Psalms 102:7
Psalms 102:7 in Multiple Translations
I lie awake; I am like a lone bird on a housetop.
I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top.
I watch, and am become like a sparrow That is alone upon the house-top.
I keep watch like a bird by itself on the house-top.
I can't sleep. I'm like a lonely bird on a rooftop.
I watch and am as a sparrowe alone vpon the house top.
I have watched, and I am As a bird alone on the roof.
I watch, and have become like a sparrow that is alone on the housetop.
I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top.
He hath made his ways known to Moses: his wills to the children of Israel.
I lie awake at night; because there is no one to comfort me, I am like a lonely bird sitting on a housetop [SIM].
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 102:7
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 102:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
דָּ֭מִיתִי
לִ/קְאַ֣ת
מִדְבָּ֑ר
הָ֝יִ֗יתִי
כְּ/כ֣וֹס
חֳרָבֽוֹת
דָּ֭מִיתִי
dâmâh
H1819
to resemble
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
לִ/קְאַ֣ת
qâʼath
H6893
pelican
Prep | N-fs
מִדְבָּ֑ר
midbâr
H4057
mouth
N-ms
הָ֝יִ֗יתִי
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
כְּ/כ֣וֹס
kôwç
H3563
cup
Prep | N-ms
חֳרָבֽוֹת
chorbâh
H2723
desolation
N-fp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 102:7
דָּ֭מִיתִי
dâmâh
H1819
"to resemble"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
To resemble means to compare or liken something, often used to describe a similarity. In the Bible, this word is used to make comparisons or analogies, like in the parables of Jesus where he compares the kingdom of God to everyday things.
Definition: 1) to be like, resemble 1a) (Qal) to be like, resemble 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to liken, compare 1b2) to imagine, think 1c) (Hithpael) to make oneself like 1d) (Niphal) Aramaic equivalent: de.mah (דְּמָה "be like" H1821)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: compare, devise, (be) like(-n), mean, think, use similitudes. See also: Numbers 33:56; Song of Solomon 8:14; Psalms 48:10.
לִ/קְאַ֣ת
qâʼath
H6893
"pelican"
Prep | N-fs
The pelican is a bird mentioned in the Bible, specifically in Leviticus 11:17 and Deuteronomy 14:17. It was considered unclean and is possibly related to the cormorant. Its exact meaning is still unknown.
Definition: 1) a ceremonially unclean bird 1a) perhaps pelican or cormorant 1b) perhaps an extinct bird, exact meaning unknown
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: cormorant. See also: Leviticus 11:18; Psalms 102:7; Isaiah 34:11.
מִדְבָּ֑ר
midbâr
H4057
"mouth"
N-ms
The wilderness refers to a desert or open field, like the one the Israelites wandered in after leaving Egypt. It can also mean a place of solitude or a region without many people. In the Bible, it is often associated with the journey to the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) mouth 1a) mouth (as organ of speech)
Usage: Occurs in 257 OT verses. KJV: desert, south, speech, wilderness. See also: Genesis 14:6; Joshua 5:4; Psalms 29:8.
הָ֝יִ֗יתִי
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כְּ/כ֣וֹס
kôwç
H3563
"cup"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word can mean a cup or a type of owl, possibly due to the owl's unique eye shape. It's often used figuratively, like in Psalm 16:5, where God is the cup that fills our lives. The KJV translates it as 'cup' or 'owl'.
Definition: cup
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: cup, (small) owl. Compare H3599 (כִּיס). See also: Genesis 40:11; Proverbs 23:31; Psalms 11:6.
חֳרָבֽוֹת
chorbâh
H2723
"desolation"
N-fp
This word refers to a place that has been laid waste or destroyed, often due to war or disaster. In the Bible, it is used to describe the consequences of sin and disobedience. The prophet Ezekiel used this word to describe a desolate city.
