Psalms 88:9

Authorized King James Version

Mine eye mourneth by reason of affliction: LORD, I have called daily upon thee, I have stretched out my hands unto thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis

עֵינִ֥י

H5869

Mine eye

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

דָאֲבָ֗ה

H1669

mourneth

to pine

מִנִּ֫י

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

עֹ֥נִי

H6040

by reason of affliction

depression, i.e., misery

קְרָאתִ֣יךָ

H7121

I have called

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בְּכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

י֑וֹם

H3117

daily

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

שִׁטַּ֖חְתִּי

H7849

upon thee I have stretched out

to expand

#10

אֵלֶ֣יךָ

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#11

כַפָּֽי׃

H3709

my hands

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

Analysis

This verse develops the suffering and persecution theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of suffering and persecution within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about suffering and persecution?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?