Psalms 41:4 Meaning and Explanation
“I said, LORD, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The speaker confesses sin and seeks both healing and mercy from God.
The Context of Psalms 41:4
Personal confession and plea for healing rooted in acknowledged sin.
What Does Psalms 41:4 Mean?
The psalm shifts to first person. The speaker acknowledges wrongdoing and links that acknowledgment to the sickness described earlier—the soul itself needs healing, suggesting spiritual and physical dimensions are connected. The prayer is direct and vulnerable.
Asking for mercy (חָנַן) centers on God's willingness to show grace despite acknowledged guilt. The speaker does not claim innocence but makes the confession the ground of appeal. This establishes humility as the posture for receiving help.
Psalms 41:4 in the Original Language
chanan (חָנַן), 'merciful' — to show grace, be gracious, or deal kindly with.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 41:4
What does Psalms 41:4 mean?
The speaker confesses sin and seeks both healing and mercy from God.
What is the context of Psalms 41:4?
Personal confession and plea for healing rooted in acknowledged sin.