Psalms 13:3
Psalms 13:3 in Multiple Translations
Consider me and respond, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, lest I sleep in death,
Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;
Consider and answer me, O Jehovah my God: Lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;
Let my voice come before you, and give me an answer, O Lord my God; let your light be shining on me, so that the sleep of death may not overtake me;
Think about this, and answer me, Lord my God. Give me back my strength, otherwise I'm going to die,
Beholde, and heare mee, O Lord my God: lighten mine eyes, that I sleepe not in death:
Look attentively; Answer me, O Jehovah, my God, Enlighten mine eyes, lest I sleep in death,
Behold, and answer me, LORD, my God. Give light to my eyes, lest I sleep in death;
Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;
They are all gone aside, they are become unprofitable together: there is none that doth good, no not one. Their throat is an open sepulchre: with their tongues they acted deceitfully; the poison of asps is under their lips. Their mouth is full of cursing and bitterness; their feet are swift to shed blood. Destruction and unhappiness in their ways: and the way of peace they have not known: there is no fear of God before their eyes.
Yahweh my God, look at me and answer me. Enable me to become strong again [IDM], and do not allow me to die.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 13:3
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 13:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עַד
אָ֨נָה
אָשִׁ֪ית
עֵצ֡וֹת
בְּ/נַפְשִׁ֗/י
יָג֣וֹן
בִּ/לְבָבִ֣/י
יוֹמָ֑ם
עַד
אָ֓נָה
יָר֖וּם
אֹיְבִ֣/י
עָלָֽ/י
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
אָ֨נָה
ʼân
H575
where?
Adv
אָשִׁ֪ית
shîyth
H7896
to set
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
עֵצ֡וֹת
ʻêtsâh
H6098
counsel
N-fp
בְּ/נַפְשִׁ֗/י
nephesh
H5315
soul
Prep | N-cs | Suff
יָג֣וֹן
yâgôwn
H3015
sorrow
N-ms
בִּ/לְבָבִ֣/י
lêbâb
H3824
heart
Prep | N-ms | Suff
יוֹמָ֑ם
yôwmâm
H3119
by day
Adv
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
אָ֓נָה
ʼân
H575
where?
Adv
יָר֖וּם
rûwm
H7311
to exalt
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אֹיְבִ֣/י
ʼôyêb
H341
enemy
V-Qal | Suff
עָלָֽ/י
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 13:3
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
אָ֨נָה
ʼân
H575
"where?"
Adv
The Hebrew word for 'where' is used to ask about location or direction, like in Genesis 3:9 and Exodus 2:13. It can also mean 'when' or 'how long'.
Definition: 1) where?, whither? (of place) 2) when?, until when?, how long? (of time)
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] any (no) whither, now, where, whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 16:8; 2 Kings 6:6; Psalms 13:2.
אָשִׁ֪ית
shîyth
H7896
"to set"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to place or set something, and it's used in many different ways, like appointing someone to a job or setting your mind to do something. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to lay hands on someone or make something happen.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, lay (hand upon) 1a2) to set, station, appoint, fix, set mind to 1a3) to constitute, make (one something), make like, perform 1a4) to take one's stand 1a5) to lay waste 1b) (Hophal) to be imposed, be set upon
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: apply, appoint, array, bring, consider, lay (up), let alone, [idiom] look, make, mark, put (on), [phrase] regard, set, shew, be stayed, [idiom] take. See also: Genesis 3:15; Psalms 21:7; Psalms 3:7.
עֵצ֡וֹת
ʻêtsâh
H6098
"counsel"
N-fp
This Hebrew word means counsel or advice, implying a plan or purpose. It is used in the Bible when describing wise decision-making.
Definition: counsel, advice, purpose
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: advice, advisement, counsel(l-(or)), purpose. See also: Deuteronomy 32:28; Psalms 107:11; Psalms 1:1.
בְּ/נַפְשִׁ֗/י
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
יָג֣וֹן
yâgôwn
H3015
"sorrow"
N-ms
Yagon refers to a state of sorrow or grief, like the anguish felt after a loss, and is used in the Bible to describe emotional pain.
Definition: grief, sorrow, anguish
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: grief, sorrow. See also: Genesis 42:38; Isaiah 35:10; Psalms 13:3.
בִּ/לְבָבִ֣/י
lêbâb
H3824
"heart"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
The heart is the innermost part of a person, including their mind, will, and emotions. In the book of Psalms, David talks about his heart being heavy with sorrow, while in the book of Proverbs, it discusses the importance of guarding one's heart.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage Aramaic equivalent: le.vav (לְבַב "heart" H3825)
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bethink themselves, breast, comfortably, courage, ((faint), (tender-) heart(-ed), midst, mind, [idiom] unawares, understanding. See also: Genesis 20:5; 1 Chronicles 17:2; Psalms 4:5.
יוֹמָ֑ם
yôwmâm
H3119
"by day"
Adv
The word 'yomam' means 'by day' or 'daily', and is used in the Bible to describe actions or events that happen during the daytime. It can also refer to the daytime itself, as opposed to the nighttime. This word is used to emphasize the daily nature of certain activities or routines.
Definition: adv 1) by day, in the daytime subst 2) daytime
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: daily, (by, in the) day(-time). See also: Exodus 13:21; Psalms 32:4; Psalms 1:2.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
אָ֓נָה
ʼân
H575
"where?"
Adv
The Hebrew word for 'where' is used to ask about location or direction, like in Genesis 3:9 and Exodus 2:13. It can also mean 'when' or 'how long'.
Definition: 1) where?, whither? (of place) 2) when?, until when?, how long? (of time)
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] any (no) whither, now, where, whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 16:8; 2 Kings 6:6; Psalms 13:2.
יָר֖וּם
rûwm
H7311
"to exalt"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb can mean to lift something or someone up, like a parent lifting a child, or to exalt oneself in pride. In the Bible, it's used to describe God lifting up the humble and bringing down the proud.
Definition: 1) to rise, rise up, be high, be lofty, be exalted 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be high, be set on high 1a2) to be raised, be uplifted, be exalted 1a3) to be lifted, rise 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to raise or rear (children), cause to grow up 1b2) to lift up, raise, exalt 1b3) to exalt, extol 1c) (Polal) to be lifted up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to raise, lift, lift up, take up, set up, erect, exalt, set on high 1d2) to lift up (and take away), remove 1d3) to lift off and present, contribute, offer, contribute 1e) (Hophal) to be taken off, be abolished 1f) (Hithpolel) to exalt oneself, magnify oneself Aramaic equivalent: rum (רוּם "to rise" H7313)
Usage: Occurs in 184 OT verses. KJV: bring up, exalt (self), extol, give, go up, haughty, heave (up), (be, lift up on, make on, set up on, too) high(-er, one), hold up, levy, lift(-er) up, (be) lofty, ([idiom] a-) loud, mount up, offer (up), [phrase] presumptuously, (be) promote(-ion), proud, set up, tall(-er), take (away, off, up), breed worms. See also: Genesis 7:17; Psalms 46:11; Psalms 3:4.
אֹיְבִ֣/י
ʼôyêb
H341
"enemy"
V-Qal | Suff
This Hebrew word means enemy or adversary, referring to someone who hates or opposes another person or nation. It is used to describe personal or national enemies in the Bible.
Definition: 1) (Qal) enemy 1a) personal 1b) national
Usage: Occurs in 275 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe. See also: Genesis 22:17; 2 Samuel 22:1; Psalms 3:8.
עָלָֽ/י
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
Study Notes — Psalms 13:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 13:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 13:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 13:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 13:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 13:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 13:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 13:3
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 13:3
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 13:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 13:3
- Sermons on Psalms 13:3
Context — How Long, O LORD?
1How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?
2How long must I wrestle in my soul, with sorrow in my heart each day? How long will my enemy dominate me?
3Consider me and respond, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, lest I sleep in death,
4lest my enemy say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes rejoice when I fall. 5But I have trusted in Your loving devotion; my heart will rejoice in Your salvation.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezra 9:8 | But now, for a brief moment, grace has come from the LORD our God to preserve for us a remnant and to give us a stake in His holy place. Even in our bondage, our God has given us new life and light to our eyes. |
| 2 | Psalms 18:28 | For You, O LORD, light my lamp; my God lights up my darkness. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 51:39 | While they are flushed with heat, I will serve them a feast, and I will make them drunk so that they may revel; then they will fall asleep forever and never wake up, declares the LORD. |
| 4 | Psalms 5:1 | Give ear to my words, O LORD; consider my groaning. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 14:29 | “My father has brought trouble to the land,” Jonathan replied. “Just look at how my eyes have brightened because I tasted a little of this honey. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 14:27 | Jonathan, however, had not heard that his father had charged the people with the oath. So he reached out the end of the staff in his hand, dipped it into the honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes brightened. |
| 7 | Lamentations 5:1 | Remember, O LORD, what has happened to us. Look and see our disgrace! |
| 8 | Ephesians 5:14 | So it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” |
| 9 | Psalms 25:19 | Consider my enemies, for they are many, and they hate me with vicious hatred. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 51:57 | I will make her princes and wise men drunk, along with her governors, officials, and warriors. Then they will fall asleep forever and not wake up,” declares the King, whose name is the LORD of Hosts. |
Psalms 13:3 Summary
In Psalms 13:3, the psalmist is crying out to God, asking Him to consider his situation and respond. He's asking for spiritual light and guidance, so he won't be overwhelmed by darkness and death. This is a prayer for God's intervention and salvation, similar to what we see in Psalms 51:12, where the psalmist asks God to restore the joy of his salvation. The psalmist is trusting that God will hear his prayer and give him life, as we see in Psalms 138:8, where the psalmist trusts that God will fulfill his purpose for him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'consider me and respond' in Psalms 13:3?
This phrase is a cry for God's attention and intervention, similar to what we see in Psalms 119:153, where the psalmist asks God to consider his affliction and deliver him.
Why does the psalmist ask for 'light to my eyes' in this verse?
The psalmist is asking for spiritual enlightenment and guidance, which is a common theme throughout the Psalms, such as in Psalms 119:18, where the psalmist asks God to open his eyes to see the wonders of God's law.
What is the significance of 'lest I sleep in death' in this verse?
The psalmist is expressing his fear of spiritual death and separation from God, which is a consequence of unrepented sin, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:16-17, and is asking God to intervene and give him life.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the Psalm?
This verse is a turning point in the Psalm, as the psalmist moves from lamenting his situation to expressing trust in God's loving devotion, as seen in Psalms 13:5, and is a key part of the psalmist's prayer for deliverance and salvation.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like I'm 'sleeping in death', and how can I cry out to God for light and life?
- How can I, like the psalmist, express my deepest fears and desires to God in prayer?
- What are some ways that I can trust in God's loving devotion, even when I don't see immediate answers to my prayers?
- How can I balance my desire for God's intervention with the need to trust in His sovereignty and timing?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 13:3
Consider [and] hear me, O Lord my God,.... The psalmist amidst all his distresses rightly applies to God by prayer, claims his interest in him as his covenant God, which still continued
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 13:3
Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; Prayer follows complaint the believer's case.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 13:3
Lighten mine eyes; either, 1. Because I find my counsel insufficient, , do thou enlighten my mind, and guide me by thy counsel and Spirit into the right way of obtaining thy mercy and help. So this phrase is used . Or, 2. Do thou revive, and comfort, and deliver me from the darkness of death, which is ready to come upon me and to close mine eyes. Nothing is more common than to express great dangers and calamities by darkness, and great comforts and deliverances by light, as 17:13 30:26, and by an enlightening of the eyes, as . Compare 29:13. Lest I sleep the sleep of death, i.e. lest I sink under my burden and die; for death is oft called a sleep in Scripture, as 14:12 .
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 13:3
Psalms 13:3 Consider [and] hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the [sleep of] death;Ver. 3. Consider and hear me, O Lord my God] He turns him to God in this peck of trouble (for they seldom come single), and pleads the covenant, "My God," beseeching him to see and hear both at once how it fared with him, and to send him seasonable and suitable help. It were wide with the faithful if they had not their God to repair unto in distress, pouring out their souls into his blessed bosom. This they must do most earnestly, when under a cloud of desertion; as our Saviour, being in an agony, prayed more fervently, Luke 22:44; and as Micah, having lost his gods, set up his note, Judges 18:24. Lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep death] i.e. Comfort my conscience, clear up my condition, and cheer up my drooping spirit, lest I faint away as a dying man, whose eyes through weakness wax dim, lest I fall into that somnus ferreus, as the poets call death, that longest sleep; Surge, ne longus tibi somnus unde Non times, detur (Hor. lib. 3, Od. 11).
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 13:3
(3) Lighten.—Literally, give light to my eyes that I may not go to sleep in death, i.e., go to sleep and never wake; “sleep unto death,” as the LXX. (Comp. for the nature of the fear, Psalms 6:5; and for the form of expression, 1 Samuel 14:27; 1 Samuel 14:29.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 13:3
Verse 3. Consider and hear me] Rather, answer me. I have prayed; I am seeking thy face I am lost without thee; I am in darkness; my life draws nigh to destruction; if I die unforgiven, I die eternally. O Lord my God, consider this; hear and answer, for thy name's sake.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 13:3
3, 4. A prayer, in calmer tone.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 13:3
Consider and hear me - literally, “Look, hear me.” God had seemed to avert his face as if he would not even look upon him Psalms 13:1; and the psalmist now prays that he “would” look upon him - that
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 13:3
3. Consider… me—From dejection of mind David turns to prayer with a more softened and hopeful tone. “Consider;” that is, behold, look; give direct, immediate, attention.
Sermons on Psalms 13:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Psalm 13 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches about the soul's journey from troubled to finding peace in God, emphasizing the need for faith to remain steadfast despite challenges and the assurance of joy th |
|
In the Word #14 by Milton Green | This sermon focuses on the importance of repentance, highlighting the sins of the church and the need for a godly repentance. It emphasizes the urgency of turning back to God, ackn |
|
Ezra #4: Reasons for an Incomplete Temple, Part 2 by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of not giving up and quitting in the face of challenges. He emphasizes that God's answer to difficulties is not through human |
|
Spiritual Laws by John Follette | John Follette emphasizes the importance of stabilizing our faith in God during times of trouble, encouraging us to apply Christian philosophy to our daily lives. He highlights the |
|
Countless Treasures! by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the countless treasures found in the Bible, highlighting how the Scriptures are often heard without interest or understanding by many, leading to danger |
|
Willed Blindness by Elisabeth Elliot | Elisabeth Elliot preaches about the consequences of deliberate deception and the danger of holding onto darkness within ourselves, which can lead others away from the light of Jesu |
|
Wait for Light by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston, preaching on the importance of patience and waiting on the Lord, emphasizes the soul's calm endurance in seeking God's light before taking action. She highlig |