Psalms 40:11 Meaning and Explanation
“Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O LORD: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist asks God to continue His tender care, expressing dependence on His constancy.
The Context of Psalms 40:11
Public witness does not remove the need for personal dependence on God.
What Does Psalms 40:11 Mean?
The mood shifts from proclamation to petition. Having declared God's faithfulness to others, the psalmist now turns to personal need and dependence. 'Withhold not'—do not pull back—is a plea for God to maintain His care. This is not doubt but honesty about ongoing need and vulnerability.
The request is for mercies to remain constant and active, to 'continually preserve' him. This acknowledges that the danger has not fully passed and the psalmist's safety depends on God's continued attention and lovingkindness. The public witness does not exempt him from hardship.
Psalms 40:11 in the Original Language
raham (רַחַם), 'tender mercies'—compassion, mercy from the root for 'womb'; conveys deep, nurturing care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 40:11
What does Psalms 40:11 mean?
The psalmist asks God to continue His tender care, expressing dependence on His constancy.
What is the context of Psalms 40:11?
Public witness does not remove the need for personal dependence on God.