Psalms 119:82

Authorized King James Version

Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
כָּל֣וּ
fail
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
#2
עֵ֭ינַי
Mine eyes
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#3
לְאִמְרָתֶ֑ךָ
for thy word
an utterance
#4
לֵ֝אמֹ֗ר
saying
to say (used with great latitude)
#5
מָתַ֥י
properly, extent (of time); but used only adverbially (especially with other particle prefixes), when (either relative or interrogative)
#6
תְּֽנַחֲמֵֽנִי׃
When wilt thou comfort
properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection