Psalms 142:3
Psalms 142:3 in Multiple Translations
Although my spirit grows faint within me, You know my way. Along the path I travel they have hidden a snare for me.
When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.
When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, Thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walk Have they hidden a snare for me.
When my spirit is overcome, your eyes are on my goings; nets have been secretly placed in the way in which I go.
When I'm totally discouraged, you know the direction I should take. But whichever way I go, people set traps for me.
Though my spirit was in perplexitie in me, yet thou knewest my path: in the way wherein I walked, haue they priuily layde a snare for me.
When my spirit hath been feeble in me, Then Thou hast known my path; In the way [in] which I walk, They have hid a snare for me.
When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, you knew my route. On the path in which I walk, they have hidden a snare for me.
When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way in which I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.
For the enemy hath persecuted my soul: he hath brought down my life to the earth. He hath made me to dwell in darkness as those that have been dead of old:
When I am very discouraged, you know what I should do. Wherever I walk, it is as though my enemies have hidden traps for me to fall into.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 142:3
BAB
Word Study
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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 142:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֶשְׁפֹּ֣ךְ
לְ/פָנָ֣י/ו
שִׂיחִ֑/י
צָ֝רָתִ֗/י
לְ/פָנָ֥י/ו
אַגִּֽיד
אֶשְׁפֹּ֣ךְ
shâphak
H8210
to pour
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
לְ/פָנָ֣י/ו
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
שִׂיחִ֑/י
sîyach
H7879
complaint
N-ms | Suff
צָ֝רָתִ֗/י
tsârâh
H6869
dearth
N-fs | Suff
לְ/פָנָ֥י/ו
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
אַגִּֽיד
nâgad
H5046
to tell
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 142:3
אֶשְׁפֹּ֣ךְ
shâphak
H8210
"to pour"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
To pour or spill something out, like blood or a liquid. In the Bible, it can mean to shed blood or to pour out one's heart in prayer or complaint. For example, in Psalm 42:4, the writer pours out his soul to God.
Definition: : pour 1) to pour, pour out, spill 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pour, pour out 1a2) to shed (blood) 1a3) to pour out (anger or heart) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be poured out, be shed 1c) (Pual) to be poured out, be shed 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to be poured out 1d2) to pour out oneself
Usage: Occurs in 111 OT verses. KJV: cast (up), gush out, pour (out), shed(-der, out), slip. See also: Genesis 9:6; Jeremiah 6:6; Psalms 22:15.
לְ/פָנָ֣י/ו
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
שִׂיחִ֑/י
sîyach
H7879
"complaint"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to a complaint or a thought that someone expresses, like a prayer or a concern, often used in the Psalms to describe the writer's emotions.
Definition: 1) meditation, complaint, musing 1a) plaint, complaint 1b) following are uncertain 1b1) musing 1b2) anxiety, trouble 1b3) talk
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: babbling, communication, complaint, meditation, prayer, talk. See also: 1 Samuel 1:16; Job 23:2; Psalms 55:3.
צָ֝רָתִ֗/י
tsârâh
H6869
"dearth"
N-fs | Suff
A vexer is someone who causes trouble or distress, like a rival wife, used in the Bible to describe relationships or situations that cause anguish or affliction, as seen in the book of Genesis.
Definition: death, destitution
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: adversary, adversity, affliction, anguish, distress, tribulation, trouble. See also: Genesis 35:3; Psalms 116:3; Psalms 9:10.
לְ/פָנָ֥י/ו
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
אַגִּֽיד
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
Study Notes — Psalms 142:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 142:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 142:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 142:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 142:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 142:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 142:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 142:3
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 142:3
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 142:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 142:3
- Sermons on Psalms 142:3
Context — I Lift My Voice to the LORD
1I cry aloud to the LORD; I lift my voice to the LORD for mercy.
2I pour out my complaint before Him; I reveal my trouble to Him.
3Although my spirit grows faint within me, You know my way. Along the path I travel they have hidden a snare for me.
4Look to my right and see; no one attends to me. There is no refuge for me; no one cares for my soul. 5I cry to You, O LORD: “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 141:9 | Keep me from the snares they have laid for me, and from the lures of evildoers. |
| 2 | Psalms 140:5 | The proud hide a snare for me; the cords of their net are spread along the path, and lures are set out for me. Selah |
| 3 | Jeremiah 18:22 | Let a cry be heard from their houses when You suddenly bring raiders against them, for they have dug a pit to capture me and have hidden snares for my feet. |
| 4 | Mark 14:33–36 | 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.” |
| 5 | Psalms 143:4 | My spirit grows faint within me; my heart is dismayed inside me. |
| 6 | Psalms 61:2 | From the ends of the earth I call out to You whenever my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. |
| 7 | Psalms 56:6 | They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps while they wait to take my life. |
| 8 | Psalms 31:4 | You free me from the net laid out for me, for You are my refuge. |
| 9 | Psalms 1:6 | For the LORD guards the path of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. |
| 10 | Psalms 22:14 | I am poured out like water, and all my bones are disjointed. My heart is like wax; it melts away within me. |
Psalms 142:3 Summary
[This verse means that even when we feel really tired or overwhelmed, God still knows what's going on in our lives and is paying attention to our path. As it says in Jeremiah 29:11, God has plans to prosper us and give us hope for our future. It's like when you're walking through a dark forest and you can't see the way, but God is like a guide who knows the path and can help us avoid dangers. We can trust in His power and protection, as stated in Psalms 23:4, and know that He will be with us every step of the way.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to say 'my spirit grows faint within me'?
