Psalms Chapter 141 · Verse 7
Our bones are scattered at the grave's mouth, as when one cutteth and cleaveth wood upon the earth.
Original Language Analysis
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)
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
Cross References
Psalms 53:5There were they in great fear, where no fear was: for God hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth against thee: thou hast put them to shame, because God hath despised them.Romans 8:36As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
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
- How does graphic imagery validate expressing desperate circumstances?
- When have you felt "scattered" at death's door?
- How does shifting to confidence model faith's movement from lament to trust?
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.