Psalms 119:123
Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness.
Original Language Analysis
עֵ֭ינַי
Mine eyes
H5869
עֵ֭ינַי
Mine eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
1 of 5
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
כָּל֣וּ
fail
H3615
כָּל֣וּ
fail
Strong's:
H3615
Word #:
2 of 5
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
לִֽישׁוּעָתֶ֑ךָ
for thy salvation
H3444
לִֽישׁוּעָתֶ֑ךָ
for thy salvation
Strong's:
H3444
Word #:
3 of 5
something saved, i.e., (abstractly) deliverance; hence, aid, victory, prosperity
Cross References
Psalms 130:6My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.Psalms 69:3I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.Psalms 143:7Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.
Historical Context
The experience of straining eyes through prolonged watching was familiar in ancient warfare (watching for signals, rescue, or approaching armies). The Babylonian exile intensified Israel's longing for promised salvation—a hope that would wait centuries for the Messiah.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to wait for God's salvation with such intensity that your eyes 'fail'?
- How does this verse's use of 'salvation' (<em>yeshuah</em>) point forward to Jesus as the embodiment of God's deliverance?
- Are you waiting passively for God's promises, or actively watching with expectant faith?
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Analysis & Commentary
Mine eyes fail for thy salvation (כָּלוּ עֵינַי לִישׁוּעָתֶךָ, kalu einai lishuatekha)—The verb kalah means to be consumed, spent, exhausted. The psalmist's eyes waste away watching for God's deliverance (yeshuah), the same root as 'Jesus' (Yeshua = salvation). This longing parallels Simeon who waited for 'the consolation of Israel' (Luke 2:25-30).
The word of thy righteousness (לְאִמְרַת צִדְקֶךָ, l'imrat tsidqekha)—God's righteous promise. The psalmist waits not merely for deliverance but for God's righteous word to be vindicated and fulfilled.