Psalms 77:3
I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah.
Original Language Analysis
אֶזְכְּרָ֣ה
I remembered
H2142
אֶזְכְּרָ֣ה
I remembered
Strong's:
H2142
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
אֱלֹהִ֣ים
God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֣ים
God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
2 of 7
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
וְאֶֽהֱמָיָ֑ה
and was troubled
H1993
וְאֶֽהֱמָיָ֑ה
and was troubled
Strong's:
H1993
Word #:
3 of 7
to make a loud sound (like english 'hum'); by implication, to be in great commotion or tumult, to rage, war, moan, clamor
אָשִׂ֓יחָה׀
I complained
H7878
אָשִׂ֓יחָה׀
I complained
Strong's:
H7878
Word #:
4 of 7
to ponder, i.e., (by implication) converse (with oneself, and hence, aloud) or (transitively) utter
וְתִתְעַטֵּ֖ף
was overwhelmed
H5848
וְתִתְעַטֵּ֖ף
was overwhelmed
Strong's:
H5848
Word #:
5 of 7
to shroud, i.e., clothe (whether transitive or reflexive); hence (from the idea of darkness) to languish
Cross References
Psalms 61:2From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.Job 31:23For destruction from God was a terror to me, and by reason of his highness I could not endure.Psalms 42:5Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.Psalms 43:5Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.Psalms 42:11Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.Job 7:11Therefore I will not refrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.Job 6:4For the arrows of the Almighty are within me, the poison whereof drinketh up my spirit: the terrors of God do set themselves in array against me.Jeremiah 17:17Be not a terror unto me: thou art my hope in the day of evil.Lamentations 3:39Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins?
Historical Context
The psalm's dramatic movement from despair (vv.2-9) to remembrance (vv.10-20) mirrors Israel's cyclical history of affliction and deliverance. The Book of Lamentations expresses similar anguish after Jerusalem's destruction, yet concludes with hope in God's mercies (Lamentations 3:19-24). This pattern demonstrates that honest lament is not faithlessness but faith seeking understanding.
Questions for Reflection
- Why might remembering God sometimes increase rather than decrease spiritual distress?
- What does the inclusion of <em>Selah</em> suggest about the value of pausing in our grief?
- How do Christ's words "My God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46) validate anguished questioning?
Analysis & Commentary
I remembered God, and was troubled (אֶזְכְּרָה אֱלֹהִים וָאֶהֱמָיָה)—paradoxically, remembering God brings hamah (tumult, groaning, disturbance) rather than peace. When God's promises seem contradicted by present suffering, the very thought of God intensifies anguish. This exposes faith at its breaking point: when theology collides with experience, when doctrine offers no immediate comfort.
I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed (אָשִׂיחָה וַתִּתְעַטֵּף רוּחִי). The verb siach (שִׂיחַ) means to muse, meditate, or complain—contemplative brooding. Ta'ataph (עָטַף) means to be feeble, faint, or overwhelmed—literally "covered over," suggesting suffocation or being buried under grief. Selah (סֶלָה) marks a musical pause, inviting reflection on this profound tension: faith that cries out while feeling crushed.