Verse

Psalm 102:9

ESV For I eat ashes like bread and mingle tears with my drink,
NIV For I eat ashes as my food and mingle my drink with tears
NASB For I have eaten ashes like bread, And mixed my drink with weeping
CSB I eat ashes like bread and mingle my drinks with tears
NLT I eat ashes for food. My tears run down into my drink
KJV For I have eaten ashes like bread, and mingled my drink with weeping,
NKJV For I have eaten ashes like bread, And mingled my drink with weeping,

What does Psalm 102:9 mean?

Please see our chapter commentary on Psalm 102, verse-level content coming soon!
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Context Summary
Psalm 102:1–11 pleads with the Lord to see the psalmist's suffering. The writer compares his condition to lonely desert animals and charred ashes. He realizes this is according to God's will, but mourns that enemies seem to have achieved victory.
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Chapter Summary
The psalmist uses dramatic images to depict his deep suffering. These emphasize ideas like loneliness, hopelessness, and despair. Even so, the psalmist knows that God is in control. He writes a message for future generations, telling them to see his own suffering as evidence that the Lord sees His people in their pain. The psalmist is sure that God will come to rescue His people, one day, and they will be safe forever.
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