Psalms 31:9 Meaning and Explanation
“Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist pleads for God's compassion, describing his overwhelming physical and emotional anguish.
The Context of Psalms 31:9
A renewed cry for mercy as the speaker describes the physical toll of his suffering.
What Does Psalms 31:9 Mean?
This verse signals a shift in the psalm—from confident declaration of trust to renewed focus on the intensity of the speaker's suffering. The enumeration of afflicted body parts—eyes, soul, belly—conveys a holistic experience of pain that touches every aspect of being. Grief has consumed his eyes, suggesting sleeplessness and constant weeping. The soul and belly refer to the seat of emotions and vitality, both now weakened.
The return to the plea 'have mercy' indicates that despite earlier statements of faith, the crisis continues and its toll is mounting. This is not inconsistency but realism—the speaker moves between expressions of trust and cries of desperate need. The physical manifestations of grief—wasting away in body and emotion—create urgent need that only divine compassion can address. The psalmist does not hide or minimize his suffering but brings it fully before God.
Psalms 31:9 in the Original Language
kahal (כָּהַל), 'consumed' — to waste away, fail, or grow dim; often describes the effect of emotional distress on the body and senses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 31:9
What does Psalms 31:9 mean?
The psalmist pleads for God's compassion, describing his overwhelming physical and emotional anguish.
What is the context of Psalms 31:9?
A renewed cry for mercy as the speaker describes the physical toll of his suffering.