Old Testament
Psalms 43:5
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 disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise him, the health of my countenance and my God.
Compare translations
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
What Psalms 43:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the psalmist expresses a deep sense of inner turmoil and sadness, questioning why his soul feels so downcast and troubled. Despite these feelings, he encourages himself to place hope in God. The psalmist recognizes that God is the source of his joy and well-being, referring to Him as the 'health of my countenance.' This suggests that true happiness and peace come from a relationship with God, even in difficult times. The verse serves as a reminder that, regardless of our circumstances, we can find strength and encouragement in faith. The psalmist resolves to praise God, indicating that worship and gratitude can uplift the spirit and restore hope. This internal dialogue highlights the importance of self-reflection and the power of hope in overcoming despair.
How to apply Psalms 43:5 to your life
When feeling down or troubled, take a moment to reflect on your feelings and remind yourself to place your hope in God. Engage in praise and worship, as this can help lift your spirits and restore your sense of peace and joy in life.
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 Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. 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.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
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 43:5
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
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 43:5
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 43:5 mean?
Psalms 43:5 expresses the psalmist's feelings of sadness and inner turmoil. He questions why he feels downcast but ultimately encourages himself to hope in God, recognizing that true joy and health come from a relationship with Him.
What is the meaning of 'health of my countenance' in Psalms 43:5?
The phrase 'health of my countenance' refers to God as the source of the psalmist's joy and well-being. It suggests that true happiness and peace are found in God, impacting one's outward expression and demeanor.
How can I apply Psalms 43:5 in my life?
To apply Psalms 43:5, take time to reflect on your feelings when you're down. Remind yourself to hope in God and engage in praise and worship, as this can help lift your spirits and restore peace.
Why does the psalmist question his soul in Psalms 43:5?
The psalmist questions his soul to acknowledge his feelings of sadness and turmoil. This self-questioning serves as a way to confront his emotions and redirect his focus towards hope in God.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.