Psalms 69:3
I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.
Original Language Analysis
יָגַ֣עְתִּי
I am weary
H3021
יָגַ֣עְתִּי
I am weary
Strong's:
H3021
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, to gasp; hence, to be exhausted, to tire, to toil
בְקָרְאִי֮
of my crying
H7121
בְקָרְאִי֮
of my crying
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
2 of 8
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
נִחַ֪ר
is dried
H2787
נִחַ֪ר
is dried
Strong's:
H2787
Word #:
3 of 8
to glow, i.e., literally (to melt, burn, dry up) or figuratively (to show or incite passion)
כָּל֥וּ
fail
H3615
כָּל֥וּ
fail
Strong's:
H3615
Word #:
5 of 8
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
עֵינַ֑י
mine eyes
H5869
עֵינַ֑י
mine eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
6 of 8
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
Cross References
Psalms 6:6I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears.Isaiah 38:14Like a crane or a swallow, so did I chatter: I did mourn as a dove: mine eyes fail with looking upward: O LORD, I am oppressed; undertake for me.Psalms 119:123Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness.Psalms 119:82Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me?Deuteronomy 28:32Thy sons and thy daughters shall be given unto another people, and thine eyes shall look, and fail with longing for them all the day long: and there shall be no might in thine hand.
Historical Context
Ancient laments often expressed raw emotion honestly before God. This psalm validates bringing desperate pleas to God rather than stoic resignation or pretended strength.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you maintain hope when prayers seem unanswered and waiting becomes exhausting?
- What does it mean that your 'eyes fail' while waiting for God—what sustains you when sight fails?
- How can honest lament before God deepen rather than damage your relationship with Him?
Analysis & Commentary
Physical exhaustion from crying and parched throat from waiting depict prolonged suffering without relief. 'Mine eyes fail while I wait for my God' shows persistent hope despite unanswered prayer. This tension—crying out while waiting, exhaustion while hoping—characterizes genuine faith that perseveres through darkness. Christ experienced this in Gethsemane, praying repeatedly while awaiting God's will (Luke 22:44). Faith doesn't exempt from suffering but sustains through it.