Psalms 119:83
For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הָ֭יִיתִי
H1961
הָ֭יִיתִי
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
2 of 7
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כְּנֹ֣אד
For I am become like a bottle
H4997
כְּנֹ֣אד
For I am become like a bottle
Strong's:
H4997
Word #:
3 of 7
a (skin or leather) bag (for fluids)
חֻ֝קֶּ֗יךָ
thy statutes
H2706
חֻ֝קֶּ֗יךָ
thy statutes
Strong's:
H2706
Word #:
5 of 7
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)
Cross References
Job 30:30My skin is black upon me, and my bones are burned with heat.Psalms 119:176I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.Psalms 119:16I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.Psalms 119:61The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law.
Historical Context
Ancient wineskins hung near cooking fires would cure or become ruined by excessive smoke. The image would resonate with daily life in biblical households. This metaphor appears only here in Scripture, demonstrating the psalmist's creativity in expressing suffering while maintaining the acrostic structure of Psalm 119.
Questions for Reflection
- When have you felt 'shriveled by smoke'—depleted by prolonged trial yet still clinging to God's Word?
- How does suffering test whether your obedience depends on feelings or foundational commitment?
- What spiritual disciplines help you 'not forget' God's statutes when affliction clouds your mind?
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Analysis & Commentary
For I am become like a bottle in the smoke (כִּי־הָיִיתִי כְּנֹאד בְּקִיטוֹר)—nod (wineskin/bottle) made from animal hide would shrivel, blacken, and become brittle when hung in smoke. This vivid metaphor depicts suffering's shriveling effect: the psalmist feels dried up, darkened, useless. Yet do I not forget thy statutes (מִשְׁפָּטֶיךָ לֹא שָׁכָחְתִּי) contrasts external deterioration with internal fidelity—though shriveled by affliction, he hasn't forgotten (lo shachachti) God's mishpatim (statutes/judgments).
Paul experienced similar depletion—'outwardly perishing' while 'inwardly renewed' (2 Corinthians 4:16). Job felt reduced to skin and bones (Job 19:20) yet clung to hope. Suffering may shrivel the body but cannot destroy a soul anchored in God's Word.