Psalms 143:7
Psalms 143:7 in Multiple Translations
Answer me quickly, O LORD; my spirit fails. Do not hide Your face from me, or I will be like those who descend to the Pit.
Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.
Make haste to answer me, O Jehovah; my spirit faileth: Hide not thy face from me, Lest I become like them that go down into the pit.
Be quick in answering me, O Lord, for the strength of my spirit is gone: let me see your face, so that I may not be like those who go down into the underworld.
Please answer me quickly, Lord! I'm dying! Don't turn away otherwise I'll be just like those who are going down into the grave.
Heare me spedely, O Lord, for my spirit faeleth: hide not thy face from me, els I shall be like vnto them that go downe into the pit.
Haste, answer me, O Jehovah, My spirit hath been consumed, Hide not Thou Thy face from me, Or I have been compared with those going down [to] the pit.
Hurry to answer me, LORD. My spirit fails. Don’t hide your face from me, so that I don’t become like those who go down into the pit.
Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like them that go down into the pit.
Put forth thy hand from on high, take me out, and deliver me from many waters: from the hand of strange children:
Yahweh, I am very discouraged, so please answer me right now! Do not hide from me, because if you do that, I will soon be [SIM] among those who descend to where the dead people are.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 143:7
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 143:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מַ֘הֵ֤ר
עֲנֵ֨/נִי
יְהוָה֮
כָּלְתָ֪ה
ר֫וּחִ֥/י
אַל
תַּסְתֵּ֣ר
פָּנֶ֣י/ךָ
מִמֶּ֑/נִּי
וְ֝/נִמְשַׁ֗לְתִּי
עִם
יֹ֥רְדֵי
בֽוֹר
מַ֘הֵ֤ר
mahêr
H4118
quick
V-Piel-Impv-2ms
עֲנֵ֨/נִי
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
יְהוָה֮
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
כָּלְתָ֪ה
kâlâh
H3615
to end
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
ר֫וּחִ֥/י
rûwach
H7307
spirit
N-cs | Suff
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תַּסְתֵּ֣ר
çâthar
H5641
to hide
V-Hiphil-Juss-2ms
פָּנֶ֣י/ךָ
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp | Suff
מִמֶּ֑/נִּי
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
וְ֝/נִמְשַׁ֗לְתִּי
mâshal
H4911
to liken
Conj | V-Niphal-1cs
עִם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
יֹ֥רְדֵי
yârad
H3381
to go down
V-Qal
בֽוֹר
bôwr
H953
pit
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 143:7
מַ֘הֵ֤ר
mahêr
H4118
"quick"
V-Piel-Impv-2ms
This word means to do something quickly or hastily, like when someone is in a hurry. The Bible uses it to describe urgent actions in the book of Esther.
Definition: adj hurrying, speedy, swift, hastening
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: hasteth, hastily, at once, quickly, soon, speedily, suddenly. See also: Exodus 32:8; Joshua 2:5; Psalms 69:18.
עֲנֵ֨/נִי
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
יְהוָה֮
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
כָּלְתָ֪ה
kâlâh
H3615
"to end"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to finish or end something, like completing a task or using up a resource, as seen in Genesis 2:2 where God finished creating the heavens and earth.
Definition: : finish 1) to accomplish, cease, consume, determine, end, fail, finish, be complete, be accomplished, be ended, be at an end, be finished, be spent 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be at an end 1a2) to be completed, be finished 1a3) to be accomplished, be fulfilled 1a4) to be determined, be plotted (bad sense) 1a5) to be spent, be used up 1a6) to waste away, be exhausted, fail 1a7) to come to an end, vanish, perish, be destroyed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, bring to an end, finish 1b2) to complete (a period of time) 1b3) to finish (doing a thing) 1b4) to make an end, end 1b5) to accomplish, fulfil, bring to pass 1b6) to accomplish, determine (in thought) 1b7) to put an end to, cause to cease 1b8) to cause to fail, exhaust, use up, spend 1b9) to destroy, exterminate 1c) (Pual) to be finished, be ended, be completed
Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, cease, consume (away), determine, destroy (utterly), be (when... were) done, (be an) end (of), expire, (cause to) fail, faint, finish, fulfil, [idiom] fully, [idiom] have, leave (off), long, bring to pass, wholly reap, make clean riddance, spend, quite take away, waste. See also: Genesis 2:1; 2 Chronicles 29:17; Psalms 18:38.
ר֫וּחִ֥/י
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תַּסְתֵּ֣ר
çâthar
H5641
"to hide"
V-Hiphil-Juss-2ms
This word means to hide or conceal something, like covering it up. It can also mean to keep something secret or hidden from others, as in Psalm 27:5.
