Psalms 77:2

Authorized King James Version

In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בְּי֥וֹם
H3117
In the day
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
#2
צָרָתִי֮
H6869
of my trouble
transitively, a female rival
#3
אֲדֹנָ֪י
H136
the Lord
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
#4
דָּ֫רָ֥שְׁתִּי
H1875
I sought
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
#5
יָדִ֤י׀
H3027
my sore
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#6
לַ֣יְלָה
H3915
in the night
properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
#7
נִ֭גְּרָה
H5064
ran
to flow; figuratively, to stretch out; causatively, to pour out or down; figuratively, to deliver over
#8
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#9
תָפ֑וּג
H6313
and ceased
to be sluggish
#10
מֵאֲנָ֖ה
H3985
refused
to refuse
#11
הִנָּחֵ֣ם
H5162
to be comforted
properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo
#12
נַפְשִֽׁי׃
H5315
not my soul
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Psalms.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection