Psalms for Healing
Which Psalms do you say for healing?
The traditional chapters for healing (Refua Shleima) are: 20, 22, 23, 30, 37, 38, 41, 91, 130, 142. Chapter 41 ("Blessed is he who considers the poor") is specifically associated with healing in the Talmud (Talmud Bavli, Tractate Nedarim 40a). Chapter 91 ("He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High") is the classic protection psalm, recited widely for the sick.
For the healing of the sick, Jewish tradition designates specific Psalm chapters that have been recited for generations. The central chapters are: Chapter 20 ("May the Lord answer you in your day of trouble"), Chapter 23 ("The Lord is my shepherd"), Chapter 30 ("A song for the dedication of the Temple"), and Chapter 41 ("Blessed is he who considers the poor") — which the Talmud (Tractate Nedarim 40a) cites as particularly connected to healing and the mitzvah of visiting the sick. Chapter 91 ("He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High"), known as the "Song of Protection," is widely recited for those in danger or illness. The custom is to recite these chapters with the full Hebrew name of the sick person (name and mother's name) and with intention for a complete healing. Source: Shmirat HaNefesh by Rabbi Shlomo Levenstein, and the customs of Jewish communities across generations. These chapter lists reflect widely-cited traditional Jewish custom. Different communities and authorities may use slightly different chapter sets.
Based on traditional sources
Traditional Chapters
| Chapter | Opening Verse | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| כ | יענך ה' ביום צרה | תפילה בעת מצוקה |
| כב | אלי אלי למה עזבתני | אמירה בצרות חמורות |
| כג | ה' רועי לא אחסר | נחמה ובטחון בה' |
| ל | מזמור שיר חנוכת הבית | רפואה ובריאות |
| לז | אל תתחר במרעים | בטחון בה' |
| לח | מזמור לדוד להזכיר | תפילה בחולי וחטא |
| מא | אשרי משכיל אל דל | מיוחד לחולה — גמרא נדרים מ. |
| צא | יושב בסתר עליון | שמירה — "כי מלאכיו יצווה לך" |
| קל | שיר המעלות ממעמקים | תפילה בצרות ומחלות |
| קמב | משכיל לדוד | תפילה מן המצרים |
These chapter lists reflect widely-cited traditional Jewish custom. Different communities may use slightly different chapter sets.
שאלות נפוצות
Which Psalms are said for a sick person?+
The central chapters for healing are: 20, 22, 23, 30, 37, 38, 41, 91, 130, 142. Chapter 41 is particularly significant as it opens with "Blessed is he who considers the poor" and is cited in the Talmud (Tractate Nedarim 40a) as connected to the mitzvah of caring for the sick.
What do you say before reciting Psalms for a sick person?+
Before reciting, it is customary to state the intention for the healing of [name, son/daughter of mother's name] and to say: "May it be Your will, Lord our God, to send a complete healing — healing of the soul and healing of the body — to [person's name]." At the conclusion, a closing prayer is added.
Can Psalms for healing be divided among a group?+
Yes — and this is the most common custom. When dividing the 150 chapters among a group of readers, each person recites their portion with intention for the sick person's recovery. Chapters need not be read simultaneously; reciting at different times throughout the day is valid. The shared intention is what matters.
Can Psalms for healing be recited every day?+
Yes. The custom is to recite Psalms for a sick person daily until recovery, and to complete at least one full book (all 150 chapters) on the day the illness becomes known. Many families organize a "division" among family and friends via WhatsApp.
Sources
- • גמרא, מסכת נדרים מ. (אמירת תהילים לחולה)
- • ספר "שמירת הנפש" — ר' שלמה לוינשטיין
- • מנהגי חסידות ומנהג ספרד
- • Westminster Leningrad Codex (Public Domain) — openscriptures/morphhb
Based on traditional sources — not a substitute for rabbinic guidance