Psalms 143:7

Authorized King James Version

Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מַ֘הֵ֤ר
H4118
me speedily
properly, hurrying; hence (adverbially) in a hurry
#2
עֲנֵ֨נִי׀
H6030
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,
#3
יְהוָה֮
H3068
O LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
כָּלְתָ֪ה
H3615
faileth
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
#5
ר֫וּחִ֥י
H7307
my spirit
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#6
אַל
H408
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#7
תַּסְתֵּ֣ר
H5641
hide
to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively
#8
פָּנֶ֣יךָ
H6440
not thy face
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#9
מִמֶּ֑נִּי
H4480
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#10
וְ֝נִמְשַׁ֗לְתִּי
H4911
from me lest I be like
to liken, i.e., (transitively) to use figurative language (an allegory, adage, song or the like); intransitively, to resemble
#11
עִם
H5973
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#12
יֹ֥רְדֵי
H3381
unto them that go down
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
#13
בֽוֹר׃
H953
into the pit
a pit hole (especially one used as a cistern or a prison)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through simile or metaphorical language. 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

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection