Psalms 31:12
Psalms 31:12 in Multiple Translations
I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind. I am like a broken vessel.
I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel.
I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel.
I have gone from men's minds and memory like a dead man; I am like a broken vessel.
I have been forgotten as if I were dead; I'm ignored like a broken pot.
I am forgotten, as a dead man out of minde: I am like a broken vessell.
I have been forgotten as dead out of mind, I have been as a perishing vessel.
I am forgotten from their hearts like a dead man. I am like broken pottery.
I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel.
People have forgotten me like they forget people who are dead. They think I am as useless as a broken pot.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 31:12
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 31:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מִ/כָּל
צֹרְרַ֨/י
הָיִ֪יתִי
חֶרְפָּ֡ה
וְ/לִ/שֲׁכֵנַ֨/י
מְאֹד֮
וּ/פַ֪חַד
לִֽ/מְיֻדָּ֫עָ֥/י
רֹאַ֥/י
בַּ/ח֑וּץ
נָדְד֥וּ
מִמֶּֽ/נִּי
מִ/כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
צֹרְרַ֨/י
tsârar
H6887
to confine
V-Qal | Suff
הָיִ֪יתִי
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
חֶרְפָּ֡ה
cherpâh
H2781
reproach
N-fs
וְ/לִ/שֲׁכֵנַ֨/י
shâkên
H7934
neighboring
Conj | Prep | Adj | Suff
מְאֹד֮
mᵉʼôd
H3966
much
Adv
וּ/פַ֪חַד
pachad
H6343
dread
Conj | N-ms
לִֽ/מְיֻדָּ֫עָ֥/י
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
Prep | V-Pual-Inf-c | Suff
רֹאַ֥/י
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal | Suff
בַּ/ח֑וּץ
chûwts
H2351
outside
Prep | N-ms
נָדְד֥וּ
nâdad
H5074
to wander
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
מִמֶּֽ/נִּי
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 31:12
מִ/כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
צֹרְרַ֨/י
tsârar
H6887
"to confine"
V-Qal | Suff
To rival means to oppose or afflict someone. In the Bible, this word is used to describe the struggles of the Israelites, such as when they were oppressed by their enemies or faced internal conflicts and afflictions.
Definition: to confine, besiege Another spelling of tsur (צוּר "to confine" H6696A)
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: adversary, (be in) afflict(-ion), beseige, bind (up), (be in, bring) distress, enemy, narrower, oppress, pangs, shut up, be in a strait (trouble), vex. See also: Exodus 12:34; Psalms 8:3; Psalms 6:8.
הָיִ֪יתִי
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.
חֶרְפָּ֡ה
cherpâh
H2781
"reproach"
N-fs
Cherpah means reproach or shame, often used to describe scorn or disgrace. In the Bible, it is used to express strong feelings of shame or humiliation.
Definition: 1) reproach, scorn 1a) taunt, scorn (upon enemy) 1b) reproach (resting upon condition of shame, disgrace) 1c) a reproach (an object)
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: rebuke, reproach(-fully), shame. See also: Genesis 30:23; Isaiah 25:8; Psalms 15:3.
וְ/לִ/שֲׁכֵנַ֨/י
shâkên
H7934
"neighboring"
Conj | Prep | Adj | Suff
This word describes someone who lives near you, like a neighbor or a fellow citizen. It's used in books like Genesis and Jeremiah to talk about the people around you.
Definition: 1) inhabitant, neighbour 1a) inhabitant 1b) neighbour
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: inhabitant, neighbour, nigh. See also: Exodus 3:22; Psalms 89:42; Psalms 31:12.
מְאֹד֮
mᵉʼôd
H3966
"much"
Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
וּ/פַ֪חַד
pachad
H6343
"dread"
Conj | N-ms
This word refers to a feeling of terror or dread, often caused by something sudden or frightening. In the Bible, it describes the fear of God or the dread of His judgment. The prophet Isaiah used it to describe the terror of God's wrath.
Definition: 1) terror, dread 1a) dread 1b) object of dread
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: dread(-ful), fear, (thing) great (fear, -ly feared), terror. See also: Genesis 31:42; Job 39:22; Psalms 14:5.
