Psalm 41 1

Psalm 41:1 kjv

Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.

Psalm 41:1 nkjv

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. Blessed is he who considers the poor; The LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.

Psalm 41:1 niv

For the director of music. A psalm of David. Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the LORD delivers them in times of trouble.

Psalm 41:1 esv

Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the LORD delivers him;

Psalm 41:1 nlt

Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor!
The LORD rescues them when they are in trouble.

Psalm 41 verses

Psalm 41 1 Meaning

This verse declares that true happiness and profound blessing belong to the individual who genuinely considers, wisely discerns, and actively cares for the poor and vulnerable. It promises that such a person will be supernaturally delivered and preserved by Yahweh, the sovereign God, when they face personal times of distress, evil, or adversity. It underscores a divine principle where compassionate action towards the less fortunate invites God's protective and saving intervention.

Psalm 41 1 Context

Psalm 41 marks the concluding psalm of Book 1 of the Psalter, traditionally associated with King David and often interpreted in light of his personal sufferings, including betrayal (foreshadowing Psalm 41:9). This verse, however, opens the psalm with a timeless beatitude, a general statement of wisdom and blessedness, distinct from the following verses which lament illness and treachery. Within the broader biblical context, Israelite society was enjoined by God's Law to actively care for the "dal"—the poor, the vulnerable, the needy—seeing such actions as a direct reflection of their covenant fidelity and God's own compassionate character (Deut 15:7-11). This verse sets forth a universal principle of divine reciprocity, applicable to all who embrace the wisdom of actively loving their neighbor.

Psalm 41 1 Word analysis

• אֶשְׁרֵי (Ashrei): "Blessed," "Happy," or "Oh the happiness of." This term describes a deep, inherent state of well-being, internal flourishing, and spiritual contentment that comes from alignment with God's will. It signifies a person who is favored by God and whose path is divinely approved, rather than just being fortunate by chance. It's often used at the beginning of psalms or sections to establish a foundational truth about true blessedness.
• מַשְׂכִּיל (maskil): "One who considers," "understands," "acts wisely," "is discerning," "deals prudently." This is a significant term from the root שכל (śākal), meaning "to be prudent," "to understand," "to prosper." It implies much more than mere awareness or pity; it signifies an active, intelligent, and insightful engagement with the plight of others. It suggests thoughtfulness, planning, and practical wisdom in addressing needs, moving beyond superficial or impulsive charity.
• אֶל דָּל (el dal): "to the poor," "towards the weak," "the lowly," "the vulnerable." "דָּל" (dal) refers to someone who is lean, meager, impoverished, or otherwise powerless and in need. The preposition "אֶל" (el), meaning "to" or "towards," indicates direction and purposeful intention in the "maskil's" actions, emphasizing a deliberate outreach to this specific demographic rather than a general benevolence. It refers to a posture of active, compassionate approach.
• יְהֹוָה (Yahweh): The personal, covenant name of God, frequently translated as "the LORD." Its use here emphasizes the faithfulness, power, and unchanging character of the God who is actively involved in His people's lives and who guarantees the promised deliverance. It underscores the divine authority behind the assurance given.
• יְמַלְּטֵהוּ (yemaltehu): "He will deliver him," "rescue," "set him free," "cause to escape." This is a strong verb indicating a decisive and effective divine intervention that brings complete liberation from danger or distress. It signifies God's active, powerful hand plucking someone from a perilous situation.
• בְּיוֹם רָעָה (b'yom ra'ah): "in a day of trouble," "evil," "calamity," "adversity." This refers to specific times of significant hardship, suffering, physical illness, persecution, or dire circumstances. It assures God's protection precisely when a compassionate person is most vulnerable and in need of help, revealing that God responds in the timing of dire need.

• "אֶשְׁרֵי מַשְׂכִּיל" (Ashrei maskil - Blessed is the one who wisely considers/understands): This opening phrase establishes a fundamental beatitude, pinpointing the character of the individual whose happiness stems from an active, discerning wisdom. This wisdom is not abstract but applied in concrete action towards others.
• "מַשְׂכִּיל אֶל דָּל" (maskil el dal - wisely considers the poor/deals discerningly with the weak): This phrase specifies the focus of this practical wisdom: genuine, empathetic engagement with the vulnerable. It's not merely acknowledging poverty but comprehending the systemic issues, individual needs, and emotional toll, leading to thoughtful and effective assistance.
• "יְהֹוָה יְמַלְּטֵהוּ בְּיוֹם רָעָה" (Yahweh yemaltehu b'yom ra'ah - The Lord will deliver him in time of trouble): This forms the divine promise and reciprocal action. It assures the compassionate one of God's personal and powerful intervention during their own season of hardship. It showcases God's justice and His commitment to those who mirror His compassion for the weak.

Psalm 41 1 Bonus section

• The structure of Psalm 41:1 as a "Beatitude" (beginning with "Blessed is...") is a hallmark of Wisdom Literature and aligns it with similar declarations found throughout the Psalms and Proverbs (e.g., Ps 1:1, Prov 3:13).
• The emphasis on the "maskil" points to a wisdom that is active and ethical, moving beyond mere intellectual knowledge to compassionate action. This kind of "understanding" aligns the individual with God's own character, as God Himself is the ultimate "maskil" for the oppressed.
• While often read for personal ethical guidance, this verse also reflects the corporate responsibility of Israel as a covenant people, whose treatment of the poor and marginalized was a key indicator of their faithfulness to Yahweh (e.g., in the prophetic critiques of social injustice).
• This verse subtly highlights God's justice, where caring for others results in a "return" from God Himself, underscoring that our actions towards others are, in a sense, directed towards Him (as seen more fully in New Testament teachings).
• The specific choice of "יְהֹוָה" (Yahweh) emphasizes God's personal faithfulness to His covenant promises and His active role as the deliverer, not just a distant observer.

Psalm 41 1 Commentary

Psalm 41:1 serves as a profound biblical maxim, declaring that divine blessing flows to those who actively and wisely extend care to the poor and needy. The "one who considers" is not passively charitable, but one whose heart and mind are deeply engaged with the suffering of the vulnerable, leading to thoughtful and effective action. This is the "maskil" – a person of discernment and understanding whose wisdom is expressed in practical compassion. The verse promises that such empathetic individuals will experience God’s faithful and personal deliverance during their own moments of great trouble. It reveals God’s economy: those who pour out their lives in loving service to the less fortunate will find God’s unfailing hand sustaining them when they face adversity. This spiritual principle calls believers to embody God's heart for justice and mercy, demonstrating that true spiritual health is intertwined with active love for our neighbor, and God Himself repays such kindness with His protective presence. For example, consistently serving vulnerable communities or advocating for the disadvantaged not only fulfills God's commands but invites His reciprocal care in personal hardship.