Definition: 1) to hide, conceal 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to hide oneself 1a2) to be hidden, be concealed 1b) (Piel) to hide carefully 1c) (Pual) to be hidden carefully, be concealed 1d) (Hiphil) to conceal, hide 1e) (Hithpael) to hide oneself carefully Aramaic equivalent: se.tar (סְתַר "to hide" H5642A)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: be absent, keep close, conceal, hide (self), (keep) secret, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:14; Psalms 55:13; Psalms 10:11.
פָּנֶ֣י/ךָ
pânîym
H6440
"face"
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.
מִמֶּ֑/נִּי
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
וְ֝/נִמְשַׁ֗לְתִּי
mâshal
H4911
"to liken"
Conj | V-Niphal-1cs
To use a proverb means to speak in a way that teaches a lesson, often using metaphors or poems, as seen in Jesus' parables in the Gospels. This word is about comparing things to make a point. It appears in books like Proverbs and Psalms.
Definition: 1) to represent, liken, be like 1a) (Niphal) to liken, be like, be similar 1b) (Hiphil) to compare 1c) (Hithpael) to become like
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: be(-come) like, compare, use (as a) proverb, speak (in proverbs), utter. See also: Numbers 21:27; Isaiah 46:5; Psalms 28:1.
עִם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
יֹ֥רְדֵי
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
V-Qal
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
בֽוֹר
bôwr
H953
"pit"
N-ms
This word refers to a cistern or pit, often used to hold water or as a prison. In the Bible, it is used to describe a place of confinement, like a dungeon or well. It is a physical hole in the ground.
Definition: pit, well, cistern, dungeon, pit of the grave
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: cistern, dungeon, fountain, pit, well. See also: Genesis 37:20; Proverbs 5:15; Psalms 7:16.
Study Notes — Psalms 143:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 143:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 143:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 143:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 143:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 143:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 143:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 143:7
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 143:7
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 143:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 143:7
- Sermons on Psalms 143:7
Context — I Stretch Out My Hands to You
5I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I consider the work of Your hands.
6I stretch out my hands to You; my soul thirsts for You like a parched land. Selah
7Answer me quickly, O LORD; my spirit fails. Do not hide Your face from me, or I will be like those who descend to the Pit.
8Let me hear Your loving devotion in the morning, for I have put my trust in You. Teach me the way I should walk, for to You I lift up my soul. 9Deliver me from my enemies, O LORD; I flee to You for refuge.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 69:17 | Hide not Your face from Your servant, for I am in distress. Answer me quickly! |
| 2 | Psalms 28:1 | To You, O LORD, I call; be not deaf to me, O my Rock. For if You remain silent, I will be like those descending to the Pit. |
| 3 | Psalms 27:9 | Hide not Your face from me, nor turn away Your servant in anger. You have been my helper; do not leave me or forsake me, O God of my salvation. |
| 4 | Psalms 71:12 | Be not far from me, O God. Hurry, O my God, to help me. |
| 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 102:2 | Do not hide Your face from me in my day of distress. Incline Your ear to me; answer me quickly when I call. |
| 7 | Psalms 69:3 | I am weary from my crying; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God. |
| 8 | Psalms 70:5 | But I am poor and needy; hurry to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD, do not delay. |
| 9 | Isaiah 38:18 | For Sheol cannot thank You; Death cannot praise You. Those who descend to the Pit cannot hope for Your faithfulness. |
| 10 | Psalms 13:1–4 | How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long must I wrestle in my soul, with sorrow in my heart each day? How long will my enemy dominate me? Consider me and respond, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, lest I sleep in death, lest my enemy say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes rejoice when I fall. |
Psalms 143:7 Summary
The psalmist is crying out to God in desperation, asking Him to answer quickly because he feels like he's running out of strength and can't go on without God's help, similar to how we feel when we're overwhelmed and need God's presence, as seen in Psalms 38:21-22. He's afraid that if God doesn't respond, he'll be lost and separated from God, like those who descend to the Pit, a metaphor for spiritual death and darkness. This verse reminds us that it's okay to be honest with God about our feelings and to ask for His help when we need it, as expressed in Psalms 62:8 and 1 Peter 5:7. By seeking God's presence and trusting in His love, we can find the strength and courage we need to face whatever challenges come our way, just like the psalmist in Psalms 143:8, where he says let me hear Your loving devotion in the morning, for I have put my trust in You.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the psalmist ask God to answer him quickly?
The psalmist asks God to answer him quickly because he is desperate for God's presence and guidance, and he knows that without it, he will be overwhelmed by his circumstances, as seen in Psalms 143:7, where he says his spirit fails if God hides His face from him, similar to the desperation expressed in Psalms 38:21-22.
