Psalms 40:12
For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 17
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עָלַ֨י׀
H5921
עָלַ֨י׀
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 17
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
5 of 17
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
מִסְפָּ֗ר
For innumerable
H4557
מִסְפָּ֗ר
For innumerable
Strong's:
H4557
Word #:
7 of 17
a number, definite (arithmetical) or indefinite (large, innumerable; small, a few); also (abstractly) narration
וְלֹא
H3808
וְלֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
10 of 17
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָכֹ֣לְתִּי
upon me so that I am not able
H3201
יָכֹ֣לְתִּי
upon me so that I am not able
Strong's:
H3201
Word #:
11 of 17
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
לִרְא֑וֹת
to look up
H7200
לִרְא֑וֹת
to look up
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
12 of 17
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
עָצְמ֥וּ
they are more
H6105
עָצְמ֥וּ
they are more
Strong's:
H6105
Word #:
13 of 17
to bind fast, i.e., close (the eyes); intransitively, to be (causatively, make) powerful or numerous; to crunch the bones
רֹ֝אשִׁ֗י
of mine head
H7218
רֹ֝אשִׁ֗י
of mine head
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
15 of 17
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
Cross References
Psalms 38:4For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me.Psalms 73:26My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.Psalms 69:4They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away.Psalms 19:12Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.Psalms 116:3The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.
Historical Context
David's candid confession of personal iniquity distinguishes biblical faith from works-righteousness systems. Even the 'man after God's own heart' acknowledges moral failure before the holy God.
Questions for Reflection
- How does David's honesty about his own iniquity challenge superficial approaches to worship?
- What does it mean that our sins can 'take hold' of us?
Analysis & Commentary
The shift to lament reveals David's honest assessment: 'innumerable evils have compassed me about.' His 'iniquities' (avonot) have 'taken hold' of him, suggesting consequences of sin that entangle and bind. The phrase 'they are more than the hairs of mine head' echoes verse 5's abundance language but now applied to troubles, creating a striking contrast.