Psalm 41 Meaning Explained

A psalm for the sickbed, vulnerable to betrayal. It opens with a beatitude for those who consider the weak, then descends into the intimate treachery of a close friend who visits only to gather gossip. The prayer is for healing so the psalmist can 'repay' them—not with vengeance, but by standing vindicated before them. It ends Book I of the Psalter with a doxology, affirming God's eternal amen.

A clear explanation of Psalm 41, its meaning, context, and message for believers today

Psalms Chapter 41 | KJV

1. To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.
2. The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies.
3. The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness.
4. I said, LORD, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee.
5. Mine enemies speak evil of me, When shall he die, and his name perish?
6. And if he come to see me, he speaketh vanity: his heart gathereth iniquity to itself; when he goeth abroad, he telleth it.
7. All that hate me whisper together against me: against me do they devise my hurt.
8. An evil disease, say they, cleaveth fast unto him: and now that he lieth he shall rise up no more.
9. Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.
10. But thou, O LORD, be merciful unto me, and raise me up, that I may requite them.
11. By this I know that thou favourest me, because mine enemy doth not triumph over me.
12. And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before thy face for ever.
13. Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen.

Historical Context

Psalm 41, attributed to David, reflects concern for the sick and needy, promising God’s care and favor for those who act righteously.