Psalms 40:12 akjv — For innumerable evils have compassed me about: my iniquities have taken hold on me, so that I am not able to look up;…

American King James Version

" For innumerable evils have compassed me about: my iniquities have taken hold on me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of my head: therefore my heart fails me. "

— Psalms 40:12, American King James Version

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Psalms 40:12 in Other Translations

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Psalms 40 — Context

9

I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: see, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, you know.

10

I have not hid your righteousness within my heart; I have declared your faithfulness and your salvation: I have not concealed your loving kindness and your truth from the great congregation.

11

Withhold not you your tender mercies from me, O LORD: let your loving kindness and your truth continually preserve me.

12

For innumerable evils have compassed me about: my iniquities have taken hold on me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of my head: therefore my heart fails me.

13

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

14

Let 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.

15

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

Psalms 40:12 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Psalms 40:12 say?
Psalms 40:12 in the American King James Version reads: “ For innumerable evils have compassed me about: my iniquities have taken hold on me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of my head: therefore my heart fails me. ”
Where is Psalms 40:12 in the Bible?
Psalms 40:12 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Psalms, chapter 40, verse 12.
Who wrote Psalms?
Psalms is traditionally attributed to Multiple authors (David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, others). Approximately 73 psalms are attributed to David; others to Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, Heman, and Ethan; the remainder are anonymous. It was written c. 1410–430 BC.
What is the book of Psalms about?
The Psalms are the prayer book and hymnal of God's people, gathering a thousand years of inspired song — praise, lament, thanksgiving, confession, and royal and messianic worship. Every emotion of the believing heart finds a voice here, and every voice finds its center in Christ.
What are the major themes of Psalms?
Psalms explores themes including Praise, Lament, Trust, Messiah, Refuge, Kingship. These themes shape the meaning and context of Psalms 40:12.
What translation should I read Psalms 40:12 in?
Psalms 40:12 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Psalms 40:12?
Psalms 40:12 reads (AKJV): “ For innumerable evils have compassed me about: my iniquities have taken hold on me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of my head: therefore my heart fails me. ” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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