Old Testament
Psalms 42:11
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you troubled within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise him, who is the source of my well-being, and my God.
Compare translations
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
What Psalms 42:11 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the psalmist expresses deep feelings of sadness and inner turmoil. He questions why his soul feels downcast and troubled, indicating a struggle with despair. Despite these feelings, he encourages himself to place hope in God, recognizing that God is the source of his well-being and joy. The psalmist acknowledges that even in difficult times, he will continue to praise God, who is his source of health and strength. This reflects a journey from despair to hope, emphasizing the importance of faith and trust in God during challenging moments. The verse serves as a reminder that even when we feel overwhelmed, we can find solace and encouragement in our relationship with God, who sustains us and brings us peace.
How to apply Psalms 42:11 to your life
When feeling down or troubled, take a moment to reflect on your relationship with God. Remind yourself of His goodness and faithfulness. Engage in praise and worship, even when it feels difficult. This practice can help shift your focus from despair to hope, fostering a sense of peace and well-being.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Joseph, Jacob's son
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Psalms 42:11
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Fuller verse explanations
Explore what a verse means, what was happening around it, and how it connects to other Bible passages.
Plain Meaning
The writer is talking to himself. He asks why he feels so low and troubled inside. Then he answers his own question: put your hope in God. He is sure he will praise God again. God is the health of his countenance — God lifts the grief from his face. And God is his own God, personally.
Read It in Context
The writer has been weeping. Enemies mock him, asking where his God is. He has been kept from worshipping at God's house. The whole psalm swings between deep sorrow and a choice to keep trusting God.
The full Clear view adds what to notice, common misreadings, and the passage that best explains this one — for Psalms 42:11 and any verse in the Bible.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Psalms 42:11
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Psalms
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 42:11 mean?
Psalms 42:11 expresses the psalmist's feelings of sadness and inner conflict. He questions why he feels downcast but ultimately encourages himself to hope in God, recognizing that God is his source of well-being and strength.
What is the meaning of 'cast down' in Psalms 42:11?
'Cast down' refers to feeling sad, discouraged, or in despair. In this verse, it highlights the psalmist's struggle with his emotions and his need to find hope in God despite those feelings.
How can I apply Psalms 42:11 to my life?
You can apply Psalms 42:11 by reflecting on your relationship with God when feeling down. Engage in praise and worship to shift your focus from despair to hope, reminding yourself of God's goodness.
What themes are present in Psalms 42:11?
The themes in Psalms 42:11 include hope, despair, faith, inner turmoil, and trust in God. It highlights the struggle between negative emotions and the encouragement to rely on God's strength.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.