Psalms 55:4
My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me.
Original Language Analysis
לִ֭בִּי
My heart
H3820
לִ֭בִּי
My heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
1 of 7
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
יָחִ֣יל
is sore pained
H2342
יָחִ֣יל
is sore pained
Strong's:
H2342
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, to twist or whirl (in a circular or spiral manner), i.e., (specifically) to dance, to writhe in pain (especially of parturition) or fear; fi
בְּקִרְבִּ֑י
within
H7130
בְּקִרְבִּ֑י
within
Strong's:
H7130
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
וְאֵימ֥וֹת
me and the terrors
H367
וְאֵימ֥וֹת
me and the terrors
Strong's:
H367
Word #:
4 of 7
fright; concrete, an idol (as a bugbear)
מָ֝֗וֶת
of death
H4194
מָ֝֗וֶת
of death
Strong's:
H4194
Word #:
5 of 7
death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin
Historical Context
David's psalms frequently describe physical manifestations of spiritual and emotional distress, anticipating modern understanding of psychosomatic connection.
Questions for Reflection
- How do spiritual struggles manifest physically?
- What comfort exists when we feel 'terrors of death' falling upon us?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The internal turmoil: 'My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me.' Physical symptoms accompany emotional distress: heart pain, death-like terror. 'Fallen upon me' suggests being pressed down, overwhelmed by fear. The body registers what the soul experiences.