Definition: a place laid waste, ruin, waste, desolation
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: decayed place, desolate (place, -tion), destruction, (laid) waste (place). See also: Leviticus 26:31; Jeremiah 27:17; Psalms 9:7.
Study Notes — Psalms 102:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 102:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 102:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 102:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 102:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 102:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 102:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 102:7
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 102:7
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 102:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 102:7
- Sermons on Psalms 102:7
Context — The Prayer of the Afflicted
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 77:4 | You have kept my eyes from closing; I am too troubled to speak. |
| 2 | Psalms 38:11 | My beloved and friends shun my disease, and my kinsmen stand at a distance. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 28:66–67 | So your life will hang in doubt before you, and you will be afraid night and day, never certain of survival. In the morning you will say, ‘If only it were evening!’ and in the evening you will say, ‘If only it were morning!’—because of the dread in your hearts of the terrifying sights you will see. |
| 4 | Psalms 22:2 | I cry out by day, O my God, but You do not answer, and by night, but I have no rest. |
| 5 | Lamentations 3:28–30 | Let him sit alone in silence, for God has disciplined him. Let him bury his face in the dust— perhaps there is still hope. Let him offer his cheek to the one who would strike him; let him be filled with reproach. |
| 6 | Job 7:13–16 | When I think my bed will comfort me and my couch will ease my complaint, then You frighten me with dreams and terrify me with visions, so that I would prefer strangling and death over my life in this body. I loathe my life! I would not live forever. Leave me alone, for my days are but a breath. |
| 7 | Mark 14:33–37 | He took with Him Peter, James, and John, and began to be deeply troubled and distressed. Then He said to them, “My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch.” Going a little farther, He fell to the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour would pass from Him. “Abba, Father,” He said, “all things are possible for You. Take this cup from Me. Yet not what I will, but what You will.” Then Jesus returned and found them sleeping. “Simon, are you asleep?” He asked. “Were you not able to keep watch for one hour? |
| 8 | Psalms 130:6 | My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning— more than watchmen wait for the morning. |
Psalms 102:7 Summary
Psalms 102:7 tells us that the psalmist is feeling very alone and sad, like a bird all by itself on a roof. He can't sleep because he is so upset, and this is a common experience for many people who are going through hard times. Just like the psalmist, we can talk to God about how we are feeling, and He will listen and comfort us (Psalms 34:18, Deuteronomy 31:6). We can trust that God is always with us, even when we feel alone, and that He will bring us peace and solace, as promised in Isaiah 43:2 and John 14:27.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the bird imagery in Psalms 102:7?
The bird imagery in Psalms 102:7, where the psalmist compares himself to a lone bird on a housetop, symbolizes feelings of isolation and loneliness, much like the desert owl in Psalms 102:6, and reminds us that even in times of sorrow, God is near, as He promises in Psalms 34:18 and Deuteronomy 31:6.
Why does the psalmist lie awake at night?
The psalmist lies awake at night due to the overwhelming emotional pain and distress he is experiencing, as expressed in Psalms 102:5, where his flesh clings to his bones, and in Psalms 102:9, where he eats ashes like bread and mixes his drink with tears, illustrating the depth of his sorrow and the longing for comfort found in Psalm 119:76.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Psalms 102?
Psalms 102:7 is part of a larger lamentation, where the psalmist pours out his heart to God, expressing his feelings of desperation, isolation, and sorrow, which is a common theme throughout the Psalms, such as in Psalms 38:9 and Psalms 51:17, and serves as a reminder that God hears our prayers, as seen in Psalms 102:1 and 1 Samuel 1:10-18.
What can we learn from the psalmist's experience of lying awake at night?
We can learn that it is okay to be honest with God about our feelings of loneliness and desperation, and that He is always available to listen and comfort us, as seen in Psalms 55:22 and Matthew 11:28-30, and that even in the darkest nights, His presence can bring peace and solace, as promised in Isaiah 43:2 and John 14:27.
Reflection Questions
- How do you identify with the psalmist's feelings of isolation and loneliness, and what can you learn from his experience?
