Psalms 143:3
Psalms 143:3 in Multiple Translations
For the enemy has pursued my soul, crushing my life to the ground, making me dwell in darkness like those long since dead.
For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead.
For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; He hath smitten my life down to the ground: He hath made me to dwell in dark places, as those that have been long dead.
The evil man has gone after my soul; my life is crushed down to the earth: he has put me in the dark, like those who have long been dead.
The enemy has chased me down. He crushes me to the ground. He makes me live in darkness like those who died a long time ago.
For the enemie hath persecuted my soule: he hath smitten my life downe to the earth: he hath layde me in the darkenes, as they that haue bene dead long agoe:
For an enemy hath pursued my soul, He hath bruised to the earth my life, He hath caused me to dwell in dark places, As the dead of old.
For the enemy pursues my soul. He has struck my life down to the ground. He has made me live in dark places, as those who have been long dead.
For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead.
Lord, what is man, that thou art made known to him? or the son of man, that thou makest account of him?
My enemies have pursued me; they have completely defeated me. It is as though they have put me in a dark prison, where I have nothing good to ◄hope for/expect►, like those who died long ago [SIM].
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 143:3
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 143:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֥י
רָ֘דַ֤ף
אוֹיֵ֨ב
נַפְשִׁ֗/י
דִּכָּ֣א
לָ֭/אָרֶץ
חַיָּתִ֑/י
הוֹשִׁיבַ֥/נִי
בְ֝/מַחֲשַׁכִּ֗ים
כְּ/מֵתֵ֥י
עוֹלָֽם
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
רָ֘דַ֤ף
râdaph
H7291
to pursue
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אוֹיֵ֨ב
ʼôyêb
H341
enemy
V-Qal
נַפְשִׁ֗/י
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
דִּכָּ֣א
dâkâʼ
H1792
to crush
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
לָ֭/אָרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
חַיָּתִ֑/י
chay
H2416
alive
N-fs | Suff
הוֹשִׁיבַ֥/נִי
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms | Suff
בְ֝/מַחֲשַׁכִּ֗ים
machshâk
H4285
darkness
Prep | N-mp
כְּ/מֵתֵ֥י
mûwth
H4191
to die
Prep | V-Qal
עוֹלָֽם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
N-ms
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 143:3
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
רָ֘דַ֤ף
râdaph
H7291
"to pursue"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To pursue or chase after someone means to follow them with hostile intent. This can be a physical pursuit or a pursuit of someone's life or well-being, as seen in many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) to be behind, follow after, pursue, persecute, run after 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pursue, put to flight, chase, dog, attend closely upon 1a2) to persecute, harass (fig) 1a3) to follow after, aim to secure (fig) 1a4) to run after (a bribe) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be pursued 1b2) one pursued (participle) 1c) (Piel) to pursue ardently, aim eagerly to secure, pursue 1d) (Pual) to be pursued, be chased away 1e) (Hiphil) to pursue, chase
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: chase, put to flight, follow (after, on), hunt, (be under) persecute(-ion, -or), pursue(-r). See also: Genesis 14:14; 2 Samuel 20:13; Psalms 7:2.
אוֹיֵ֨ב
ʼôyêb
H341
"enemy"
V-Qal
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.
נַפְשִׁ֗/י
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
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.
דִּכָּ֣א
dâkâʼ
H1792
"to crush"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
This verb means to crush or bruise something, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often translated as 'crush', 'bruise', or 'oppress' in English Bibles.
Definition: 1) to crush, be crushed, be contrite, be broken 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be crushed 1a2) to be contrite (fig.) 1b) (Piel) to crush 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be crushed, be shattered 1c2) to be made contrite 1d) (Hithpael) to allow oneself to be crushed
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: beat to pieces, break (in pieces), bruise, contrite, crush, destroy, humble, oppress, smite. See also: Job 4:19; Psalms 143:3; Psalms 72:4.
לָ֭/אָרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
חַיָּתִ֑/י
chay
H2416
"alive"
N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
הוֹשִׁיבַ֥/נִי
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms | Suff
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
בְ֝/מַחֲשַׁכִּ֗ים
machshâk
H4285
"darkness"
Prep | N-mp
This word means darkness, either literal or figurative, and can refer to a physical place or a state of being. It appears in several places in the Bible, including Psalm 23:4 and Isaiah 9:2, where it is used to describe a lack of light or understanding.
