Psalms 119:143

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 119:143 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me; [Yet] thy commandments are my delight.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me; [Yet] thy commandments are my delight.
Psalms 119:143 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 119

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
143Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me; [Yet] thy commandments are my delight.

What do historical commentaries say?

Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Trouble and anguish - The word rendered “trouble” means affliction of any kind; the word rendered “anguish” would probably express that which results from being pressed, compressed, straitened. It properly refers to a situation where there is no room to move, and where we are pent up in a narrow place. The two words denote deep affliction. Have taken hold on me - Margin, as in Hebrew, “found me.” That is, they were in pursuit of me, and have at last apprehended me. Trouble, anguish, death, are in pursuit of us all our lives, and are never very far in the rear of us. Often, when we least expect them, they come suddenly up to us, and make us their victims. Yet thy commandments are my delights…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Trouble - Outward troubles and anguish of spirit. Psalms 119:148”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Trouble: Psa 119:107, Psa 18:4, Psa 18:5, 88:3-18, Psa 116:3, Psa 130:1; Mar 14:33, Mar 14:34 taken hold on me: Heb. found me yet thy: Psa 119:16, Psa 119:47, Psa 119:77; Job 23:12; Joh 4:34 Psalms 119:144”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification