Psalms 143:4
Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate.
Original Language Analysis
וַתִּתְעַטֵּ֣ף
overwhelmed
H5848
וַתִּתְעַטֵּ֣ף
overwhelmed
Strong's:
H5848
Word #:
1 of 6
to shroud, i.e., clothe (whether transitive or reflexive); hence (from the idea of darkness) to languish
עָלַ֣י
H5921
עָלַ֣י
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 6
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
רוּחִ֑י
Therefore is my spirit
H7307
רוּחִ֑י
Therefore is my spirit
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
3 of 6
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
Cross References
Psalms 77:3I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah.Psalms 142:3When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.Luke 22:44And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.
Historical Context
Ancient Israelites understood the 'heart' not as the organ of emotion alone (as in modern Western thought) but as the center of the entire inner life—intellect, will, and emotions integrated. When David's heart is desolate, his entire inner being is devastated. This holistic understanding of human nature—body, soul, and spirit interconnected—shaped how Israel approached God: with the whole person, not just abstract theological propositions. The psalm demonstrates that authentic spirituality acknowledges rather than suppresses the reality of human suffering.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you typically respond when your spirit is 'overwhelmed' and your heart 'desolate'—withdrawal, self-medication, or turning to God?
- What does David's example teach about the relationship between honest emotional expression and genuine faith?
- How can the church better support believers experiencing psychological and spiritual desolation?
Analysis & Commentary
Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate. The conjunction "therefore" (va-titatef, וַתִּתְעַטֵּף) connects this verse to the previous description of persecution and darkness—David's internal state reflects his external circumstances. "My spirit" (ruchi, רוּחִי) is overwhelmed or faints within; the verb ataph (עָטַף) means to cover, wrap, or faint away. David's animating life-force is collapsing.
"My heart within me is desolate" uses shamem (שָׁמֵם), meaning to be appalled, devastated, or stupefied with horror. His lev (heart)—the center of thought, emotion, and will—is rendered desolate. This isn't mere sadness but profound psychological and spiritual devastation. Yet even in this extremity, David continues praying, demonstrating that overwhelmed faith still seeks God.
The Psalms repeatedly model how to pray when feelings are overwhelming (Psalm 42:5-6, 11; 55:4-5; 61:2). The biblical response to overwhelming circumstances isn't to deny feelings or manufacture joy but to bring the overwhelmed heart to God, as David does here before turning to remembrance (v. 5) and petition (vv. 7-12).