Psalms 40:2 Meaning and Explanation
“He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God rescued the psalmist from despair and set him on secure, stable ground.
The Context of Psalms 40:2
God's rescue is thorough, moving the desperate from ruin to restoration.
What Does Psalms 40:2 Mean?
The pit and miry clay symbolize desperation—depths from which escape seems impossible. The psalmist has been stuck, trapped, unable to move or help himself. The rescue is vivid and complete: lifted out and repositioned on solid rock, a complete reversal of circumstances.
'Established my goings' means God made his steps secure and sure. This is more than escape; it is restoration to purposeful living. The metaphor moves from drowning depths to firm footing to confident walking—a complete transformation.
Psalms 40:2 in the Original Language
shach (שׁוּחַ), 'pit'—a deep, dark place of confinement; used for graves, dungeons, and spiritual desolation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 40:2
What does Psalms 40:2 mean?
God rescued the psalmist from despair and set him on secure, stable ground.
What is the context of Psalms 40:2?
God's rescue is thorough, moving the desperate from ruin to restoration.