Psalms 38:10
My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me.
Original Language Analysis
לִבִּ֣י
My heart
H3820
לִבִּ֣י
My heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
1 of 10
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
סְ֭חַרְחַר
panteth
H5503
סְ֭חַרְחַר
panteth
Strong's:
H5503
Word #:
2 of 10
to travel round (specifically as a pedlar); intensively, to palpitate
כֹחִ֑י
my strength
H3581
כֹחִ֑י
my strength
Strong's:
H3581
Word #:
4 of 10
vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)
וְֽאוֹר
me as for the light
H216
וְֽאוֹר
me as for the light
Strong's:
H216
Word #:
5 of 10
illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
עֵינַ֥י
of mine eyes
H5869
עֵינַ֥י
of mine eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
6 of 10
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
Cross References
Psalms 6:7Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies.Psalms 88:9Mine eye mourneth by reason of affliction: LORD, I have called daily upon thee, I have stretched out my hands unto thee.Psalms 69:3I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.
Historical Context
Loss of vision was particularly dreaded in ancient world, associated with old age, divine judgment, or demon possession. Warriors depended on keen eyesight. A king whose eyes 'went dark' would be seen as unfit to rule. David's vulnerability here is profound—he risks political consequences by admitting weakness.
Questions for Reflection
- When your spiritual 'heart is panting' and 'strength fails,' where do you turn—inward to manage or upward to confess?
- How do you maintain hope when the 'light of your eyes' (clarity, vision, direction) has gone dark?
- What does David's willingness to voice total depletion to God teach about authentic prayer versus 'victorious' pretense?
Analysis & Commentary
My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me. Three losses: heart panteth (סָחַר, sachar, whirls/races), strength faileth (כֹּחַ, koach, vigor depleted), light of eyes gone (dimmed vision). The vital centers—emotional, physical, perceptual—all compromised.
The panting heart suggests either fear or exhaustion. The depleted koach echoes Samson's loss of strength (Judges 16:17). The dimmed eyes recall Eli's failing vision before judgment fell (1 Samuel 3:2). David experiences compound loss—but addresses it all to God ('before thee' v.9), transforming complaint into confession. Even in darkness, he speaks toward the Light.