- In what ways can you, like the psalmist, be honest with God about your emotions and trust Him to comfort you?
- What are some practical ways you can apply the principle of crying out to God in your times of distress, as seen in Psalms 102:1 and Romans 8:26-27?
- How can you, in your own life, find comfort in God's presence, even when you feel like a lone bird on a housetop, and what Bible verses can you meditate on to find peace?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 102:7
I watch,.... Night after night, and take no sleep; cannot get any by reason of thoughtfulness, care, and trouble: and am as a sparrow alone upon the housetop; or, "as a bird" (o); for there is no
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 102:7
I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top. I watch - (Psalms 77:4.) and am a sparrow alone upon the house-top - like the little bird sitting all alone, having lost its mate and its young,
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 102:7
A sparrow which hath lost its mate, and then is very sad and solitary, as some report; although that be uncertain and improbable. But this Hebrew word doth not only signify a sparrow, but in general any bird, as ,14,21. And so it may here design any one or more sort of birds which used to sit alone, watching and mourning upon house-tops.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 102:7
Psalms 102:7 I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top.Ver. 7. I watch] I can as little sleep as eat, Psalms 102:4. That nurse of nature, and sweet parenthesis of men’ s griefs and cares, sleep, departeth from me, Nec membris dat cura soporem. And am as a sparrow] That hath lost his mate, so have I mine associates, which is a sore loss, for optimum solatium sodalitium.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 102:7
(7) I watch—i.e., am sleepless,Sparrow.—See Note, Psalms 84:3. Here render, like a lonely bird. Some MSS. read, “a wandering bird.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 102:7
Verse 7. As a sparrow alone] צפור tsippor, seems to be often used for any small bird, such as the swallow, sparrow, or the like. Bochart supposes the screech owl is intended.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 102:7
7. I keep vigil, and am become Like a solitary bird upon the housetop. His nights are sleepless: he spends them like “the moping owl” in mournful complaints. Some solitary, nocturnal bird is clearly meant, perhaps some kind of owl, or according to Tristram (Nat. Hist. of Bible, p. 202), the Blue Thrush. Cp. Verg. Aen. iv. 462, “Solaque culminibus ferali carmine bubo Visa queri, et longas in fletum ducere voces.” For am become we should perhaps read and moan (εΰδβδ for εΰδιδ). Cp. Isaiah 59:11.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 102:7
I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house-top - That is, I am “sleepless;” trouble drives sleep from my eyes, and I am kept awake at night - a common effect of grief.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 102:7
7. As a sparrow—On the original word for “sparrow,” see note on Psalms 84:3. Solitariness is, here, the idea, as in Psalms 102:6, and is the characteristic of the bird alluded to.
Sermons on Psalms 102:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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And He That Sent Me Is With Me: The Father Has Not Left Me Alone by Octavius Winslow | Octavius Winslow emphasizes the profound solitude experienced by Jesus during His earthly ministry, yet highlights that He was never truly alone because the Father was always with |
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The Wrath of Satan Shall Praise God by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the book of Daniel. He emphasizes that when Jesus shows up, the game is over for the enemi |
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Psalms - Part 1 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of filling one's heart with the Word of God rather than simply avoiding evil. He references the story of a demon being cast ou |
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Don't Lose Heart in Your Time of Testing by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the theme of despair and how it can push at the door of one's heart. He uses the story of Joseph from the Bible to illustrate this point. Jose |
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A Series of Proverbs Part 2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith explores the book of Ecclesiastes, specifically focusing on chapter 6, verse 12. He emphasizes the uncertainty and brevity of life, highlighting |
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Lamentations 3:28 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith reflects on the profound suffering of Christ during His crucifixion, emphasizing that every event was predetermined by God. He highlights Jesus' solitude and silence in |
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The Road to Failure by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the passage in Mark 14:33-42 where Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus expresses his deep distress and sorrow to his disciples and a |