Psalms 40 in the early church

141 passages quote, allude to, or echo Psalms 40, grouped by verse; passages on the same verse are in date order. Verse text from the Berean Standard Bible (public domain). References use the Protestant English Bible's numbering, with a writer's own numbering in brackets where it differs.

Verses: 1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 6 · 7 · 8 · 9 · 10 · 12 · 13 · 14 · 15 · 16 · 17

Psalms 40:1

For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; He inclined to me and heard my cry.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Ps 40:1 (39:2 LXX)Martyrdom of Conon 6 · Anonymousquotation, high confidenceca. 250
Ps 40:1 (39:2 LXX)Cib. 3 · Methodius of Olympusquotation, high confidencelate 3rd cent. (disputed)
Ps 40:1 (39:2 LXX)Cib. 5 · Methodius of Olympusquotation, high confidencelate 3rd cent. (disputed)
Ps 40:1–3 (39:2-Ps LXX)Demonstration of the Gospel 1.10.26 · Eusebius of Caesareaquotation, high confidenceca. 314–324
Ps 40:1 (39:1 LXX)Letter to Marcellinus 18 · Athanasius of Alexandriaallusion, high confidenceuncertain, after 335
Ps 40:1 (39:2 LXX)Defence of His Flight 21 · Athanasius of Alexandriaquotation, high confidenceca. 357
Ps 40:1–17 (39:1-Ps LXX)Psalm 39 · Apollinaris of Laodiceaquotation, high confidenceuncertain (fourth to sixth century)
Ps 40:1 (39:2 LXX)Exposition of Psalm 118 1.15.1 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 386-397
Ps 40:1 (39:2 LXX)Exposition of Psalm 118 8.13.1 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 386-397
Ps 40:1 (39:2 LXX)Explanation of Twelve Psalms 36.20.3 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-397
Ps 40:1 (39:2 LXX)Explanation of Twelve Psalms 38.28.1 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-397
Ps 40:1 (39:2 LXX)Explanation of Twelve Psalms 39.2.1 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-397
Ps 40:1 (39:2 LXX)Explanation of Twelve Psalms 45.15.2 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-397
Ps 40:1 (39:2 LXX)The Conferences 12.6 · John Cassianquotation, high confidenceca. 426–429
Ps 40:1 (39:2 LXX)The Conferences 13.12 · John Cassianquotation, high confidenceca. 426–429

Psalms 40:2

He lifted me up from the pit of despair, out of the miry clay; He set my feet upon a rock, and made my footsteps firm.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Ps 40:2 (39:3 LXX)PG 12:1265 (Ps 22–23 LXX) · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 220-254
Ps 40:2 (39:3 LXX)PG 12:1405 (Ps 39 LXX) · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 220-254
Ps 40:2 (39:3 LXX)Homilies on Exodus 3.3 · Origenallusion, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Ps 40:2 (39:3 LXX)Homilies on Ezekiel 2.4 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Jerome's translation in the 380s)
Ps 40:2 (39:3 LXX)Homilies on Psalms 36-38 7.4 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 238–250 (Rufinus's translation ca. 400–410)
Ps 40:2 (39:3 LXX)Homilies on Jeremiah 16.2 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 240
Ps 40:2 (39:3 LXX)Commentary on the Song of Songs 3.231 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 240–245 (Rufinus's translation ca. 410)
Ps 40:2 (39:3 LXX)Commentary on Matthew 16.4 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 246–248
Ps 40:2 (39:3 Vulg.)Tractates on the Psalms 133.2 · Hilary of Poitiersquotation, high confidenceca. 360–367
Ps 40:2 (39:3 LXX)Oration 2.40 · Gregory of Nazianzusallusion, high confidenceca. 362–383
Ps 40:2 (39:3 LXX)Oration 45.16 · Gregory of Nazianzusallusion, medium confidenceca. 362–383
Ps 40:2 (39:3 LXX)Letter 122.4 · Jeromequotation, high confidenceca. 370–419
Ps 40:2 (39:3 LXX)Letter 130.8 · Jeromequotation, high confidenceca. 370–419
Ps 40:2 (39:3 LXX)Letter 147.9 · Jeromeallusion, medium confidenceca. 370–419
Ps 40:2 (39:3 LXX)On the Life of Moses 405 · Gregory of Nyssaallusion, high confidenceca. 385–395
Ps 40:2 (39:3 LXX)On the Duties of the Clergy 1.5 · Ambroseecho, low confidenceca. 386–390
Ps 40:2 (39:3 LXX)Exposition of Psalm 118 1.15.1 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 386-397
Ps 40:2 (39:3 LXX)Letter 25.4 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, high confidenceca. 386–430
Ps 40:2 (39:3 LXX)Letter 194.3 · Augustine of Hippoecho, low confidenceca. 386–430
Ps 40:2 (39:3 LXX)Explanation of Twelve Psalms 39.2.1 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-397
Ps 40:2 (39:3 LXX)Explanation of Twelve Psalms 39.2.2 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 387-397
Ps 40:2 (39:3 LXX)Explanation of Twelve Psalms 39.2.3 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 387-397
Ps 40:2 (39:3 LXX)Homily 11 · Gregory of Nyssaquotation, high confidenceca. 390–394
Ps 40:2–3 (39:3-Ps LXX)Sermon 33.5 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 391-430
Ps 40:2 (39:3 Vulg.)Poem 24, lines 161–190 · Paulinus of Nolaecho, low confidenceca. 393–431
Ps 40:2 (39:3 Vulg.)Letters 4.4 · Paulinus of Nolaallusion, high confidenceca. 394–413
Ps 40:2 (39:3 Vulg.)Letters 23.9 · Paulinus of Nolaquotation, high confidenceca. 394–413
Ps 40:2 (39:3 Vulg.)Letters 24.1 · Paulinus of Nolaecho, medium confidenceca. 394–413
Ps 40:2 (39:3 Vulg.)Letters 40.5 · Paulinus of Nolaallusion, medium confidenceca. 394–413
Ps 40:2 (39:3 Vulg.)Confessions 6.26 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, medium confidenceca. 397–401
Ps 40:2 (39:3 LXX)City of God 18.32 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidence413–426
Ps 40:2 (39:3 LXX)City of God 18.35 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidence413–426
Ps 40:2–3 (39:3-Ps LXX)Against Two Letters of the Pelagians 3.6 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 420–421
Ps 40:2 (39:3 LXX)The Conferences 3.12 · John Cassianquotation, high confidenceca. 426–429
Ps 40:2 (39:3 LXX)The Conferences 12.6 · John Cassianquotation, high confidenceca. 426–429

