Psalm 43 5

Psalm 43:5 kjv

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.

Psalm 43:5 nkjv

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.

Psalm 43:5 niv

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.

Psalm 43:5 esv

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.

Psalm 43:5 nlt

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!

Psalm 43 verses

Psalm 43 5 Meaning

Psalm 43:5 encapsulates a profound internal struggle, revealing the psalmist's soul questioning its deep despair and agitation. It immediately pivots from lament to an assertive command to "hope in God," followed by an unwavering declaration of future praise. This verse affirms a personal conviction that God is the source of ultimate deliverance, the One who will restore joy and well-being, effectively lifting the heavy burden from the downcast spirit.

Psalm 43 5 Context

Psalm 43 is intimately connected to Psalm 42, often considered its direct continuation due to shared thematic elements and the identical three-fold refrain (Ps 42:5, 42:11, 43:5). The psalmist, likely exiled or in severe distress away from the tabernacle/temple in Jerusalem, yearns for God's presence and deliverance. He faces "an ungodly nation" and deceitful adversaries (Ps 43:1), feeling rejected by God (Ps 43:2). The previous verses express a deep lament, questioning God's apparent absence and pleading for divine intervention. Psalm 43:5 is the powerful concluding resolution, a resolute act of faith that cuts through the anguish and points firmly towards God as the only hope.

Psalm 43 5 Word analysis

• Why: The Hebrew word mah (מַה־) indicates a question of cause or reason, reflecting genuine confusion and lament, not accusation. It signifies a profound search for understanding amidst suffering.
• are you cast down: The Hebrew tishtowchachi (תִּשְׁתּוֹחֲחִי), from the root shuach (שׁוּח), is in the Hithpolel stem, a reflexive form meaning "to bow oneself down," "to prostrate oneself." This describes a self-induced or overwhelming state of spiritual and emotional despondency, like a physical collapse due to immense weight or grief. It highlights that the soul's dejection is deep, personal, and profoundly affects the whole being.
• O my soul?: The Hebrew naphshi (נַפְשִׁי) refers to the entire inner being, one's life force, self, personality, or mind. The psalmist is speaking directly to himself, addressing his deepest being, acknowledging the profound internal struggle. This self-admonition is a common spiritual practice in the Psalms.
• And why are you disquieted: The Hebrew tehemu (תֶּהֱמִי), from hamah (הָמָה), means "to be in turmoil," "to make an uproar," "to groan," or "to roar." It vividly portrays internal agitation, confusion, unrest, and mental clamor. It's the sound of internal chaos, an inner moan of distress.
• within me?: The Hebrew alay (עָלָי) literally means "upon me" or "over me," signifying that this internal agitation covers and oppresses the psalmist from within.
• Hope: The Hebrew hochili (הוֹחִילִי), from yachal (יָחַל), is a Hiphil imperative, a strong command to actively place one's hope. It's not a passive waiting but an intentional, expectant orientation towards God, a discipline of the mind and spirit. It means to wait eagerly, to trust with anticipation.
• in God: The Hebrew le-Elohim (לֵאלֹהִים) directly names the object of hope. It emphasizes that this hope is not placed in circumstances, human strength, or wishful thinking, but exclusively and firmly in God, the sovereign Creator.
• for I shall yet praise Him: The Hebrew ki od odennu (כִּי עוֹד אוֹדֶנּוּ).
  • ki (כִּי): "for" or "because," linking the command to hope with the reason for it.
  • od (עוֹד): "yet," "still," or "again." It signifies an assured future expectation of praise despite present difficulties, implying perseverance.
  • odennu (אוֹדֶנּוּ): from yadah (יָדָה), in the Hiphil imperfect, means "I shall give thanks," "I shall praise Him," "I shall confess Him." It's an active declaration of worship and gratitude that is certain to occur.
• The help of my countenance: The Hebrew yeshu'ot panay (יְשׁוּעוֹת פָּנָי).
  • yeshu'ot (יְשׁוּעוֹת): The plural form of yeshu'ah (יְשׁוּעָה), meaning "salvation," "deliverance," or "help." The plural may signify manifold acts of salvation or complete and comprehensive deliverance.
  • panay (פָּנָי): "my face" or "my countenance." This is an idiom referring to the visible expression of one's inner state. A "downcast countenance" indicates sorrow, shame, or despair (like the "cast down" soul). "Help of my countenance" means God will cause the psalmist's face to be lifted, radiant with joy, relief, and honor, visibly reversing the internal and external signs of distress. It is God who gives the joy that brightens one's face.
• and my God: The Hebrew ve-Elohai (וֵאלֹהָי). This personal possessive suffix (-i on Elohim) declares an intimate, covenantal relationship. It reinforces the psalmist's deep conviction and confidence that the powerful, sovereign God is his God, personally committed to him.

Psalm 43 5 Bonus section

The refrain in Psalm 43:5 (and 42:5, 42:11) showcases the spiritual maturity of the psalmist. Instead of wallowing in despair, he engages in spiritual self-talk, not just to vent but to direct his soul back to its rightful object of hope. This is a powerful demonstration of inner spiritual discipline. It acknowledges the reality of painful emotions while refusing to be dictated by them. The psalmist isn't denying his sorrow but overriding it with a greater truth about God.

The phrase "help of my countenance" directly echoes the Aaronic blessing in Numbers 6:25-26, where God makes His face shine upon His people and lifts up His countenance upon them. This connection reinforces that God's favor is deeply personal and results in peace and joy, transforming outward appearance as an indicator of inward spiritual well-being. It is a visible sign of God's favor and peace in an individual's life.

Psalm 43 5 Commentary

Psalm 43:5 functions as the theological anchor and climactic resolution of a deeply personal lament. The psalmist, enduring inner turmoil and outer oppression, powerfully confronts his own dejected soul. This is not mere self-pity, but a deliberate act of spiritual warfare. By articulating the raw emotions ("cast down," "disquieted") and then directly commanding his soul to "Hope in God," the psalmist demonstrates a profound spiritual discipline: feelings, while valid, must be subjected to faith and truth about God.

The command "Hope in God" is an active verb, indicating that hoping is not a passive waiting but a conscious, intentional turning towards God. This hope is grounded not in the changing circumstances but in God's unchanging character and past faithfulness. The psalmist assures himself, and implicitly reminds the reader, that this hope is well-placed because God is the deliverer.

The ensuing declaration, "for I shall yet praise Him," signifies confident anticipation. "Yet" implies perseverance through present suffering, believing that God's salvation is certain to come. This anticipated praise is not a consequence of deliverance alone but a profound act of faith that precedes the full manifestation of it, an affirmation of God's sovereignty despite the pain.

The phrase "The help of my countenance and my God" beautifully summarizes the transformative power of God's intervention. God's salvation (Yeshua) is not merely abstract; it directly affects one's outward expression and inner state. The downcast face, mirroring a troubled soul, will be lifted and made bright by God's deliverance, signifying complete restoration, joy, and the removal of shame. The personal declaration "my God" seals the covenantal bond and unwavering trust in Him as the ultimate source of all relief and rejoicing.

Practical examples:

• When facing a diagnosis that brings fear and anxiety, instead of allowing despair to consume, tell your soul, "Hope in God, for He is my healer and my strength."
• In times of loneliness or betrayal, when feelings weigh heavy, declare, "Why are you disquieted, O my soul? Hope in God, for He is my faithful friend who will lift my head."
• When circumstances seem impossible and plans fail, command your heart, "I shall yet praise Him, for God is the help of my countenance, He will restore my joy."