לִֽ/מְיֻדָּ֫עָ֥/י
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
Prep | V-Pual-Inf-c | Suff
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
רֹאַ֥/י
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal | Suff
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
בַּ/ח֑וּץ
chûwts
H2351
"outside"
Prep | N-ms
This word means outside or outdoors, referring to something beyond a wall or boundary. It can also mean a street or highway, as seen in various KJV translations, including abroad, field, and without.
Definition: outside, outward, street, the outside
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: abroad, field, forth, highway, more, out(-side, -ward), street, without. See also: Genesis 6:14; 2 Chronicles 24:8; Psalms 18:43.
נָדְד֥וּ
nâdad
H5074
"to wander"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to wander or flee, and is used in the Bible to describe people moving from place to place, like the Israelites in the wilderness in Exodus 14:3. It can also mean to chase someone away or to flutter like a bird.
Definition: 1) to retreat, flee, depart, move, wander abroad, stray, flutter 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to retreat, flee 1a2) to flee, depart 1a3) to wander, stray 1a4) to flutter (of birds) 1b) (Poal) to flee away, be chased 1c) (Hiphil) to chase away 1d) (Hophal) to be chased away 1e) (Hithpolel) to flee away Aramaic equivalent: ne.dad (נְדַד "to flee" H5075)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: chase (away), [idiom] could not, depart, flee ([idiom] apace, away), (re-) move, thrust away, wander (abroad, -er, -ing). See also: Genesis 31:40; Isaiah 16:2; Psalms 31:12.
מִמֶּֽ/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.
Study Notes — Psalms 31:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 31:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 31:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 31:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 31:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 31:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 31:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 31:12
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 31:12
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 31:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 31:12
- Sermons on Psalms 31:12
Context — Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit
10For my life is consumed with grief and my years with groaning; my iniquity has drained my strength, and my bones are wasting away.
11Among all my enemies I am a disgrace, and among my neighbors even more. I am dreaded by my friends— they flee when they see me on the street.
12I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind. I am like a broken vessel.
13For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side. They conspire against me and plot to take my life. 14But I trust in You, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 88:4–5 | 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. |
| 2 | Psalms 2:9 | You will break them with an iron scepter; You will shatter them like pottery. ” |
| 3 | Romans 9:21–22 | Does not the potter have the right to make from the same lump of clay one vessel for special occasions and another for common use? What if God, intending to show His wrath and make His power known, bore with great patience the vessels of His wrath, prepared for destruction? |
| 4 | Psalms 119:83 | Though I am like a wineskin dried up by smoke, I do not forget Your statutes. |
| 5 | Isaiah 30:14 | It will break in pieces like a potter’s jar, shattered so that no fragment can be found. Not a shard will be found in the dust large enough to scoop the coals from a hearth or to skim the water from a cistern.” |
| 6 | Isaiah 38:11–12 | I said, “I will never again see the LORD, even the LORD, in the land of the living; I will no longer look on mankind with those who dwell in this world. My dwelling has been picked up and removed from me like a shepherd’s tent. I have rolled up my life like a weaver; He cuts me off from the loom; from day until night You make an end of me. |
| 7 | Revelation 2:27 | He will rule them with an iron scepter and shatter them like pottery —just as I have received authority from My Father. |
Psalms 31:12 Summary
[Psalms 31:12 describes a feeling of being completely forgotten and useless, like something that is broken and can't be fixed, but even in those moments, we can trust in God's love and care for us, just as the Psalmist does in Psalms 31:14. This feeling can come from our own sin and its consequences, as seen in Psalms 51:8-9, but God is near to the brokenhearted, as stated in Psalms 34:18. We can apply this verse to our lives by acknowledging our feelings and then turning to God in trust, remembering that our worth and identity come from God, not from our circumstances, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be forgotten like a dead man?
To be forgotten like a dead man means to be completely overlooked and ignored, as if one has passed away and is no longer relevant, much like the Psalmist feels in Psalms 31:12, and this can be a result of our own sin and its consequences, as seen in Psalms 51:8-9 where David cries out for restoration after his sin had drained his strength.
How does one become like a broken vessel?
