Psalms 102:4
My heart is smitten, and withered like grass; so that I forget to eat my bread.
Original Language Analysis
הוּכָּֽה
is smitten
H5221
הוּכָּֽה
is smitten
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
1 of 8
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
וַיִּבַ֣שׁ
and withered
H3001
וַיִּבַ֣שׁ
and withered
Strong's:
H3001
Word #:
3 of 8
to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)
לִבִּ֑י
My heart
H3820
לִבִּ֑י
My heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
4 of 8
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
שָׁ֝כַ֗חְתִּי
so that I forget
H7911
שָׁ֝כַ֗חְתִּי
so that I forget
Strong's:
H7911
Word #:
6 of 8
to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention
Cross References
Psalms 37:2For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.Isaiah 40:7The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass.Psalms 77:3I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah.Ezra 10:6Then Ezra rose up from before the house of God, and went into the chamber of Johanan the son of Eliashib: and when he came thither, he did eat no bread, nor drink water: for he mourned because of the transgression of them that had been carried away.
Historical Context
In ancient Israel, refusing food was a sign of extreme grief or penitence (2 Sam 12:16-17). The withering grass metaphor would resonate powerfully in a semi-arid climate where vegetation quickly dies without water.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you distinguish between clinical depression requiring medical attention and spiritual darkness requiring pastoral care?
- What spiritual disciplines help you persevere when your emotional and physical strength fails?
Analysis & Commentary
The heart 'smitten like grass' that withers evokes the biblical metaphor of human frailty (Ps 90:5-6, Isa 40:6-8). The psalmist's loss of appetite ('forget to eat my bread') indicates deep depression. This honest portrayal of spiritual and physical collapse demonstrates Scripture's realism about human weakness. The Puritans called this 'the dark night of the soul.' Yet even in such depths, the psalmist continues addressing God, modeling persistent faith. Christ sustains believers through similar valleys (Ps 23:4).