Psalms 69:3

Authorized King James Version

I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.

Word-by-Word Analysis

יָגַ֣עְתִּי

H3021

I am weary

properly, to gasp; hence, to be exhausted, to tire, to toil

בְקָרְאִי֮

H7121

of my crying

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

נִחַ֪ר

H2787

is dried

to glow, i.e., literally (to melt, burn, dry up) or figuratively (to show or incite passion)

גְּר֫וֹנִ֥י

H1627

my throat

the throat (as roughened by swallowing)

כָּל֥וּ

H3615

fail

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

עֵינַ֑י

H5869

mine eyes

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

מְ֝יַחֵ֗ל

H3176

while I wait

to wait; by implication, to be patient, hope

לֵאלֹהָֽי׃

H430

for my God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

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?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 69 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?