Psalms 88:15
Psalms 88:15 in Multiple Translations
From my youth I was afflicted and near death. I have borne Your terrors; I am in despair.
I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up: while I suffer thy terrors I am distracted.
I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up: While I suffer thy terrors I am distracted.
I have been troubled and in fear of death from the time when I was young; your wrath is hard on me, and I have no strength.
I have been sick since I was young, often at death's door. I have had to bear the terrible things you've done to me. I'm in despair!
I am afflicted and at the point of death: from my youth I suffer thy terrours, doubting of my life.
I [am] afflicted, and expiring from youth, I have borne Thy terrors — I pine away.
I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up. While I suffer your terrors, I am distracted.
I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up: while I suffer thy terrors I am distracted.
Justice and judgment are the preparation of thy throne. Mercy and truth shall go before thy face:
All the time since I was young, I have suffered and have often almost died; I am ◄in despair/very discouraged► because of enduring the terrible things that you have done to me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 88:15
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 88:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לָ/מָ֣ה
יְ֭הוָה
תִּזְנַ֣ח
נַפְשִׁ֑/י
תַּסְתִּ֖יר
פָּנֶ֣י/ךָ
מִמֶּֽ/נִּי
לָ/מָ֣ה
mâh
H4100
what?
Prep | Part
יְ֭הוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
תִּזְנַ֣ח
zânach
H2186
to reject
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
נַפְשִׁ֑/י
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
תַּסְתִּ֖יר
çâthar
H5641
to hide
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
פָּנֶ֣י/ךָ
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp | Suff
מִמֶּֽ/נִּי
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 88:15
לָ/מָ֣ה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Prep | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
יְ֭הוָה
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.
תִּזְנַ֣ח
zânach
H2186
"to reject"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To stink or be rejected is the meaning of this Hebrew word. It's used in the Bible to describe something that's disgusting or unwanted, like in the book of Psalm 38:5. The KJV translates it as 'cast away' or 'remove far away'.
Definition: 1) to cast off, reject, spurn 1a) (Qal) to reject 1b) (Hiphil) to forcefully reject someone
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: cast away (off), remove far away (off). See also: 1 Chronicles 28:9; Psalms 88:15; Psalms 43:2.
נַפְשִׁ֑/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.
תַּסְתִּ֖יר
çâthar
H5641
"to hide"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-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.
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 88:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 88:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 88:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 88:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 88:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 88:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 88:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 88:15
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 88:15
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 88:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 88:15
- Sermons on Psalms 88:15
Context — I Cry Out before You
13But to You, O LORD, I cry for help; in the morning my prayer comes before You.
14Why, O LORD, do You reject me? Why do You hide Your face from me?
15From my youth I was afflicted and near death. I have borne Your terrors; I am in despair.
16Your wrath has swept over me; Your terrors have destroyed me. 17All day long they engulf me like water; they enclose me on every side.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 6:4 | For the arrows of the Almighty have pierced me; my spirit drinks in their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me. |
| 2 | Luke 22:44 | And in His anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground. |
| 3 | Job 7:11–16 | Therefore I will not restrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul. Am I the sea, or the monster of the deep, that You must keep me under guard? When I think my bed will comfort me and my couch will ease my complaint, then You frighten me with dreams and terrify me with visions, so that I would prefer strangling and death over my life in this body. I loathe my life! I would not live forever. Leave me alone, for my days are but a breath. |
| 4 | Isaiah 53:10 | Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush Him and to cause Him to suffer; and when His soul is made a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, and the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand. |
| 5 | Psalms 73:14 | For I am afflicted all day long and punished every morning. |
| 6 | Zechariah 13:7 | Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, against the man who is My Companion, declares the LORD of Hosts. Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered, and I will turn My hand against the little ones. |
| 7 | Isaiah 53:3 | He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. |
| 8 | Psalms 22:14–15 | I am poured out like water, and all my bones are disjointed. My heart is like wax; it melts away within me. My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You lay me in the dust of death. |
| 9 | Job 17:11–16 | My days have passed; my plans are broken off— even the desires of my heart. They have turned night into day, making light seem near in the face of darkness. If I look for Sheol as my home, if I spread out my bed in darkness, and say to corruption, ‘You are my father,’ and to the worm, ‘My mother,’ or ‘My sister,’ where then is my hope? Who can see any hope for me? Will it go down to the gates of Sheol? Will we go down together into the dust?” |
| 10 | Job 17:1 | “My spirit is broken; my days are extinguished; the grave awaits me. |
Psalms 88:15 Summary
[This verse is about someone who has been struggling with really tough problems since they were young, and they're feeling very sad and hopeless, like they're at the end of their rope. They're being honest with God about how they're feeling, and that's okay - it's okay to not be okay, as we see in Psalms 42:9 and Lamentations 3:22-23. The Psalmist is showing us that even in the midst of suffering, we can still turn to God and trust that He is with us, as promised in Hebrews 13:5-6 and Deuteronomy 31:6.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'afflicted and near death' in Psalms 88:15?
This phrase suggests a deep and ongoing experience of suffering, as the Psalmist has faced severe challenges from a young age, similar to what is described in Jeremiah 20:14-18 and Lamentations 3:1-20. This kind of affliction can lead to feelings of despair, as mentioned in the verse.
