Psalms 13:3

Authorized King James Version

Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;

Word-by-Word Analysis

הַבִּ֣יטָֽה

H5027

Consider

to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care

עֲ֭נֵנִי

H6030

and hear

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

me O LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהָ֑י

H430

my God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

הָאִ֥ירָה

H215

lighten

to be (causative, make) luminous (literally and metaphorically)

עֵ֝ינַ֗י

H5869

mine eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

פֶּן

H6435

properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest

אִישַׁ֥ן

H3462

lest I sleep

properly, to be slack or languid, i.e., (by implication) sleep (figuratively, to die); also to grow old, stale or inveterate

הַמָּֽוֶת׃

H4194

the sleep of death

death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Psalms.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?