Psalms 42:2

Translations

King James Version (KJV)

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?

American King James Version (AKJV)

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?

American Standard Version (ASV)

My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: When shall I come and appear before God?

Basic English Translation (BBE)

My soul is dry for need of God, the living God; when may I come and see the face of God?

Webster's Revision

My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?

World English Bible

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?

English Revised Version (ERV)

My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?

Clarke's Psalms 42:2 Bible Commentary

When shall I come - When, when shall I have the privilege of appearing in his courts before God? In the mouth of a Christian these words would import: "When shall I see my heavenly country? When shall I come to God, the Judge of all, and to Jesus, the Mediator of the new covenant?" He who is a stranger and a pilgrim here below, and feels a heart full of piety to God, may use these words in this sense; but he who feels himself here at home, whose soul is not spiritual, wishes the earth to be eternal, and himself eternal on it - feels no panting after the living God.

Barnes's Psalms 42:2 Bible Commentary

My soul thirsteth for God - That is, as the hind thirsts for the running stream.

For the living God - God, not merely as God, without anything more definitely specified, but God considered as living, as himself possessing life, and as having the power of imparting that life to the soul.

When shall I come and appear before God? - That is, as I have been accustomed to do in the sanctuary. When shall I be restored to the privilege of again uniting with his people in public prayer and praise? The psalmist evidently expected that this would be; but to one who loves public worship the time seems long when he is prevented from enjoying that privilege.

Wesley's Psalms 42:2 Bible Commentary

42:2 Thirsteth - Not after vain useless idols, but after the only true and living God. Appear - In the place of his special presence and publick worship.