Psalms 141:7

Authorized King James Version

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Our bones are scattered at the grave's mouth, as when one cutteth and cleaveth wood upon the earth.

Original Language Analysis

כְּמ֤וֹ H3644
כְּמ֤וֹ
Strong's: H3644
Word #: 1 of 8
as, thus, so
פֹלֵ֣חַ as when one cutteth H6398
פֹלֵ֣חַ as when one cutteth
Strong's: H6398
Word #: 2 of 8
to slice, i.e., break open or pierce
וּבֹקֵ֣עַ and cleaveth H1234
וּבֹקֵ֣עַ and cleaveth
Strong's: H1234
Word #: 3 of 8
to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open
בָּאָ֑רֶץ wood upon the earth H776
בָּאָ֑רֶץ wood upon the earth
Strong's: H776
Word #: 4 of 8
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
נִפְזְר֥וּ are scattered H6340
נִפְזְר֥וּ are scattered
Strong's: H6340
Word #: 5 of 8
to scatter, whether in enmity or bounty
עֲ֝צָמֵ֗ינוּ Our bones H6106
עֲ֝צָמֵ֗ינוּ Our bones
Strong's: H6106
Word #: 6 of 8
a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame
לְפִ֣י mouth H6310
לְפִ֣י mouth
Strong's: H6310
Word #: 7 of 8
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
שְׁאֽוֹל׃ at the grave's H7585
שְׁאֽוֹל׃ at the grave's
Strong's: H7585
Word #: 8 of 8
hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates

Analysis & Commentary

Our bones are scattered at the grave's mouth, as when one cutteth and cleaveth wood. Describes battlefield aftermath or near-death metaphor. Life chopped up, scattered at death's door. Yet verse 8 turns to God with confidence. This characterizes lament—brutal honesty followed by faith-filled petition.

Historical Context

David wrote during persecution. Ancient battlefields were gruesome—bodies unburied, bones scattered. Proper burial mattered; scattered bones represented ultimate dishonor.

Questions for Reflection