Psalm 41:10

ESV But you, O Lord, be gracious to me, and raise me up, that I may repay them!

NIV But may you have mercy on me, Lord; raise me up, that I may repay them.

NASB But You, Lord, be gracious to me and raise me up, That I may repay them.

CSB But you, Lord, be gracious to me and raise me up; then I will repay them.

NLT Lord, have mercy on me. Make me well again, so I can pay them back!

KJV But thou, O Lord, be merciful unto me, and raise me up, that I may requite them.

NKJV But You, O Lord, be merciful to me, and raise me up, That I may repay them.

What does Psalm 41:10 mean?

The context for this comment is David's experience with his enemies. They plot for his doom (Psalm 41:5–9), but David is confident that God will forgive his sins and prevent the enemy from winning (Psalm 41:1–4). David knew he deserved punishment for his sins (Psalm 41:4), yet he also knew the Lord is gracious. God's mercy and grace both factor into His treatment of repentant believers. In His mercy, He withholds what the believing sinner deserves, namely punishment. In grace, He gives what the believing sinner does not deserve, namely forgiveness.

Ephesians 2:4 describes God as "being rich in mercy." Verse 8 declares, "For by grace you have been saved through faith." If it were not for God's mercy and grace no one would enjoy a warm, eternal relationship with Him. But mercy and grace bring those who believe on Jesus into an unending, redeemed relationship with Him. Instead of spending eternity in hell, every saved person will live eternally in heaven (John 3:16–18, 36).

Part of David's request is that he might "repay" his enemies. In this context, this means to give them their just, deserved consequences for sin.

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Context Summary
Psalm 41:5–10 continues David's assertion that the Lord is gracious. He prays again for the healing which he earlier tied to spiritual concerns. His enemies want to see him die. They lie to his face and plot behind his back. Even his close friend has betrayed him. Most commentators believe this describes David's experience during the rebellion of his son, Absalom, and close advisor, Ahithophel (2 Samuel 15—18).

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Chapter Summary
David observes that blessing comes to the person who shows kindness to the poor. As someone who did just that, David perceives that God is working to protect him from the schemes of his enemies. He admits he has sinned and declares that his enemies want to see him die. These hypocrites scheme and plot while telling lies. Even a close friend has turned into an enemy. David is certain the Lord will vindicate him and not allow his enemy to be victorious over him. He believes the Lord has upheld him and given him assurance of everlasting life in His presence. He concludes Psalm 41 by ascribing praise to the Lord, Israel's God, who is eternal.

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