Psalms 40:3

He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Ps 40:3 (39:4 LXX)PG 12:1405 (Ps 39 LXX) · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 220-254
Ps 40:3 (39:4 LXX)Explanation of Twelve Psalms 39.3.1 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-397
Ps 40:3 (39:4 Vulg.)Letters 23.9 · Paulinus of Nolaquotation, high confidenceca. 394–413
Ps 40:3 (39:4 LXX)City of God 18.32 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidence413–426

Psalms 40:4

Blessed is the man who has made the LORD his trust, who has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Ps 40:4 (39:5 LXX)On the Duties of the Clergy 1.49 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 386–390
Ps 40:4 (39:5 LXX)Exposition of Psalm 118 5.33.2 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 386-397
Ps 40:4 (39:5 Vulg.)Letter 155.6 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 386–430
Ps 40:4 (39:5 Vulg.)Letter 155.8 · Augustine of Hippoecho, medium confidenceca. 386–430
Ps 40:4 (39:5 Vulg.)On Fleeing the World 4 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 387-391
Ps 40:4 (39:5 LXX)Explanation of Twelve Psalms 39.4.1 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-397
Ps 40:4 (39:5 Vulg.)Sermon 47.29 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, low confidenceca. 391-430
Ps 40:4 (39:5 Vulg.)Sermon 156.7 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 391-430
Ps 40:4 (39:5 Vulg.)Confessions 8.4 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 397–401
Ps 40:4 (39:5 Vulg.)Confessions 9.2 · Augustine of Hippoecho, low confidenceca. 397–401
Ps 40:4 (39:5 LXX)City of God 6.1 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidence413–426
Ps 40:4 (39:5 LXX)City of God 7.17 · Augustine of Hippoecho, medium confidence413–426
Ps 40:4 (39:5 Vulg.)City of God 15.21 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidence413–426

Psalms 40:5

Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders You have done, and the plans You have for us—none can compare to You—if I proclaim and declare them, they are more than I can count.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Ps 40:5 (39:6 LXX)Exposition of Psalm 118 2.30.2 · Ambroseallusion, low confidenceca. 386-397
Ps 40:5 (39:6 LXX)Explanation of Twelve Psalms 39.10.1 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-397
Ps 40:5 (39:6 Vulg.)Sermon 15.2 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, high confidenceca. 391-430
Ps 40:5 (39:6 LXX)Sermon 223.2 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 391-430
Ps 40:5 (39:6 Vulg.)Sermon 250.3 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 391-430
Ps 40:5 (39:6 Vulg.)Sermon 251.2 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 391-430
Ps 40:5 (39:6 Vulg.)Sermon 270.7 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 391-430
Ps 40:5 (39:6 LXX)On Baptism, against the Donatists 5.38 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 400–401
Ps 40:5 (39:6 LXX)Tractates on the Gospel of John 122.7 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 406–420
Ps 40:5 (39:6 LXX)City of God 18.49 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidence413–426
Ps 40:5 (39:6 Vulg.)On Rebuke and Grace 13 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 427

