Psalms 49:5
Wherefore should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity of my heels shall compass me about?
Original Language Analysis
לָ֣מָּה
H4100
לָ֣מָּה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
אִ֭ירָא
Wherefore should I fear
H3372
אִ֭ירָא
Wherefore should I fear
Strong's:
H3372
Word #:
2 of 7
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
בִּ֣ימֵי
in the days
H3117
בִּ֣ימֵי
in the days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
3 of 7
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
Historical Context
The heel imagery appears in Genesis 3:15 (the serpent strikes the heel) and Genesis 25:26 (Jacob grasped Esau's heel). It suggests being pursued, tripped up, or attacked from behind.
Questions for Reflection
- What are the 'days of evil' in which fear seems warranted?
- How do past sins or present enemies 'compass us about'?
Analysis & Commentary
The riddle begins: 'Wherefore should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity of my heels shall compass me about?' The 'days of evil' are times of trouble and danger. 'Iniquity of my heels' may refer to enemies who dog the psalmist's steps or to sins that pursue him. Either way, the question probes the grounds of fear.