Definition: 1) darkness, dark place, secrecy 1a) hiding-place 1b) dark region 1c) grave Aramaic equivalent: cha.shokh (חֲשׁוֹךְ "darkness" H2816)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: dark(-ness, place). See also: Psalms 74:20; Psalms 143:3; Psalms 88:7.
כְּ/מֵתֵ֥י
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Prep | V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
עוֹלָֽם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
"forever"
N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
Study Notes — Psalms 143:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 143:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 143:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 143:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 143:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 143:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 143:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 143:3
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 143:3
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 143:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 143:3
- Sermons on Psalms 143:3
Context — I Stretch Out My Hands to You
1O LORD, hear my prayer. In Your faithfulness, give ear to my plea; in Your righteousness, answer me.
2Do not bring Your servant into judgment, for no one alive is righteous before You.
3For the enemy has pursued my soul, crushing my life to the ground, making me dwell in darkness like those long since dead.
4My spirit grows faint within me; my heart is dismayed inside me. 5I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I consider the work of Your hands.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lamentations 3:6 | He has made me dwell in darkness like those dead for ages. |
| 2 | Psalms 7:1–2 | O LORD my God, I take refuge in You; save me and deliver me from all my pursuers, or they will shred my soul like a lion and tear me to pieces with no one to rescue me. |
| 3 | Psalms 7:5 | then may my enemy pursue me and overtake me; may he trample me to the ground and leave my honor in the dust. Selah |
| 4 | Psalms 17:9–13 | from the wicked who assail me, from my mortal enemies who surround me. They have closed their callous hearts; their mouths speak with arrogance. They have tracked us down, and now surround us; their eyes are set to cast us to the ground, like a lion greedy for prey, like a young lion lurking in ambush. Arise, O LORD, confront them! Bring them to their knees; deliver me from the wicked by Your sword, |
| 5 | Psalms 88:4–6 | I am counted among those descending to the Pit. I am like a man without strength. I am forsaken among the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave, whom You remember no more, who are cut off from Your care. You have laid me in the lowest Pit, in the darkest of the depths. |
| 6 | Psalms 35:4 | May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plan to harm me be driven back and confounded. |
| 7 | Psalms 142:6 | Listen to my cry, for I am brought quite low. Rescue me from my pursuers, for they are too strong for me. |
| 8 | 2 Samuel 2:22 | Once again, Abner warned Asahel, “Stop chasing me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How could I show my face to your brother Joab?” |
| 9 | 2 Samuel 18:11 | “You just saw him!” Joab exclaimed. “Why did you not strike him to the ground right there? I would have given you ten shekels of silver and a warrior’s belt!” |
| 10 | Psalms 54:3 | For strangers rise up against me, and ruthless men seek my life— men with no regard for God. Selah |
Psalms 143:3 Summary
[This verse is talking about how the enemy, who is Satan, is trying to hurt and destroy the psalmist's life and spirit. The psalmist feels like they are being crushed and are living in darkness, which is a feeling of being separated from God. But even in the midst of this struggle, the psalmist is crying out to God for help, as seen in Psalm 121:1-2, where God is described as our helper. We can learn from the psalmist's example and remember that God is always with us, even when we feel like we are in a dark place, and that He is our strength and refuge, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:6.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is meant by 'the enemy' in this verse?
The enemy refers to Satan, who seeks to destroy and oppress God's people, as seen in 1 Peter 5:8, where he is described as a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Why does the psalmist feel like they are dwelling in darkness like those long since dead?
The psalmist feels this way because they are experiencing spiritual darkness and separation from God, similar to what is described in Isaiah 59:2, where sin separates us from God.
How can we apply this verse to our own lives when we are facing spiritual attacks?
We can apply this verse by remembering that we are not alone in our struggles, and that God is our refuge and strength, as seen in Psalm 46:1, where God is described as our present help in trouble.
What is the significance of the phrase 'crushing my life to the ground'?
