Psalms 129:2

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 129:2 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth up: Yet they have not prevailed against me.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth up: Yet they have not prevailed against me.
Psalms 129:2 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 129

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
2Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth up: Yet they have not prevailed against me.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth, etc.] This is repeated for the confirmation of it, to excite attention to it, and to express the vehement affection of the speaker; yet they have not prevailed against me; the Egyptians could not prevail against literal Israel; the more they were afflicted, the more they grew and multiplied; in the times of the Judges, one after another were raised up as deliverers of them; neither the Assyrians, Chaldeans, nor Romans, nor any other, have been able to cut them off from being a nation; they continue to this day: the enemies of the church of Christ, even the gates of hell, have not been able to prevail against it, being built upon a rock, so as…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Many a time ... - This repetition is designed to fix the thoughts on the fact, and to impress it on the mind. The mind dwells on the fact as important in its bearing on the present occasion or emergency. The idea is, that it is no new thing to be thus afflicted. It has often occurred. It is a matter of long and almost constant experience. Our enemies have often attempted to destroy us, but in vain. What we experience now we have often experienced, and when thus tried we have been as often delivered, and have nothing now therefore to fear. We are not to regard it as a strange thing that we are now afflicted; and we are not to be discouraged or disheartened as if our enemies could overcome us,…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“yet they have: Psa 34:19, Psa 118:13, Psa 125:1; Job 5:19; Mat 16:18; Rom 8:35-39; Joh 16:33; Rev 12:8, Rev 12:9 Psalms 129:3”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification