Psalms 119:81
My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.
Original Language Analysis
כָּלְתָ֣ה
fainteth
H3615
כָּלְתָ֣ה
fainteth
Strong's:
H3615
Word #:
1 of 5
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
לִתְשׁוּעָתְךָ֣
for thy salvation
H8668
לִתְשׁוּעָתְךָ֣
for thy salvation
Strong's:
H8668
Word #:
2 of 5
rescue (literal or figurative, persons, national or spiritual)
נַפְשִׁ֑י
CAPH My soul
H5315
נַפְשִׁ֑י
CAPH My soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
3 of 5
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
Cross References
Psalms 84:2My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.Psalms 119:40Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.Psalms 119:114Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.Psalms 73:26My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.Song of Solomon 5:8I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, if ye find my beloved, that ye tell him, that I am sick of love.
Historical Context
The Kaph section reflects the lament tradition found throughout Psalms—honest complaint combined with unwavering trust. Post-exilic Israel waited centuries for the Messiah while clinging to prophetic promises. This 'patient waiting' became a defining mark of biblical faith (Habakkuk 2:3, Hebrews 10:36-37).
Questions for Reflection
- When has your soul 'fainted' for God's deliverance while still choosing to hope in His Word?
- How do you maintain hope during prolonged waiting when relief seems perpetually delayed?
- What promises in Scripture anchor your soul when circumstances drain your strength?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
My soul fainteth for thy salvation (כָּלְתָה נַפְשִׁי לִתְשׁוּעָתֶךָ)—kaletah (fainteth/fails/pines away) conveys extreme longing, even physical weakness. Naphshi (my soul/being) yearns for teshu'atekha (thy salvation/deliverance). This Kaph (כ) stanza (vv. 81-88) depicts a believer at the breaking point yet clinging to hope. But I hope in thy word (לִדְבָרְךָ יִחָלְתִּי) contrasts present agony with confident waiting: yichalti (I hope/wait) anchors on God's davar (word/promise).
This mirrors Simeon who waited for the consolation of Israel (Luke 2:25) and Anna who looked for redemption (Luke 2:38)—both anchored hope in God's Word despite prolonged delay. Faith trusts the promise-keeper when deliverance tarries.