Psalms 40:6

Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but my ears You have opened. Burnt offerings and sin offerings You did not require.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Ps 40:6 (39:7 LXX)Against Heresies 4.17.1 · Irenaeus of Lyonsquotation, high confidenceca. 180–190
Ps 40:6 (39:7 LXX)PG 12:1405 (Ps 39 LXX) · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 220-254
Ps 40:6 (39:7 LXX)On Prayer 28.9 · Origenecho, low confidenceca. 233–234
Ps 40:6 (39:7 LXX)Commentary on Romans 9.1 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 244–246 (Rufinus's translation ca. 405–406)
Ps 40:6–9 (39:7-Ps LXX)Demonstration of the Gospel 1.10.27 · Eusebius of Caesareaquotation, high confidenceca. 314–324
Ps 40:6 (39:7 LXX)Demonstration of the Gospel 8.1.80 · Eusebius of Caesareaquotation, high confidenceca. 314–324
Ps 40:6 (39:7 Vulg.)Tractates on the Psalms 53.13 · Hilary of Poitiersquotation, high confidenceca. 360–367
Ps 40:6 (39:7 Vulg.)Apology of the Prophet David 80 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 384-390
Ps 40:6 (39:7 LXX)Explanation of Twelve Psalms 39.10.1 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-397
Ps 40:6 (39:7 LXX)Explanation of Twelve Psalms 39.26.1 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-397
Ps 40:6 (39:7 Vulg.)City of God 17.20 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidence413–426
Ps 40:6 (39:7 LXX)Sermon 108 · Peter Chrysologusquotation, high confidenceca. 425-450

Psalms 40:7

Then I said, “Here I am, I have come—it is written about me in the scroll:

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Ps 40:7 (39:8 LXX)PG 12:1405 (Ps 39 LXX) · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 220-254
Ps 40:7 (39:8 LXX)Commentary on John 5.6 · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 230–248
Ps 40:7 (39:8 Vulg.)Apology of the Prophet David 80 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 384-390
Ps 40:7 (39:8 LXX)Explanation of Twelve Psalms 39.10.1 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-397
Ps 40:7 (39:8 LXX)Explanation of Twelve Psalms 39.11.1 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-397
Ps 40:7 (39:8 LXX)Explanation of Twelve Psalms 39.22.1 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-397
Ps 40:7 (39:8 Vulg.)Instructions 1.14 · Eucherius of Lyonquotation, high confidenceca. 428-434

Psalms 40:8

I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart.”

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Ps 40:8 (39:9 LXX)On Mount Sinai and Mount Zion 9 · Anonymousquotation, high confidence3rd cent. (disputed)
Ps 40:8 (39:9 LXX)PG 12:1405 (Ps 39 LXX) · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 220-254
Ps 40:8 (39:9 LXX)Letter 106.23 · Jeromequotation, high confidenceca. 370–419
Ps 40:8 (39:9 Vulg.)On the Christian Faith 2.6 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 378–380
Ps 40:8 (39:9 LXX)Exposition of Psalm 118 13.3.2 · Ambrosequotation, low confidenceca. 386-397
Ps 40:8 (39:9 LXX)Explanation of Twelve Psalms 39.10.1 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-397
Ps 40:8 (39:9 LXX)Explanation of Twelve Psalms 39.18.1 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-397
Ps 40:8 (39:9 LXX)Explanation of Twelve Psalms 39.22.1 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-397
Ps 40:8 (39:9 LXX)Explanation of Twelve Psalms 39.22.2 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-397
Ps 40:8 (39:9 LXX)The Conferences 9.34 · John Cassianquotation, high confidenceca. 426–429

Psalms 40:9

I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly; behold, I do not seal my lips, as You, O LORD, do know.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Ps 40:9 (39:10 LXX)PG 12:1407 (Ps 39–40 LXX) · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 220-254
Ps 40:9 (39:10 LXX)Oration 32.20 · Gregory of Nazianzusquotation, high confidenceca. 362–383
Ps 40:9 (39:10 LXX)Oration 40.44 · Gregory of Nazianzusquotation, high confidenceca. 362–383
Ps 40:9 (39:10 LXX)Explanation of Twelve Psalms 39.22.1 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-397
Ps 40:9 (39:10 LXX)Explanation of Twelve Psalms 39.23.1 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-397
Ps 40:9 (39:10 LXX)Explanation of Twelve Psalms 39.24.1 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-397