A broken vessel is one that is no longer useful or functional, and in the context of Psalms 31:12, it suggests that the Psalmist feels he has been broken by his circumstances and is no longer able to fulfill his purpose, much like the brokenness described in Psalms 34:18 where God is near to the brokenhearted.
Is it normal to feel like I am forgotten by God?
It is normal to feel forgotten by God in times of distress, but as we see in Psalms 31:14, even in those moments, we can trust in God's presence and care, just as the Psalmist does, and remember that God's ways are not our ways, as stated in Isaiah 55:8-9.
How can I apply this verse to my life when I am feeling forgotten or broken?
When feeling forgotten or broken, we can apply Psalms 31:12 by acknowledging our feelings and then turning to God in trust, just as the Psalmist does in Psalms 31:14, and remembering that our worth and identity come from God, not from our circumstances, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11 where God promises a future and a hope for those who trust in Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have felt forgotten or overlooked, and how did I respond to those feelings?
- How can I trust in God's presence and care when I feel like a broken vessel, and what are some practical steps I can take to renew my trust in Him?
- In what ways can I identify with the Psalmist's feelings of being a broken vessel, and how can I allow God to restore and redeem me in those areas?
- What are some lies or negative self-talk that I may be believing when I feel forgotten or broken, and how can I replace those lies with the truth of God's Word?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 31:12
I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind,.... Either by his friends, being out of sight, out of mind; as even the nearest relations and acquaintance are, in process of time, when dead, Ecclesiastes
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 31:12
I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel. forgotten ... out of mind.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 31:12
Whatsoever good service I have done to the king, or kingdom, or to any particular persons, neighbours, friends, or others, which sometimes they have acknowledged and highly commended, is now quite forgotten by all of them; or, at least, they carry themselves to me as if it were so. As a dead man; whose name and memory is quite lost within a few days. See . Like a broken vessel, made of earth; which is irreparable, and useless, and therefore despised by all.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 31:12
Psalms 31:12 I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel.Ver. 12. I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind] How soon dead men are forgotten, even by those that promise to remember them longest of all, experience teacheth; trust not to protestations of best friends in that case. I am like a broken vessel] Of which there is no further use or esteem.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 31:12
(12) Broken vessel.—A favourite image with Jeremiah (Jeremiah 19:11; Jeremiah 22:28; Jeremiah 25:34; Jeremiah 48:38), but not peculiar to him among the prophets. (Comp. Hosea 8:8, and see Introduction to this psalm.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 31:12
Verse 12. I am forgotten as a dead man] I am considered as a person adjudged to death. I am like a broken vessel - like a thing totally useless.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 31:12
12. As a dead man passes out of men’s minds, so he is forgotten. Cp. Job 19:14. He is like a broken (lit. perishing) vessel, flung aside contemptuously and no more remembered. Cp. (though the phrase there is different) Jeremiah 22:28 (R.V.).
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 31:12
I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind - Like the man who is dead, and who has passed away from the recollection of mankind. Compare Psalms 88:4-5.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 31:12
12. Out of mind—Hebrew, Out of heart. Perished from the affections of the living.
Sermons on Psalms 31:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
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 |
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Be an Overcomer (Part 4) by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of continuous growth in the Christian faith. He highlights the tendency of some Christians to reach a certain point in their sp |
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The Sickness, Death and Resurrection of Lazarus 1 of 4 (Reading) by Robert Murray M'Cheyne | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jesus and his disciples on the Sea of Galilee. He emphasizes the importance of faith and how it is tested in times of trials. Th |
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Message From Pslam 2 by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God's actions are sovereign and cannot be changed by human advice. He highlights the grand fact that God has set his king on the holy h |
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A Rod of Iron by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the triumphant ascension of Christ, illustrating how He has defeated the powers of darkness and now rules with a 'rod of iron.' He explains that Satan an |
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Looking at God by A.W. Tozer | The preacher delves into the concept of 'lofty things' as described in the Bible, referring to proud obstacles or arrogant thoughts that exalt themselves against the knowledge of G |
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In the Potters Hands by Steve Hill | This sermon emphasizes how God works uniquely in each of our lives according to His purpose, even when we struggle with the trials and challenges He allows. It highlights the analo |