Psalm 39 9

Psalm 39:9 kjv

I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because thou didst it.

Psalm 39:9 nkjv

I was mute, I did not open my mouth, Because it was You who did it.

Psalm 39:9 niv

I was silent; I would not open my mouth, for you are the one who has done this.

Psalm 39:9 esv

I am mute; I do not open my mouth, for it is you who have done it.

Psalm 39:9 nlt

I am silent before you; I won't say a word,
for my punishment is from you.

Psalm 39 verses

Psalm 39 9 Meaning

Psalm 39:9 expresses a deep and resolute submission to the sovereign will of God in the face of personal suffering or adversity. The psalmist, having experienced distress, consciously chooses silence and refrains from complaining or questioning God's actions, because he recognizes that the affliction ultimately comes from the hand of the Lord. This silence is not born of despair or helplessness, but from a profound trust and acceptance of divine discipline or providence, acknowledging God's ultimate control over all circumstances.

Psalm 39 9 Context

Psalm 39 is a personal lament by David, grappling with the brevity and frailty of human life, and the seeming futility of existence in the face of suffering. The psalmist initially resolves in verses 1-2 to guard his words, specifically intending to remain silent so as not to sin by complaining or murmuring against God, particularly when in the presence of the wicked. However, his internal anguish becomes so great that the silence becomes unbearable (v. 3-4), leading him to vocalize his plea and question before God about his appointed end and the transient nature of life (v. 4-6).

In this specific verse (v. 9), the psalmist returns to his resolve of silence, but this time it is a silence born not just of a desire to avoid sin, but of a profound and humble acceptance of God's direct hand in his affliction. He recognizes that his suffering is not arbitrary but purposed by a sovereign God. The verse transitions the psalmist from merely enduring his condition to consciously submitting to the divine will, finding the reason for his silence not in personal strength but in divine sovereignty. This recognition forms the basis for his subsequent requests for God to remove the affliction, now understood as God's doing (v. 10-11). Historically and culturally, such laments were common expressions of Israelite faith, demonstrating direct address to God, even with questions, yet often resolving in trust and acknowledgment of His justice and sovereignty, contrasting with polytheistic views where suffering might be attributed to fickle gods or impersonal fate.

Psalm 39 9 Word analysis

• I was silent;

  • Hebrew: נֶאֱלַ֣מְתִּי (ne'ělami)
  • Meaning: Qal perfect 1st person common singular of the verb אָלַם (alam), "to bind, be dumb, silent."
  • Significance: This indicates a deliberate and conscious act of self-restraint. It's not a silence imposed from without, but a willed silence, choosing not to speak. It conveys the idea of holding oneself in check, preventing any utterance of complaint or accusation.

• I would not open

  • Hebrew: לֹ֣א אֶפְתַּח (lo eptah)
  • Meaning: לֹא (lo) "not," אֶפְתַּח (eptah) Qal imperfect 1st person common singular of the verb פָּתַח (patach), "to open."
  • Significance: Reinforces the intentionality. The imperfect tense here indicates a continued resolve, a fixed determination not to open his mouth. It underlines the firm decision to maintain silence despite the internal pressure.

• my mouth,

  • Hebrew: פִּי (pi)
  • Meaning: פִּי (pi) from פֶּה (peh) "mouth," with the 1st person singular possessive suffix.
  • Significance: The focus is specifically on the instrument of speech, emphasizing the prevention of words of complaint, accusation, or questioning directed towards God or anyone else concerning his plight. The tongue's power, for good or ill, is central in Psalm 39.

• for

  • Hebrew: כִּֽי (ki)
  • Meaning: "for," "because," "indeed."
  • Significance: This conjunction introduces the foundational reason or explanation for the psalmist's chosen silence. It presents the direct causality, connecting the action (silence) to the divine reality that follows.

• You did it.

  • Hebrew: אַתָּ֖ה עָשִֽׂיתָ (attah asita)
  • Meaning: אַתָּה (attah) "You" (2nd person masculine singular pronoun), עָשִׂיתָ (asita) Qal perfect 2nd person masculine singular of the verb עָשָׂה (asah), "to do, make."
  • Significance: This is the theological pivot point of the verse. "You" (God) is placed emphatically. The perfect tense "did it" speaks to a completed action by God, directly linking the psalmist's suffering or state to God's agency. It reveals a profound understanding of God's sovereignty, acknowledging that all things, including personal affliction, are either directly brought about or permitted by Him. This recognition transforms despair or resentment into submissive trust.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "I was silent; I would not open my mouth,": This phrase emphasizes an absolute, conscious restraint of speech. It moves from a state of being silent ("I was silent") to an active decision to maintain that silence ("I would not open my mouth"). It implies a battle within oneself to curb any impulse to speak rashly or complain. This is a deliberate discipline of the tongue, reflecting a deep spiritual control.
  • "for You did it.": This phrase provides the ultimate theological rationale for the psalmist's chosen silence. It identifies God as the source or orchestrator of the circumstances, whether they be chastening, testing, or simply divine providence. This recognition leads to an end to human argument or protest, as one bows before the divine will. The suffering is not random or merely human fault; it has a divine origin and therefore demands a different response—submission, not questioning.

Psalm 39 9 Bonus section

The silence of Psalm 39:9 is particularly poignant because it immediately follows a section where the psalmist does speak out to God (v. 4-6). This juxtaposition shows a progression in his lament. Initially, he struggles with his vow of silence, bursting out with questions to God about his fleeting existence. However, after that intense emotional outpouring and realization that his "hope is in You" (v. 7), he arrives at a deeper, more profound quietness, one born of absolute trust in God's authorship of his trials. This is not simply holding back words to avoid sinning in front of others; it's a profound inward stillness, acknowledging that he has no right or reason to dispute God's actions. This "doing" by God can encompass discipline, testing, or simply the working out of His purposes, but the response of silence rooted in submission remains key to true faith in affliction. It’s an embrace of the truth that God is too wise to make a mistake and too good to be unkind, even when His ways seem inscrutable.

Psalm 39 9 Commentary

Psalm 39:9 encapsulates a pinnacle of faith and submission within a season of deep distress. After struggling with the human inclination to complain, even initially resolving to keep silent for strategic reasons (v. 1-2), the psalmist arrives at a more profound, God-centered reason for his silence. He has realized that his suffering is not a random occurrence, nor solely a result of human evil, but rather an act of God himself. The phrase "You did it" (כִּֽי־אַתָּ֖ה עָשִֽׂיתָ) is the heart of the verse, marking a shift from internal struggle to peaceful surrender.

This submission is not passive resignation due to helplessness, but active trust. It reflects an acknowledgment of God's absolute sovereignty and righteousness, even when His actions are painful or incomprehensible to the human mind. Just as Job, in his deepest anguish, refused to curse God (Job 1:21; 2:10), the psalmist chooses to bridle his tongue, understanding that murmuring or protesting would be to argue against the very hand of God. This profound trust leads to a quiet confidence, knowing that God, who "did it," is also good and righteous in all His ways. This silence is a spiritual discipline that enables deeper communion with God, turning from accusation to humble acceptance, which is foundational for true peace in affliction.

Examples for practical usage:

• When faced with an unexpected illness, choosing to pray for God's will and healing instead of grumbling against one's lot.
• In times of severe personal loss, accepting God's sovereignty over life and death, refraining from bitterness, and trusting in His larger plan.
• During seasons of unanswered prayer or unexplained hardship, refraining from angry questioning and instead quietly seeking God's purpose or simply resting in His unfailing character.