Psalms 88:4

Authorized King James Version

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I am counted with them that go down into the pit: I am as a man that hath no strength:

Original Language Analysis

נֶ֭חְשַׁבְתִּי I am counted H2803
נֶ֭חְשַׁבְתִּי I am counted
Strong's: H2803
Word #: 1 of 8
properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou
עִם H5973
עִם
Strong's: H5973
Word #: 2 of 8
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
י֣וֹרְדֵי with them that go down H3381
י֣וֹרְדֵי with them that go down
Strong's: H3381
Word #: 3 of 8
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
ב֑וֹר into the pit H953
ב֑וֹר into the pit
Strong's: H953
Word #: 4 of 8
a pit hole (especially one used as a cistern or a prison)
הָ֝יִ֗יתִי H1961
הָ֝יִ֗יתִי
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 5 of 8
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כְּגֶ֣בֶר I am as a man H1397
כְּגֶ֣בֶר I am as a man
Strong's: H1397
Word #: 6 of 8
properly, a valiant man or warrior; generally, a person simply
אֵֽין H369
אֵֽין
Strong's: H369
Word #: 7 of 8
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
אֱיָֽל׃ that hath no strength H353
אֱיָֽל׃ that hath no strength
Strong's: H353
Word #: 8 of 8
strength

Analysis & Commentary

I am counted with them that go down into the pit (בּוֹר, bor)—The pit represents Sheol, the realm of the dead, a place of shadows and forgetfulness beneath the earth. The verb "counted" (נֶחְשַׁבְתִּי, nechshavti) suggests being reckoned or accounted among the dead while still living—a social and spiritual death preceding physical death. The psalmist experiences what the living dead feel: isolation, abandonment, purposelessness.

I am as a man that hath no strength (אֵין־אֱיָל, ein-eyal)—literally "without power" or "without help." The Hebrew eyal can mean strength, wealth, or prominent position—all stripped away. This recalls Job's lament of being reduced to nothing (Job 6:13). Unlike psalms that move from lament to praise, Psalm 88 remains in this pit, prefiguring Christ who descended to the dead, entering the ultimate abandonment to redeem those without strength (Romans 5:6).

Historical Context

In ancient Israel, severe illness or social ostracism could reduce a person to living death—excluded from community worship, unable to participate in covenant life. The pit imagery reflects Israel's conception of Sheol as a place of darkness, silence, and separation from God's active presence, though later revelation would clarify that even Sheol cannot separate believers from God's love (Psalm 139:8).

Questions for Reflection