Psalms 102:4

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

My heart is afflicted, and withered like grass; I even forget to eat my bread.

American Standard Version (1901)

My heart is smitten like grass, and withered; For I forget to eat my bread.

Bible in Basic English

My heart is broken; it has become dry and dead like grass, so that I give no thought to food.

Free Bible Version

I'm like grass that's dried up, withered away—I even forget to eat!

Geneva Bible 1599

Mine heart is smitten and withereth like grasse, because I forgate to eate my bread.

King James (Authorized) Version

My heart is smitten, and withered like grass; so that I forget to eat my bread.

One Unity Resource Bible

My heart is blighted like grass, and withered, for I forget to eat my bread.

Translation for Translators

I feel like I am drying up like grass [SIM] that has been beaten/trampled down, and I no longer have a desire to eat food.

Unlocked Literal Bible

My heart is crushed, and I am like grass that has withered. I forget to eat any food.

Noah Webster Bible

My heart is smitten, and withered like grass; so that I forget to eat my bread.

World English Bible

My heart is blighted like grass, and withered, for I forget to eat my bread.

Young's Literal Translation

Smitten as the herb, and withered, is my heart, For I have forgotten to eat my bread.

Context

The Prayer of the Afflicted

³For my days vanish like smoke, and my bones burn like glowing embers. ⁴My heart is afflicted, and withered like grass; I even forget to eat my bread. ⁵Through my loud groaning my flesh clings to my bones.

Summary

This verse reflects the deep anguish and distress of the psalmist, who feels overwhelmed by his troubles and is consumed by sorrow. The imagery of being unable to eat bread and mingling tears with his drink portrays a state of profound grief and despair. It conveys a sense of hopelessness and suffering, highlighting the psalmist's intense emotional turmoil and need for divine intervention. Despite the heaviness of the situation described, the psalmist's honesty in expressing his pain serves as a model for bringing our deepest struggles before God in prayer.