What does Psalm 116:3 mean?
ESV: The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish.
NIV: The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came over me; I was overcome by distress and sorrow.
NASB: The snares of death encompassed me And the terrors of Sheol came upon me; I found distress and sorrow.
CSB: The ropes of death were wrapped around me, and the torments of Sheol overcame me; I encountered trouble and sorrow.
NLT: Death wrapped its ropes around me; the terrors of the grave overtook me. I saw only trouble and sorrow.
KJV: The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.
NKJV: The pains of death surrounded me, And the pangs of Sheol laid hold of me; I found trouble and sorrow.
Verse Commentary:
Verse Context:
Psalm 116:1–4 expresses the psalmist's love for God, who has granted a prayer for rescue. The writer was near death, suffering distress and anguish, but he called on the Lord, and the Lord answered. This inspires a promise to honor God for a lifetime.
Chapter Summary:
The psalmist thanks God for rescue from a fatal threat. During some intense crisis, the writer cried out to God and was spared. For this reason, the psalmist promises to praise God forever. The danger made this writer question the reasons for his situation, but did not erase his faith. He recognizes that the Lord values all of His people, and vows to publicly honor the One who has saved him.
Chapter Context:
Major Jewish celebrations incorporated a series of songs (Psalms 113—118), often called "the Hallel." These frequently use the phrase halelu-yāh, better known in English as "hallelujah." This literally means "Praise the Lord!" Psalm 116 emphasizes the personal salvation experienced by the psalmist. His words explore the way God's people often struggle to understand hardships (Psalm 73:2–3).
Book Summary:
The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.
Accessed 11/21/2024 8:10:30 AM
© Copyright 2002-2024 Got Questions Ministries. All rights reserved.
Text from ESV, NIV, NASB, CSB, NLT, KJV, NKJV © Copyright respective owners, used by permission.
