What does Psalm 143:4 mean?
ESV: Therefore my spirit faints within me; my heart within me is appalled.
NIV: So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed.
NASB: Therefore my spirit feels weak within me; My heart is appalled within me.
CSB: My spirit is weak within me; my heart is overcome with dismay.
NLT: I am losing all hope; I am paralyzed with fear.
KJV: Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate.
NKJV: Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me; My heart within me is distressed.
Verse Commentary:
Verse Context:
Psalm 143:1–6 records David's prayer for mercy. This appeals to God's faithfulness, since David knows he is imperfect and sinful (Romans 3:10; Psalm 51:4–5). Enemies have driven him into a state of anxiety. Yet he remembers what the Lord has already done for him (1 Samuel 17:37; 19:10). Based on that history, David eagerly seeks God in prayer (Psalm 63:1).
Chapter Summary:
David begins by appealing to God's goodness and loyal love. He acknowledges his own imperfections. He prays to be saved from the threat of violent enemies. These opponents overwhelm David, driving him into a dark, weak feeling. Yet David is encouraged to look back on all the times the Lord has provided rescue. David ties this anticipated salvation to his intent to praise and worship God as their mutual enemies are defeated.
Chapter Context:
This psalm combines several themes seen in David's other songs. He calls for rescue (Psalm 16:1; 25:19–20), admits his natural weakness against sin (Psalm 51:4–5; 141:3–4), recalls God's prior works (Psalm 145:4–5), asks for guidance (Psalm 25:5), and expresses confidence (Psalm 16:10; 138:7–8). Possible inspirations are the persecutions of Saul (1 Samuel 19:1–2) and the rebellion of Absalom (2 Samuel 15:13–14).
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 4/18/2025 9:33:43 PM
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