This phrase suggests a feeling of deep emotional and spiritual exhaustion, similar to what the Psalmist describes in Psalms 38:8, where he says, 'I am feeble and utterly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart.'
How can God know our way when we feel lost?
According to Psalms 139:1-3, God is all-knowing and familiar with all our ways, even when we feel uncertain or lost, and as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6, we are encouraged to trust in Him with all our heart and He will direct our paths
What kind of snare might be hidden along our path?
The snare could be a temptation, a trial, or a spiritual attack, as described in 1 Peter 5:8, where Satan is said to be seeking to devour us, but we can trust in God's power and protection as stated in Psalms 121:7-8
How can we apply this verse to our everyday lives?
We can apply this verse by trusting in God's knowledge and care for us, even when we feel weak or uncertain, and by seeking His guidance and protection in all our ways, as encouraged in Psalms 32:8
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that you feel your spirit growing faint within you, and how can you turn to God for help in those moments?
- How do you think God knows your way, even when you feel lost or uncertain?
- What are some potential snares that might be hidden along your path, and how can you seek God's protection from them?
- In what ways can you trust in God's knowledge and care for you, even when you feel weak or uncertain?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 142:3
When my spirit was overwhelmed within me,.... Ready to sink and faint under the present affliction, being attended with the hidings of God's face, and with unbelieving frames; which is sometimes the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 142:3
When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 142:3
Thou knewest, to wit, practically, so as to direct me to it. My path; what paths I should choose whereby I might escape Saul, when I fled hither and thither in deserts, and mountains, and woods; and which way I should get out of his hands when he and all his men were at the cave’ s mouth, which passed my skill. Wherein I walked; wherein I used to walk, or they supposed that I would walk.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 142:3
Psalms 142:3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.Ver. 3. When my spirit was overwhelmed within me] Or, covered over, with grief, as the Greek expoundeth it. Then thou knewest my path] sc. That I neither fretted nor fainted; or, thou knewest how to make a way to escape, 1 Corinthians 10:13. The Lord knoweth how to deliver his, 2 Peter 2:9.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 142:3
(3) When my spirit.—Literally, in the muffling upon me of my spirit. When my spirit was so wrapped in trouble and gloom, so “muffled round with woe” that I could not see the path before me, was distracted and unable to chose a. line of conduct, Thou (emphatic) knewest my path. (Comp. for the same verb Psalms 61:2; Psalms 77:3.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 142:3
Verse 3. Then thou knewest my path.] When Saul and his army were about the cave in which I was hidden, thou knewest my path - that I had then no way of escape but by miracle: but thou didst not permit them to know that I was wholly in their power.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 142:3
3, 4. Jehovah knows his peril, and his loneliness.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 142:3
When my spirit was overwhelmed within me - Luther renders this, “When my spirit was in distress.” The Hebrew word rendered “overwhelmed” means, in Kal, to cover as with a garment; then, to be covered
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 142:3
3. Overwhelmed—Or, fainted. He was completely enveloped in doubt, anxiety, apprehension, so that he was unable to judge and decide what to do, as Psalms 107:5; Jonah 2:7.
Sermons on Psalms 142:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Why Suffering?--Glorifying God--His Riches by John Newton | John Newton preaches about the infinite compassion and power of God in the midst of trials, emphasizing that God afflicts not for His pleasure but for our profit, to make us partak |
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John 10:1-6. the Parable of the Good Shepherd. by Favell Lee Mortimer | Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the Pharisees' misunderstanding of Jesus' parable of the good shepherd, likening them to thieves and robbers who cared more about their own gain |
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All at Once by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about trusting in God's guidance and provision, emphasizing the importance of taking each moment as it comes and viewing it as a manifestation of God' |
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Beware of a Satanic Set-Up by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by emphasizing the urgency of the times, stating that the night is far spent and the day is at hand. He urges the listeners to cast off the work |
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The Proud Have Hid a Snare by Bob Jones Sr. | In this sermon, Dr. Bob Jones Sr. emphasizes the importance of being aware of the enemies we face when following God's path. He highlights the need to rely on the Bible for guidanc |
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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 |
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Faith or Feeling by Richard Sipley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not trusting in our own feelings but in God who raises the dead. He encourages believers to live by faith rather than by t |