I believed, even when I spoke: “I am greatly afflicted”;
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse actually highlights that the Psalmist spoke because they believed, even while in deep affliction. This means their faith wasn't a passive thing, but an active force that propelled them to speak and pray even when circumstances screamed despair. It reveals that true belief often finds its voice most clearly amidst suffering, not in its absence.
I believed, even when I spoke: “I am greatly afflicted”;
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalmist reflects on a time of intense suffering, confessing that even amidst his deep affliction, he held onto his belief in God's promises. This faith fueled his spoken words, likely expressing confidence in deliverance despite overwhelming circumstances. He contrasts this with a past state where his despair led him to doubt humanity's reliability, setting the stage for his later declarations of God's faithfulness.
Have you ever been so overwhelmed by suffering that words failed you? This verse reveals a courageous act of faith: speaking about God's goodness even when deeply afflicted.
The Psalmist here declares, "I believed, therefore I have spoken." This isn't just about speaking after believing; it's about speaking because he believed.
Faith in Action
When afflicted, it’s natural to withdraw or complain. But the Psalmist’s faith compelled him to do the opposite. He chose to articulate his belief in God's promises and faithfulness, even when his circumstances screamed despair.
This is a powerful reminder that faith isn't passive. It’s an active declaration, a testament to the truth we hold, even when it’s difficult to see or feel.
The Source of the Words
What did he speak? The verse implies he spoke of God's character and promises, perhaps echoing the sentiments of Psalm 116:5-7, which highlight God's mercy and deliverance. Even when outwardly “greatly afflicted,” his inner belief spurred him to voice what was true about God.
Suffering can feel isolating and can even make us question everything. How does faith navigate the darkness of profound personal pain?
The phrase "I am greatly afflicted" isn't just a statement of fact; it’s an acknowledgment of intense personal suffering.
The Contrast
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This verse beautifully contrasts the reality of deep affliction with the enduring power of faith. The Psalmist doesn’t deny his pain. In fact, he states it plainly. Yet, in the very next breath, he asserts his belief and his subsequent speaking.
Affliction as a Test
It's within the crucible of affliction that our faith is truly tested and demonstrated. It's easy to speak of God’s goodness when life is easy. It takes profound reliance on God to speak of His faithfulness when enduring great hardship. The Psalmist is saying, 'My pain was immense, but my belief in God was stronger.'
Understand the original words
aman · Hebrew Verb
To rely upon, trust in, or hold as true; a foundational act of faith whereby one stakes their existence on the character and promises of God.
anah · Hebrew Adjective/Participle
A state of severe hardship, trouble, or suffering; it implies being pressed or crushed by outward circumstances or personal distress.
This psalm reflects the intense personal struggles of David, likely written during his years as a fugitive hunted by King Saul. Despite overwhelming affliction and the temptation to distrust humanity, David held fast to his belief in God's promises of deliverance and future kingship.
c. 1030 BC
Saul Anointed King
Samuel, acting on God's command, secretly anoints Saul, the son of Kish, as the future king of Israel, bypassing older sons. This event marks the transition from a tribal confederation to a monarchy.
c. 1025 BC
Saul's Disobedience and Rejection
Saul disobeys God's direct commands during his military campaigns, particularly regarding the Amalekites. As a consequence, God rejects him as king, and Samuel informs Saul that his dynasty will not continue.
c. 1020 BC
David Anointed King
Samuel, guided by God, anoints David, the son of Jesse, as the future king of Israel while Saul is still reigning. This act plants the seed for future conflict and David's eventual rise to power.
c. 1020 BC— this verse
David and Goliath
A young David, armed only with a sling and stones, defeats the Philistine giant Goliath. This victory earns David great renown but also incurs the intense jealousy and persecution of King Saul.
c. 1020-1010 BC
David on the Run
Saul relentlessly pursues David, attempting to kill him. David spends years as a fugitive, hiding in caves and wilderness areas, constantly relying on God for protection and deliverance.
c. 1010 BC
David Becomes King of Judah
Following Saul's death in battle against the Philistines, David is anointed king over the tribe of Judah. He continues to face opposition from remaining Saulide loyalists.
c. 1005 BC
David Becomes King of All Israel
David unites the tribes and is crowned king over all Israel, establishing Jerusalem as his capital. He brings peace and prosperity to the kingdom, fulfilling prophecies and God's promises.
The Apostle Paul directly quotes this verse, highlighting how faith compels us to speak about God's promises and work, even amidst suffering.
Romans 8:18This passage parallels the Psalmist's affliction with the present sufferings of believers, emphasizing that these temporary troubles are incomparable to the glory that will be revealed.
Job 1:20-22Like the Psalmist, Job faced immense affliction but chose to believe and speak, 'The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord,' demonstrating faith in the midst of overwhelming loss.
Hebrews 11:1This verse defines faith as 'the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen,' which underpins the Psalmist's confession of belief even when he felt greatly afflicted.
poolePsalms 116:10: "I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted:"
I believed, to wit, God’s promise of deliverance and of the kingdom made to me by Samuel, which I was confident he would perform in spite of discouragements and difficulties. Therefore have I spoken: so these words are translated, as by others, so by the apostle, 2 Corinthians 4:13 . I have spoken ; either, 1. What I have now said, Psalm 116:9 ; or, 2. What I have uttered to others concerning God’s promises made to m…
ellicottPsalms 116:10: "I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted:"
(10, 11) I believed, therefore have I spoken. —This is the rendering of LXX. and Vulg., and it has become almost proverbial from St. Paul’s adaptation of it ( 2Corinthians 4:13 ; see New Testament Commentary ) . And no doubt this is the sense of the words, though the particle khî has been taken in a wrong connection. Mr. Burgess has certainly given the true explanation of the use of this particle. It sometimes follow…
The verse actually highlights that the Psalmist spoke because they believed, even while in deep affliction. This means their faith wasn't a passive thing, but an active force that propelled them to speak and pray even when circumstances screamed despair. It reveals that true belief often finds its voice most clearly amidst suffering, not in its absence.
The psalmist reflects on a time of intense suffering, confessing that even amidst his deep affliction, he held onto his belief in God's promises. This faith fueled his spoken words, likely expressing confidence in deliverance despite overwhelming circumstances. He contrasts this with a past state where his despair led him to doubt humanity's reliability, setting the stage for his later declarations of God's faithfulness.
The psalmist reflects on a time of intense suffering, confessing that even amidst his deep affliction, he held onto his belief in God's promises. This faith fueled his spoken words, likely expressing confidence in deliverance despite overwhelming circumstances. He contrasts this with a past state where his despair led him to doubt humanity's reliability, setting the stage for his later declarations of God's faithfulness.
"I believed, even when I spoke: “I am greatly afflicted”;" — The verse actually highlights that the Psalmist spoke because they believed, even while in deep affliction. This means their faith wasn't a passive thing, but an active force that propelled them to…
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Last reviewed October 2026