Psalms 102:5
By reason of the voice of my groaning my bones cleave to my skin.
Original Language Analysis
דָּבְקָ֥ה
cleave
H1692
דָּבְקָ֥ה
cleave
Strong's:
H1692
Word #:
3 of 5
properly, to impinge, i.e., cling or adhere; figuratively, to catch by pursuit
Cross References
Job 19:20My bone cleaveth to my skin and to my flesh, and I am escaped with the skin of my teeth.Psalms 6:8Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.Proverbs 17:22A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.Lamentations 4:8Their visage is blacker than a coal; they are not known in the streets: their skin cleaveth to their bones; it is withered, it is become like a stick.
Historical Context
Ancient medical understanding did not separate physical and emotional health as modern medicine does. The Hebrew conception of personhood was holistic, recognizing that spiritual and physical well-being are interconnected.
Questions for Reflection
- How does acknowledging the physical effects of spiritual suffering help you extend compassion to others?
- What comfort do you find in knowing Christ experienced bodily anguish during His earthly ministry?
Analysis & Commentary
The groaning (qol anachati) is so intense it causes physical wasting; 'bones cleave to my skin' describes severe emaciation. This vivid description validates that spiritual anguish manifests physically. Reformed theology maintains the unity of the human person—soul and body are interconnected. Job experienced similar physical manifestations of grief (Job 19:20). Christ, in Gethsemane, experienced such intense anguish that His sweat became like blood (Luke 22:44), demonstrating His full identification with human suffering.