How can someone 'bear' God's terrors?
The Psalmist is expressing the overwhelming fear and awe that can come from experiencing God's judgment or discipline, as seen in Isaiah 66:15-16 and Hebrews 12:5-11. This is not about being punished, but about being refined and purified through trials.
Why does the Psalmist say 'I am in despair'?
The Psalmist is expressing the emotional and spiritual weight of their suffering, feeling overwhelmed and without hope, similar to what is described in Psalms 42:5-6 and 2 Corinthians 1:8-10. This is a honest and raw expression of their emotional state, rather than a lack of faith.
How can I apply this verse to my own life when I'm going through hard times?
When facing difficulties, recall that God is sovereign and loving, as seen in Romans 8:28-30 and Psalms 138:8. We can bring our struggles and emotions to Him, just like the Psalmist, and trust that He will guide and support us through our darkest moments, as promised in Matthew 11:28-30 and Isaiah 41:10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I have experienced affliction or hardship in my own life, and how have I responded to them?
- How do I typically react when I feel overwhelmed or in despair, and what can I learn from the Psalmist's example in this verse?
- In what ways can I 'bear' God's terrors, and what does this look like in my daily life, especially when faced with challenges or uncertainties?
- What are some promises or truths from Scripture that I can cling to when I'm feeling desperate or without hope, and how can I apply them to my life right now?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 88:15
I am afflicted,.... In body and mind, from within and from without, by Satan, by the men of the world, and by the Lord himself; which is the common lot of God's people, Psalms 34:19 and was the case
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 88:15
I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up: while I suffer thy terrors I am distracted. I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 88:15
From my youth up; my whole life hath been filled with a succession of deadly calamities. O Lord, take some pity upon me, and let me have a little breathing space before I die. I suffer thy terrors upon my mind and conscience, which do accompany and aggravate my outward miseries.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 88:15
Psalms 88:15 I [am] afflicted and ready to die from [my] youth up: [while] I suffer thy terrors I am distracted.Ver. 15. I am afflicted, &c.] He was brought up in the school of temptations, and kept in this form from his youth. He was put soon to it, and so deep lessons had he set him, that he had like to have lost his wits. I am distracted, saith he, I am held upon the wheel.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 88:15
(15) Terrors.—Another of the many expressions which connect this psalm with the book of Job. (See Job 6:4; Job 9:34, &c.) Distracted.—The Hebrew word is peculiar to the place. The ancient versions all agree in taking it as a verb, and rendering it by some general term denoting “trouble.” But the context evidently requires a stronger word, and possibly connecting with a cognate word meaning “wheel,” we may get, “I turn giddy.” A change of a stroke in one letter would give “I grow frigid.” (Comp. Psalms 38:8.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 88:15
Verse 15. From my youth up.] I have always been a child of sorrow, afflicted in my body, and distressed in my mind. There are still found in the Church of God persons in similar circumstances; persons who are continually mourning for themselves and for the desolations of Zion. A disposition of this kind is sure to produce an unhealthy body; and indeed a weak constitution may often produce an enfeebled mind; but where the terrors of the Lord prevail, there is neither health of body nor peace of mind.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 88:15
15. Will God have no pity upon one whose whole life has been spent at the point of death? Could this be said of Israel as a nation? ‘From youth’ is of course frequently used of the nation (Psalms 129:1-2; Jeremiah 32:30; &c.), but Israel’s existence had not been continuously wretched and precarious. while I suffer &c.] I have borne thy terrors (till) I am distracted. Terrors is a favourite word with Job. The word rendered distracted occurs here only and is of doubtful meaning. Possibly it is a false reading for another word meaning faint or stupefied (Psalms 38:8).
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 88:15
I am afflicted and ready to die - I am so afflicted - so crushed with sorrow and trouble - that my strength is nearly gone, and I can endure it but a little longer.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 88:15
15. Ready to die from my youth up—Literally, Dying from my youth. So repeated and terrible were the chastisements of God for disobedience, from the days of Moses till now, that, comparatively, the nation had lived a dying life.
Sermons on Psalms 88:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Gethsemane by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus. He begins by emphasizing the love of Jesus, who willingly came down to earth to die on th |
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Gethsemane - the Last Battle by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the events leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. He begins by emphasizing the loneliness and anguish that Jesus experienced in the |
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Where Do You Go With a Broken Heart? by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the question of where to turn when one's heart is broken. He emphasizes that God understands and empathizes with our pain, as demonstrated by |
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Surprises at the Birth of Christ by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the possibility of the preaching of the word of God happening today. He emphasizes that for this to occur, a person must genuinely desire to |
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A Light in the Land (Christianity in Wales 200-2000) by Gwyn Davies | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the history of Christianity in Wales, acknowledging both the blessings and challenges that have been faced. He mentions the presence of disa |
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His Cross - Your Cross by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the suffering and exhaustion of Jesus during his crucifixion. He emphasizes that Jesus fought this battle alone, even though his disciples w |
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Blood on the Moon by David Davis | This sermon delves into the spiritual battle in the Middle East, contrasting the shedding of blood in the region with the sacrificial blood of Jesus. It emphasizes the need for a f |