Psalms 40:10

I have not covered up Your righteousness in my heart; I have declared Your faithfulness and salvation; I have not concealed Your loving devotion and faithfulness from the great assembly.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Ps 40:10 (39:11 LXX)Explanation of Twelve Psalms 39.22.1 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-397
Ps 40:10 (39:11 LXX)Explanation of Twelve Psalms 39.24.1 · Ambroseallusion, high confidenceca. 387-397
Ps 40:10 (39:11 LXX)Explanation of Twelve Psalms 39.25.1 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-397

Psalms 40:12

For evils without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, so that I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart has failed within me.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Ps 40:12 (39:13 LXX)PG 12:1407 (Ps 39–40 LXX) · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 220-254
Ps 40:12 (39:13 Vulg.)On Fleeing the World 25 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-391
Ps 40:12 (39:13 LXX)Sermon 218.3 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 391-430
Ps 40:12 (39:13 Vulg.)Letters 12.10 · Paulinus of Nolaallusion, high confidenceca. 394–413
Ps 40:12 (39:13 Vulg.)Letters 23.10 · Paulinus of Nolaallusion, high confidenceca. 394–413
Ps 40:12 (39:13 Vulg.)Letters 40.4 · Paulinus of Nolaquotation, high confidenceca. 394–413
Ps 40:12 (39:13 Vulg.)Sermon 3 · Peter Chrysologusquotation, high confidenceca. 425-450
Ps 40:12 (39:13 LXX)Sermon 171 · Peter Chrysologusquotation, high confidenceca. 425-450

Psalms 40:13

Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me; hurry, O LORD, to help me.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Ps 40:13 (39:14 LXX)Letter 106.23 · Jeromequotation, high confidenceca. 370–419

Psalms 40:14

May those who seek my life be ashamed and confounded; may those who wish me harm be repelled and humiliated.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Ps 40:14 (39:15 LXX)PG 12:1407 (Ps 39–40 LXX) · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 220-254
Ps 40:14 (39:15 LXX)On the Lord's Prayer 1131 · Gregory of Nyssaallusion, medium confidenceca. 380–394
Ps 40:14 (39:15 LXX)Explanation of Twelve Psalms 39.26.1 · Ambrosequotation, high confidenceca. 387-397
Ps 40:14 (39:15 Vulg.)Tractates on the Gospel of John 15.2 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, low confidenceca. 406–420
Ps 40:14 (39:15 LXX)Tractates on the Gospel of John 38.2 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 406–420
Ps 40:14 (39:15 LXX)Tractates on the Gospel of John 50.3 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, high confidenceca. 406–420
Ps 40:14 (39:15 LXX)The Conferences 7.21 · John Cassianquotation, high confidenceca. 426–429

Psalms 40:15

May those who say to me, “Aha, aha!” be appalled at their own shame.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Ps 40:15 (39:16 LXX)Letter 95.2 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, medium confidenceca. 386–430
Ps 40:15 (39:16 Vulg.)Confessions 1.21 · Augustine of Hippoquotation, medium confidenceca. 397–401
Ps 40:15 (39:16 Vulg.)Confessions 10.59 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, high confidenceca. 397–401

Psalms 40:16

May all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; may those who love Your salvation always say, “The LORD be magnified!”

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Ps 40:16 (39:17 LXX)Exhortation to the Greeks 10.107 · Clement of Alexandriaquotation, high confidenceca. 190–200

Psalms 40:17

But I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my helper and deliverer; O my God, do not delay.

BSB
ReferencePassageKindDate
Ps 40:17 (39:18 LXX)PG 12:1407 (Ps 39–40 LXX) · Origenquotation, high confidenceca. 220-254
Ps 40:17 (39:18 LXX)Prophetic Extracts 2.5 · Eusebius of Caesareaallusion, low confidencebefore 325 (probably ca. 310–320)
Ps 40:17 (39:18 LXX)Letter 120.1 · Jeromequotation, high confidenceca. 370–419
Ps 40:17 (39:18 LXX)Letter 94.7 · Augustine of Hippoallusion, medium confidenceca. 386–430
Ps 40:17 (39:18 Vulg.)Letters 45.7 · Paulinus of Nolaallusion, medium confidenceca. 394–413