Psalms 102:3
For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as an hearth.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
כָל֣וּ
are consumed
H3615
כָל֣וּ
are consumed
Strong's:
H3615
Word #:
2 of 7
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
בְעָשָׁ֣ן
like smoke
H6227
בְעָשָׁ֣ן
like smoke
Strong's:
H6227
Word #:
3 of 7
smoke, literally or figuratively (vapor, dust, anger)
יָמָ֑י
For my days
H3117
יָמָ֑י
For my days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
4 of 7
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
וְ֝עַצְמוֹתַ֗י
and my bones
H6106
וְ֝עַצְמוֹתַ֗י
and my bones
Strong's:
H6106
Word #:
5 of 7
a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame
Cross References
James 4:14Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.Psalms 37:20But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.Job 30:30My skin is black upon me, and my bones are burned with heat.Lamentations 1:13From above hath he sent fire into my bones, and it prevaileth against them: he hath spread a net for my feet, he hath turned me back: he hath made me desolate and faint all the day.Psalms 31:10For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed.
Historical Context
Such vivid descriptions of physical suffering were common in ancient lament literature. The burning sensation may refer to actual fever, emotional anguish, or both, reflecting the holistic Hebrew understanding of suffering.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you maintain hope in God's goodness when experiencing prolonged suffering or loss?
- What does Christ's voluntary suffering teach you about the redemptive purposes of affliction?
Analysis & Commentary
The imagery of days 'consumed like smoke' and bones 'burned as an hearth' conveys utter devastation and transience. Smoke (ashan) dissipates quickly, symbolizing life's brevity (James 4:14). The burning bones suggest intense suffering and fever. Yet this profound lament appears in Scripture to validate human suffering and point believers to eternal hope. Reformed theology affirms that God ordains suffering for sanctification (Rom 5:3-5), while Christ's sufferings guarantee our ultimate deliverance.