This phrase signifies the overwhelming and oppressive nature of the enemy's attack, which can leave us feeling helpless and hopeless, but as seen in Romans 8:37, we are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have felt pursued or oppressed by the enemy in my own life, and how have I responded to those attacks?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of trust in God's presence and power when I am facing spiritual darkness or attack?
- What are some practical ways that I can 'dwell' in the light of God's presence, even in the midst of difficult circumstances?
- How can I use this verse to pray for others who may be experiencing spiritual attack or oppression, and what role can I play in supporting and encouraging them?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 143:3
For the enemy hath persecuted my soul,.... Which is to be connected with Psalms 143:1; and is a reason why he desires his prayer might be answered, seeing his enemy, either Saul, or Absalom his own
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 143:3
For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead. For the enemy hath persecuted my soul.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 143:3
This is not a reason of what he last said, , but an argument to enforce his petition delivered , and repeated , &c. For though I am not faultless, if thou shouldst make an exact search into me, yet mine enemies are more culpable and highly unjust, and therefore I hope for thy help against them, from thy justice as well as mercy. My soul, i.e. my life; for nothing less will satisfy him. He hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath beaten me down to the ground, where I lie struggling for life. He hath made me to dwell in darkness; he hath forced me to have mine abode in dark vaults and caves, where I am out of sight and memory, and in as forlorn and hopeless a condition in the eye of man as those that have lain long rotting in the grave.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 143:3
Psalms 143:3 For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead.Ver. 3. For the enemy hath persecuted my soul] Quasi rabie ferali percitus, he hath raged unreasonably. The utmost of a danger is to be related before the Lord in prayer, and to be acknowledged after we are delivered out of it, by way of thankfulness.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 143:3
(3) This verse explains the last. The affliction under which the psalmist suffers is evidence that God is visiting for sin. He hath made . . .—See Lamentations 3:6; and comp. Psalms 88:5-6. Long dead.—Literally, either dead of old, or dead for ever, according as we take ‘τlam of past or future time. LXX., νεκροὺςαἰῶνος; Vulg., mortuos sζculi.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 143:3
Verse 3. He hath made me to dwell in darkness] Literally, in dark places. This may be understood of David's taking refuge in caves and dens of the earth, to escape from his persecuting son; yea, even to take refuge in the tombs, or repositories of the dead.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 143:3
3, 4. The reason for his prayer. The extremity of his present sufferings seems to be a proof that God is calling him to account and punishing him for his sins with strict severity.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 143:3
For the enemy hath persecuted my soul - Has persecuted me; has sought my life. He hath smitten my life down to the ground - He has, as it were, trampled me down to the earth.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 143:3
3. Have been long dead—Or, have been “dead” from immemorial time, or, more literally, those that are for ever dead, who cannot rise from the grave, but are hopelessly bound in its chains of darkness.
Sermons on Psalms 143:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Song of the Slandered Saint by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman explores the theme of suffering and slander in his sermon 'The Song of the Slandered Saint,' drawing from Psalm 7. He emphasizes the importance of trusting God amidst |
|
How Do You Respond to Personal Slander? by Conrad Murrell | Conrad Murrell preaches on Psalm 7, where David, facing slander and persecution, puts his trust in God for deliverance. The psalmist's example challenges us to seek God's vindicati |
|
Living That Grieves the Spirit by A.W. Tozer | James urges believers to experience deep sorrow and wretchedness over their sins, emphasizing the need for genuine repentance and inner penitence rather than external ascetic pract |
|
The Valley Exalted, and the Mountain Laid Low by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches on the prophecy from Isaiah 40:4-5, emphasizing the figurative language of obstacles being removed for the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. He delves into the |
|
"The Suffering of Christ From John's Gospel" ch.17:1 by Charles Alexander | In this sermon on John 17 and 18, the preacher delves into the profound significance of Jesus' words and actions leading up to His crucifixion. Jesus' prayer in John 17 reveals His |
|
A Plea for Relief Part 3 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith continues his verse-by-verse study through the Bible, focusing on Psalm 142 and 143. He begins by acknowledging his low state and pleading for de |
|
1 Samuel 4:13 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of trembling for the presence of God, using the story of Eli and his sons as a cautionary tale. It highlights the consequences of hidden sin a |