Chapter Summary
Psalm 40 begins with testimony: David waited patiently and God lifted him from a pit, set his feet on a rock, and put a new song in his mouth. God desires not sacrifice but an open ear; David responds "Here I am." The psalm then shifts to urgent prayer for deliverance from new troubles, asking God to come quickly to help. Hebrews 10 applies verses 6-8 to Christ.
Key Verses in This Chapter
Psalms Chapter 40
Chapter 40 of Psalms from the Holy Bible
Verses
Psalms 40:1
I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
Psalms 40:2
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.
Psalms 40:3
And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
Psalms 40:4
Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.
Psalms 40:5
Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.
Psalms 40:6
Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.
Psalms 40:7
Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,
Psalms 40:8
I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.
Psalms 40:9
I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest.
Psalms 40:10
I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.
Psalms 40:11
Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O LORD: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me.
Psalms 40:12
For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me.
Psalms 40:13
Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me: O LORD, make haste to help me.
Psalms 40:14
Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil.
Psalms 40:15
Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, Aha, aha.
Psalms 40:16
Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.
Psalms 40:17
But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.
People Also Ask
What is Psalms Chapter 40 about?
Psalms Chapter 40 is part of the book of Psalms in the Wisdom Literature (Poetic Books). This chapter contains 17 verses. Read the full text above to study its message in context with the surrounding chapters.
How many verses are in Psalms Chapter 40?
Psalms Chapter 40 contains 17 verses. You can use the Audio Reader to listen to this chapter read aloud, or use the font size controls above to adjust the text for comfortable reading. Bookmark individual verses by hovering over them and clicking the bookmark icon.
How can I study Psalms Chapter 40 more deeply?
To study this chapter more deeply: (1) Read the surrounding chapters for context - start with Chapter 39. (2) Explore related themes in our Faith Discussions section. (3) Find verses that match your emotional needs in Verses by Emotion. (4) Use the bookmark feature to save key verses for later reflection.