Psalms 40 (KJV)

17 verses · King James Version · Formal equivalence (word-for-word)

The King James Version is the most influential English Bible translation in history. Commissioned by King James I and completed in 1611, it shaped the English language itself. Its majestic prose and formal accuracy make it beloved for memorization and liturgical use.

Psalms Chapter 40 contains 17 verses and is presented here in the King James Version (KJV), which uses a formal equivalence (word-for-word) approach. Read the full text below, compare with other translations, or navigate to any of the 150 chapters in Psalms.

NIVESVNLTMSGNASB
Chapter 39Chapter 41

1To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. <sup>I waited: Heb. In waiting I waited</sup>

2He 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. <sup>an: Heb. a pit of noise</sup>

3And 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.

4Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.

5Many, 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. <sup>they cannot: or, none can order them unto thee</sup>

6Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required. <sup>opened: Heb. digged</sup>

7Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,

8I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. <sup>within: Heb. in the midst of my bowels</sup>

9I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest.

10I 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.

11Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O LORD: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me.

12For 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. <sup>falleth: Heb. forsaketh</sup>

13Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me: O LORD, make haste to help me.

14Let 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.

15Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, Aha, aha.

16Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.

17But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.

Chapter 39Read in NIVChapter 41

About This Translation

What is Psalms 40 in the KJV?

Psalms 40 in the King James Version (KJV) contains 17 verses. The KJV uses a formal equivalence (word-for-word) approach, first published in 1611.

How does the KJV translate Psalms 40 differently?

The King James Version uses formal equivalence (word-for-word), preserving the classic English of 1611. Compare this with the NIV (dynamic equivalence) version of Psalms 40 for a different perspective.

How many verses are in Psalms 40 (KJV)?

Psalms Chapter 40 contains 17 verses in the King James Version. The book of Psalms has 150 chapters total.

Psalms (KJV) — All 150 Chapters