Psalm 41 2

Psalm 41:2 kjv

The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies.

Psalm 41:2 nkjv

The LORD will preserve him and keep him alive, And he will be blessed on the earth; You will not deliver him to the will of his enemies.

Psalm 41:2 niv

The LORD protects and preserves them? they are counted among the blessed in the land? he does not give them over to the desire of their foes.

Psalm 41:2 esv

the LORD protects him and keeps him alive; he is called blessed in the land; you do not give him up to the will of his enemies.

Psalm 41:2 nlt

The LORD protects them
and keeps them alive.
He gives them prosperity in the land
and rescues them from their enemies.

Psalm 41 verses

Psalm 41 2 Meaning

Psalm 41:2 declares that the Lord actively protects, preserves the life, and ensures the well-being of the righteous person, particularly one who shows compassion (as hinted in verse 1). It states unequivocally that such a person is called blessed on earth, and God Himself prevents their enemies from triumphing over them or achieving their malevolent desires against them.

Psalm 41 2 Context

Psalm 41 concludes Book 1 of the Psalms, often marked by themes of human blessedness and the need for God's help. It is a Psalm of David, understood to be written during a period of severe illness and intense distress, likely coupled with betrayal by a trusted companion (foreshadowing events related to Absalom's rebellion or Ahithophel, as alluded to in verse 9). Verse 1 ("Blessed is he who considers the poor") sets the immediate context, implying that the 'him' in verse 2 refers to such a compassionate individual. Thus, the verse states a general divine principle: God’s protection and blessing are guaranteed for those who exemplify righteous and merciful behavior, contrasting God’s faithful care with the hostile intentions of enemies and the fragility of human support.

Psalm 41 2 Word analysis

• The Lord: (YHWH, יְהוָה, the covenant name of God) This is not just any deity, but the sovereign, covenant-keeping God of Israel. It emphasizes His personal and active involvement in the lives of His people.
• preserves: (shamar, שׁמר) Meaning "to guard, keep, protect, watch over." It conveys a diligent and continuous act of preservation, ensuring safety from harm, both physically and spiritually. It suggests God’s active defense, not passive observation.
• him: Refers to the "one who considers the poor" from Psalm 41:1, establishing a connection between compassion and divine favor. More broadly, it encompasses the righteous or God-fearing person.
• and keeps him alive: (chayah, חיה) To "live," "revive," "restore to life." This phrase extends beyond mere survival to signify sustenance, restoration from illness, flourishing, and maintaining full, vibrant existence even in threatening circumstances. It encompasses physical life and overall well-being.
• he is called blessed: (ashre, אַשְׁרֵי) Derived from 'esher, referring to a state of happiness, good fortune, contentment, and deep well-being. It is a declaration of divine favor, an objective reality pronounced by God and recognized by others. It is not merely a wish but a reality.
• on earth: (ba'arets, בָאָרֶץ) This emphasizes that the blessing and preservation are not just a future hope or spiritual concept, but have tangible manifestations in this present life and physical realm. God's care is practical and applies to earthly circumstances.
• You do not give him over: (lo'-titt'nēhû, לֹא־תִתְּנֵהוּ) "You" explicitly refers to God (YHWH). The verb nathan (to give) in the negative denotes a deliberate act of God's non-concession or withholding. God actively prevents the wicked from succeeding against the righteous. This is a declaration of God's active power and sovereignty.
• to the desire of his enemies: (běnepheš tsārāyw, בְּנֶפֶשׁ צָרָיו) "Desire" (nephesh) here refers to the inner craving, malicious intention, or consuming will of the enemies. It means their "soul's desire" or "lifelong ambition" to inflict harm, capture, or destroy the righteous. "Enemies" (tsārāyw) denotes adversaries, those who distress or trouble. The phrase powerfully illustrates God's protective shield against the deepest malice of foes.

Words-Group analysis:

• "The Lord preserves him and keeps him alive": Highlights God's active, continuous, and holistic care for His people, ensuring not just their existence but their thriving against all odds.
• "he is called blessed on earth": Emphasizes that divine favor results in a recognizably fortunate state in the tangible world, demonstrating God's vindication of the righteous here and now.
• "You do not give him over to the desire of his enemies": This crucial declaration underlines God's ultimate sovereignty and protective power, actively thwarting the most malevolent intentions of those who seek to harm His beloved. It assures complete divine intervention against evil designs.

Psalm 41 2 Bonus section

The concluding verses of Psalm 41 (verse 9 specifically, "Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.") are famously quoted by Jesus in John 13:18 concerning Judas's betrayal. This provides a deep layer of Messianic significance to the psalm. The suffering of David, who is divinely protected, foreshadows Christ, the ultimately righteous sufferer who endured ultimate betrayal, yet was "kept alive" (resurrected) and triumphed over His enemies, thereby fulfilling the divine promise on a cosmic scale. Thus, Psalm 41:2 points not only to God's care for His people generally but also prophetically hints at the victorious preservation of the Suffering Servant, Jesus Christ, through resurrection. The psalm concludes Book 1 with a doxology, "Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen." (Ps 41:13), affirming the certainty of God's enduring faithfulness and power despite immediate trials, grounding the promise of verse 2 in His eternal character.

Psalm 41 2 Commentary

Psalm 41:2 articulates a foundational truth of God's character: His unwavering commitment to protect and bless the righteous. While the surrounding psalm recounts personal suffering and betrayal, this verse stands as a powerful declaration of trust, perhaps an expression of hope grounded in experience, or a universal principle before the specifics of the lament unfold. It speaks to God's active role as Preserver of life and Giver of true blessedness, directly counteracting the schemes and malice of enemies. This blessing is comprehensive, encompassing life, well-being, and triumph, and it is observed and experienced "on earth," not merely in an afterlife. It showcases God's covenant faithfulness and serves as a powerful assurance for those who walk in His ways and demonstrate His compassion.

• Practical Usage:
  • In affliction: Reminds us that God is actively involved in preserving our lives and well-being, even when facing illness or opposition.
  • Facing opposition: Offers assurance that hostile intentions and plans of enemies will ultimately not prevail against God's protection.
  • Encouragement to compassion: Connects back to Psalm 41:1, suggesting that extending mercy to others is a pathway to receiving God's preservation and blessing.