Psalms 102:2

Authorized King James Version

Hide not thy face from me in the day when I am in trouble; incline thine ear unto me: in the day when I call answer me speedily.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַל
H408
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#2
תַּסְתֵּ֬ר
H5641
Hide
to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively
#3
פָּנֶ֨יךָ׀
H6440
not thy face
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#4
מִמֶּנִּי֮
H4480
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#5
בְּי֥וֹם
H3117
from me in the day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#6
צַ֫ר
H6862
when I am in trouble
a pebble (as in h6864)
#7
לִ֥י
H0
#8
הַטֵּֽה
H5186
incline
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
#9
אֵלַ֥י
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#10
אָזְנֶ֑ךָ
H241
thine ear
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
#11
בְּי֥וֹם
H3117
from me in the day
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#12
אֶ֝קְרָ֗א
H7121
when I call
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#13
מַהֵ֥ר
H4118
me speedily
properly, hurrying; hence (adverbially) in a hurry
#14
עֲנֵֽנִי׃
H6030
answer
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Psalms.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection