Psalms 41:5

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 41:5 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Mine enemies speak evil against me, [saying], When will he die, and his name perish?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Mine enemies speak evil against me, [saying], When will he die, and his name perish?
Psalms 41:5 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 41

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
5Mine enemies speak evil against me, [saying], When will he die, and his name perish?

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Mine enemies speak evil of me, etc.] That is, the Jews, who were enemies to his person, people, doctrines and ordinances, and would not have him to reign over them; these spake evil of him, charged him with being a glutton and a winebibber; said he had a devil, and was a Samaritan; imputed his miracles to diabolical influence; branded his doctrine with blasphemy, and spoke against his religion and worship, and wished him ill, saying, when shall he die; they had a good will to assassinate him privately, but upon mature deliberation they consulted and determined to take what advantage they could against him, and deliver him up to the Roman governor; they feared, should he go on and succeed,…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“A graphic picture of the conduct of a malignant enemy.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Mine enemies speak evil of me - They take occasion to speak evil of me in my weak and feeble state, thus adding to my sorrows. The word “evil” here refers to their calumnies or reproaches. They spoke of him as a bad man; as if it were desirable that he should die; that his influence in the world should come to an end, and that his name should be forgotten. When shall he die - “He is sick; sick on account of his sins; it seems certain that he will die; and it is desirable that such a man should die. But he seems to linger on, as if there were no hope of his dying.” Nothing can be imagined more unkind, cutting, severe than this - the desire that a man who is sick shall die, and be out of the…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“41:5-9 The psalmist’s enemies disguise themselves as friends, while his friends openly become his enemies. 41:5 How soon will he die? The psalmist’s opponents regard his suffering as a divine judgment (cp. 1:6).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Mine: Psa 22:6-8, Psa 102:8 his name: Job 18:17, Job 20:7; Pro 10:7 Psalms 41:6”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification