Psalms 88:15

Authorized King James Version

I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up: while I suffer thy terrors I am distracted.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עָ֘נִ֤י
I am afflicted
depressed, in mind or circumstances
#2
אֲנִ֣י
i
#3
וְגוֵֹ֣עַ
and ready to die
to breathe out, i.e., (by implication) expire
#4
מִנֹּ֑עַר
from my youth
(abstractly) boyhood
#5
נָשָׂ֖אתִי
up while I suffer
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
#6
אֵמֶ֣יךָ
thy terrors
fright; concrete, an idol (as a bugbear)
#7
אָפֽוּנָה׃
I am distracted
be perplexed

Analysis

This verse develops the suffering and persecution theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of suffering and persecution within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of suffering and persecution within the theological tradition of Psalms Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection