast Health Help Helper Hope Korah Maschil Moanest Musician Praise Psalm Salvation Savior Soul Thyself Troubled Within
Psalm 43
1. David, praying to be restored to the temple, promises to serve God joyfully
5. He encourages his soul to trust in God














Why are you downcast, O my soul?
The psalmist begins with a poignant question, addressing his own soul. The Hebrew word for "downcast" is "שָׁחַח" (shachach), which conveys a sense of being bowed down or brought low. This reflects a deep emotional turmoil, a state of depression or despair. In the historical context, the psalmist, possibly David, often faced persecution and isolation, which could lead to such a state. This question is not just rhetorical; it invites introspection and self-examination, encouraging believers to confront their own feelings of despondency.

Why the unease within me?
The term "unease" translates from the Hebrew "הָמָה" (hamah), meaning to murmur, growl, or roar. It suggests an inner turmoil or restlessness, akin to the roaring of the sea. This imagery captures the intensity of the psalmist's emotional state. In a broader scriptural context, this unease can be seen as a spiritual struggle, a common experience for believers who face trials and tribulations. It serves as a reminder that such inner conflicts are part of the human condition and the spiritual journey.

Put your hope in God
Here, the psalmist shifts from questioning to exhortation. The Hebrew word for "hope" is "יָחַל" (yachal), which implies waiting with expectation. This is not a passive waiting but an active, confident anticipation of God's intervention. In the biblical narrative, hope in God is a recurring theme, emphasizing trust in His faithfulness and sovereignty. This phrase encourages believers to redirect their focus from their circumstances to the steadfastness of God, reinforcing the idea that hope is a powerful antidote to despair.

for I will yet praise Him
The phrase "I will yet praise Him" is a declaration of faith and determination. The Hebrew root "יָדָה" (yadah) for "praise" involves giving thanks or confessing. Despite the current state of distress, the psalmist resolves to continue worshiping God. This reflects a deep-seated belief in God's goodness and a commitment to honor Him regardless of circumstances. Historically, this attitude of praise amidst trials is exemplified by many biblical figures, serving as an inspirational model for believers to maintain a posture of worship.

my Savior and my God
The psalmist concludes with a personal affirmation of God's role as both "Savior" and "God." The Hebrew word for "Savior" is "יֵשַׁע" (yesha), denoting deliverance or salvation. This acknowledges God's power to rescue and redeem. The term "God" is "אֱלֹהִים" (Elohim), a plural form that denotes majesty and power. This dual acknowledgment underscores the psalmist's reliance on God's ability to save and His divine authority. It serves as a powerful reminder of the personal relationship believers have with God, who is both their deliverer and sovereign Lord.

Verse 5. - Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. The refrain of Psalm 42:11 is here repeated totidem verbis; and the plaint of the exiled monarch is brought to an end. The burden of the refrain is hope and confidence. Notwithstanding the woes of the present, the writer has no doubt in respect of the future; he will yet have occasion to "praise" God, whom he feels to be "his God - his Health and Salvation.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Why
מַה־ (mah-)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

are you downcast,
תִּשְׁתּ֬וֹחֲחִ֨י ׀ (tiš·tō·w·ḥă·ḥî)
Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - second person feminine singular
Strong's 7817: To bow, be bowed down, crouch

O my soul?
נַפְשִׁי֮ (nap̄·šî)
Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion

Why
וּֽמַה־ (ū·mah-)
Conjunctive waw | Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

the unease
תֶּהֱמִ֪י (te·hĕ·mî)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person feminine singular
Strong's 1993: To make a, loud sound, commotion, tumult, to rage, war, moan, clamor

within me?
עָ֫לָ֥י (‘ā·lāy)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

Put your hope
הוֹחִ֣ילִי (hō·w·ḥî·lî)
Verb - Hifil - Imperative - feminine singular
Strong's 3176: To wait, to be patient, hope

in God,
לֵֽ֭אלֹהִים (lê·lō·hîm)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

for
כִּי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

I shall yet
ע֣וֹד (‘ō·wḏ)
Adverb
Strong's 5750: Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more

praise Him,
אוֹדֶ֑נּוּ (’ō·w·ḏen·nū)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3034: To throw, at, away, to revere, worship, to bemoan

my Savior
יְשׁוּעֹ֥ת (yə·šū·‘ōṯ)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 3444: Something saved, deliverance, aid, victory, prosperity

and my God.
וֵֽאלֹהָֽי׃ (wê·lō·hāy)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative


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OT Poetry: Psalm 43:5 Why are you in despair my soul? (Psalm Ps Psa.)
Psalm 43:4
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