Psalm 94 19

Psalm 94:19 kjv

In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.

Psalm 94:19 nkjv

In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul.

Psalm 94:19 niv

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.

Psalm 94:19 esv

When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.

Psalm 94:19 nlt

When doubts filled my mind,
your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.

Psalm 94 verses

Psalm 94 19 Meaning

Psalm 94:19 beautifully articulates the profound relief and inner peace experienced by the believer when faced with overwhelming internal distress. It reveals that in the midst of a multitude of anxious, troubling thoughts, God's divine comforts enter the soul, bringing forth deep joy and solace. The verse highlights a divinely orchestrated exchange where human mental turmoil is met by God's gracious and soul-satisfying consolation.

Psalm 94 19 Context

Psalm 94 is a fervent prayer and prophetic warning from the Psalmist to God regarding the injustice and oppression prevalent in the land. The chapter begins by calling on God to exercise His wrath and judgment against those who exploit and afflict His people, especially those who ignore His presence and divine accountability. The Psalmist laments the arrogant pride and violent actions of the wicked, questioning God's apparent silence. However, as the Psalm progresses, a shift occurs from lament to confidence, remembering God's sovereignty as Creator, Judge, and Sustainer. Verse 19 sits within this shift, representing the personal experience of the Psalmist amidst the broader national distress, demonstrating that even when outward circumstances are dire due to the ungodly, God provides inward peace and solace to His faithful ones, a counter-testimony to the chaotic world.

Psalm 94 19 Word analysis

• In the multitude: The Hebrew word is רֹב (rov), meaning "abundance," "great quantity," "muchness." It conveys an overwhelming scale, indicating that the anxieties are not merely a few scattered thoughts but a vast, suffocating collection.
• of my anxieties: The Hebrew term is שַׂרְעַפַּי (sar'appay), derived from שַׂרְעַף (sar'af). This word is unique, meaning "disquieting thoughts," "disturbing thoughts," "vexing thoughts," or even "divided thoughts" (from a root implying division or bisection). It speaks of a mind swirling with fragmented, troublesome ideas that pull in different directions, causing immense internal distress, indecision, and inner conflict. This isn't just common worry, but profound mental anguish. In the context of the chapter's lament against injustice, these could be thoughts born of confusion, fear, and hopelessness regarding the prevalence of evil and God's perceived inaction.
• within me: This phrase emphasizes the internal nature of the struggle. These anxieties are not external pressures but originate and churn deep inside the Psalmist's mind and being, impacting his soul. It speaks to a deeply personal, intimate battle.
• Your comforts: The Hebrew word is תַּנְחוּמֶיךָ (tanchumeykha), which comes from the root נָחַם (nacham), meaning "to comfort," "to console," "to be sorry," "to repent," "to ease." Here, it specifically means "consolations" or "reliefs." The possessive suffix "-Your" highlights that this comfort originates from God alone. It is a divine, active, and specific consolation, not a passive sense of well-being, but God's direct intervention in the soul. These are the powerful acts of divine comfort that bring ease and solace.
• delight my soul: The verb is יְשַׁעַשְׁעוּ (yesha'ash'u), from שַׁעֲשַׁע (sha'asha'), meaning "to take delight in," "to be amused," "to play with," "to make joyful." It implies active enjoyment and profound pleasure. This isn't just relief from pain but a positive, active joy that fills the being. The "soul" (נַפְשִׁי, nafshi) encompasses the inner self, emotions, mind, and very life essence, indicating that God's comfort pervades and gladdens the deepest core of one's being. The relief is so profound it leads to joy.

Psalm 94 19 Bonus section

The juxtaposition of the multitude of internal anxieties with God's singular source of comfort highlights a significant spiritual dynamic. While human minds can generate endless worries, God's comfort is sufficient to counteract them all, regardless of their number or intensity. The phrase "delight my soul" indicates more than mere alleviation of suffering; it points to a divine restoration that brings forth positive emotion, implying God's comfort is not just a pain reliever but a joy-giver. This transformation speaks to the holistic nature of God's care, impacting both mental and emotional well-being. It stands as a testament to the superiority of divine intervention over self-effort or worldly solutions in finding genuine inner peace.

Psalm 94 19 Commentary

Psalm 94:19 serves as a pivotal expression of faith amidst distress, encapsulating a foundational truth of the believer's experience. When human understanding and inner peace are overwhelmed by the vast and fragmented turmoil of "sar'appay"—the gnawing anxieties and disquieting thoughts—the divine counter-force, "tanchumeykha," God's own comforts, step in. These comforts are not merely fleeting reassurances but substantive divine acts that address the deepest parts of the "nephesh" (soul). They transform internal chaos into delight and true joy. This verse powerfully illustrates that true inner tranquility does not come from the absence of trouble but from the presence of God and His active consolation, making Him the ultimate solace for a troubled spirit. It beckons believers to look beyond self-generated coping mechanisms to God as the sovereign and compassionate source of profound peace.