What does it mean to be like those who descend to the Pit?
To be like those who descend to the Pit means to experience spiritual death and separation from God, as described in Psalms 28:1 and Ezekiel 32:18, where the Pit is a metaphor for a place of darkness and despair, emphasizing the psalmist's deep longing for God's presence.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's presence?
This verse highlights the importance of God's presence in the believer's life, as seen in Psalms 16:11, where David says that in God's presence is fullness of joy, emphasizing that God's presence is essential for the believer's spiritual well-being and survival, and that without it, they will be like those who descend to the Pit, as mentioned in Psalms 143:7.
What can we learn from the psalmist's emotional honesty?
The psalmist's emotional honesty, as seen in Psalms 143:7, teaches us that it is okay to express our true feelings to God, and that He is able to handle our emotions, as expressed in Psalms 62:8, where it says to pour out our hearts to Him, for He is our refuge, and in 1 Peter 5:7, where we are told to cast our anxieties on Him because He cares for us.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like my spirit is failing, and how can I cry out to God for help like the psalmist?
- How do I respond when I feel like God is hiding His face from me, and what can I do to seek His presence in those moments, as seen in Psalms 143:7 and other scriptures like Isaiah 45:15?
- What are some ways I can meditate on God's works and consider the work of His hands, like the psalmist in Psalms 143:5, to deepen my trust in Him and experience His presence?
- How can I apply the psalmist's longing for God's presence to my own life, and what are some practical steps I can take to seek His face and hear His loving devotion, as mentioned in Psalms 143:8?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 143:7
Hear me speedily, O Lord: my spirit faileth,.... Ready to sink, swoon, and faint away, through the weight of the affliction on him, by reason of the persecution of his enemy, and for want of the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 143:7
Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit. Hear me speedily, O Lord; my spirit faileth.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 143:7
That are dead and buried, of whom there is no hope.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 143:7
Psalms 143:7 Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.Ver. 7. Hear me speedily] A very pathetic prayer uttered in many words to like purpose; as the manner is, in extreme danger. My spirit faileth] I am ready to sink and to swoon. This David knew; God hath a great care that the spirit fail not before him, and the souls which he hath made, Isaiah 57:16. When Bezoard stone is beaten we see that none of it be lost; not so when ordinary spices: so here, for ordinary spirits God cares not much what becometh of them, as he doth of the choice spirits of his people.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 143:7
(7) With the first clause comp. Psalms 69:17, with the second, Psalms 102:2, This dependence on former psalms does not detract from the reality of the feeling expressed by means of these ancient sobs and cries. The contrast of the present with former times (Psalms 143:5) with the recollection of God’s dealings then, joined to thoughtful contemplation of the reality of His power as displayed in His works, makes the psalmist’s anguish the more intense, his longing the more consuming, his supplication the more urgent.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 143:7
Verse 7. Hear me speedily] מהר maher, make haste to answer me. A few hours, and my state may be irretrievable. In a short time my unnatural son may put an end to my life.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 143:7
7–12. Prayer for speedy hearing, for guidance and deliverance, for the destruction of his enemies. The language is borrowed almost entirely from older Psalms.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 143:7
“Hear me speedily, O Lord.” Hasten to hear me; do not delay. Literally, “Hasten; answer me.” I am in imminent danger. Do not delay to come to my relief. My spirit faileth - My strength is declining. I can hold out no longer.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 143:7
7. Hear me speedily—This second half of the psalm presents many thoughts already familiar.
Sermons on Psalms 143:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Prayer for Guidance by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith reflects on the vastness of God and the insignificance of human beings in comparison. He describes sitting on the beach, contemplating the sun, t |
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Whatever Is Not From Faith Is Sin by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Psalm 143 as an example of how to approach God with our arguments. The psalmist, David, fills his mouth with arguments, listing his requests |
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How to Argue With God by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Psalm 143 as an example of how to approach God with our arguments. The psalmist, David, fills his mouth with arguments, listing his requests |
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Psalm 143 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches on the power of prayer, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's faithfulness and righteousness in times of supplication. He highlights the contrast between t |
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Letter 56 by James Bourne | James Bourne encourages M. A. H. to find comfort in God during times of affliction, sharing the testimony of Mrs. O. who found peace and assurance in the Lord's presence as she fac |
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Delayed Answers to Prayer! by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson addresses the frustration many feel when prayers seem unanswered, emphasizing that while we often plead for immediate responses, God operates on His own timeline. H |
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Passion Prayer by Stewart Ruch | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story of a family vacation where they faced a perilous situation with their van breaking down. The speaker emphasizes the importance o |