Psalms 38:10

My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לִבִּ֣י

H3820

My heart

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

סְ֭חַרְחַר

H5503

panteth

to travel round (specifically as a pedlar); intensively, to palpitate

עֲזָבַ֣נִי

H5800

faileth

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

כֹחִ֑י

H3581

my strength

vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)

וְֽאוֹר

H216

me as for the light

illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)

עֵינַ֥י

H5869

of mine eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

גַּם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

הֵ֝֗ם

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

אֵ֣ין

H369

also is gone

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#10

אִתִּֽי׃

H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine revelation reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?