Psalms 88:16

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Psalms 88:16 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Your wrath has swept over me; Your terrors have destroyed me.

King James Version KJV

Thy fierce wrath goeth over me; thy terrors have cut me off.

American Standard Version ASV

Thy fierce wrath is gone over me; Thy terrors have cut me off.

Bible in Basic English BBE

The heat of your wrath has gone over me; I am broken by your cruel punishments.

Free Bible Version FBV

Your anger has overcome me; the terrible things you do have destroyed me.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Thine indignations goe ouer me, and thy feare hath cut me off.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Over me hath Thy wrath passed, Thy terrors have cut me off,

World English Bible WEB

Your fierce wrath has gone over me. Your terrors have cut me off.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Thy fierce wrath goeth over me; thy terrors have cut me off.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Blessed is the people that knoweth jubilation. They shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance:

Translation for Translators T4T

I feel that you have crushed me because of your being angry with me; the terrible things that you are doing to me are almost destroying me.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 88:16

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 88:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB עָ֘נִ֤י אֲנִ֣י וְ/גֹוֵ֣עַ מִ/נֹּ֑עַר נָשָׂ֖אתִי אֵמֶ֣י/ךָ אָפֽוּנָה

עָ֘נִ֤י ʻânîy H6041 afflicted Adj

אֲנִ֣י ʼănîy H589 I Pron

וְ/גֹוֵ֣עַ gâvaʻ H1478 to die Conj | V-Qal

מִ/נֹּ֑עַר nôʻar H5290 youth Prep | N-ms

נָשָׂ֖אתִי nâsâʼ H5375 to lift V-Qal-Perf-1cs

אֵמֶ֣י/ךָ ʼêymâh H367 terror N-fp | Suff

אָפֽוּנָה pûwn H6323 to distract V-Qal-1cs

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 88:16

עָ֘נִ֤י ʻânîy H6041 "afflicted" Adj

This word describes someone who is depressed, humble, or weak, often due to difficult circumstances, as described in the Psalms and other biblical books.

Definition: 1) poor, afflicted, humble, wretched 1a) poor, needy 1b) poor and weak 1c) poor, weak, afflicted, wretched 1d) humble, lowly

Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: afflicted, humble, lowly, needy, poor. See also: Exodus 22:24; Psalms 88:16; Psalms 9:13.

אֲנִ֣י ʼănîy H589 "I" Pron

This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.

Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)

Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.

וְ/גֹוֵ֣עַ gâvaʻ H1478 "to die" Conj | V-Qal

This Hebrew word means to die or expire, like when Jesus gave up his spirit on the cross in Matthew 27:50. It implies a complete stop, like a final breath. It is used in the Bible to describe the end of life.

Definition: 1) to expire, die, perish, give up the ghost, yield up the ghost, be dead, be ready to die 1a) (Qal) to expire, die, be about to die

Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: die, be dead, give up the ghost, perish. See also: Genesis 6:17; Job 3:11; Psalms 88:16.

מִ/נֹּ֑עַר nôʻar H5290 "youth" Prep | N-ms

Youth refers to the early years of life, from childhood to young adulthood. In the Bible, it describes a stage of life, like the youth of David or Samuel.

Definition: youth, boyhood, early life

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: child, youth. See also: Job 33:25; Psalms 88:16; Proverbs 29:21.

נָשָׂ֖אתִי nâsâʼ H5375 "to lift" V-Qal-Perf-1cs

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.

Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought

Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.

אֵמֶ֣י/ךָ ʼêymâh H367 "terror" N-fp | Suff

The Hebrew word for terror or dread, used to describe fear or horror, and sometimes an idol that inspires fear. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of awe or fright. This word is used in various contexts, including descriptions of God's power.

Definition: terror, dread

Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: dread, fear, horror, idol, terrible, terror. See also: Genesis 15:12; Job 20:25; Psalms 55:5.

אָפֽוּנָה pûwn H6323 "to distract" V-Qal-1cs

This word means to be perplexed or distracted, but its meaning is not entirely clear. It is not commonly used in the Bible and its translation can vary. In some versions, it is translated as be distracted.

Definition: 1) (Qal) to be perplexed, be distracted 1a) meaning uncertain

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: be distracted. See also: Psalms 88:16.

Study Notes — Psalms 88:16

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Psalms 88:16 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 88:16
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 88:16
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 88:16
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 88:16
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 88:16
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 88:16
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 88:16
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 88:16
Sermons on Psalms 88:16

Context — I Cry Out 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. 18You have removed my beloved and my friend; darkness is my closest companion.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Psalms 90:11	Who knows the power of Your anger? Your wrath matches the fear You are due.
2	Isaiah 53:4–6	Surely He took on our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken by God, struck down and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all.
3	Romans 8:32	He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, freely give us all things?
4	Isaiah 53:8	By oppression and judgment He was taken away, and who can recount His descendants? For He was cut off from the land of the living; He was stricken for the transgression of My people.
5	Psalms 89:46	How long, O LORD? Will You hide Yourself forever? Will Your wrath keep burning like fire?
6	Psalms 38:1–2	O LORD, do not rebuke me in Your anger or discipline me in Your wrath. For Your arrows have pierced me deeply, and Your hand has pressed down on me.
7	Galatians 3:13	Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”
8	Revelation 6:17	For the great day of Their wrath has come, and who is able to withstand it?”
9	Daniel 9:26	Then after the sixty-two weeks the Messiah will be cut off and will have nothing. Then the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood, and until the end there will be war; desolations have been decreed.
10	Psalms 102:10	because of Your indignation and wrath, for You have picked me up and cast me aside.

Psalms 88:16 Summary

[Psalms 88:16 is a heart-wrenching expression of feeling overwhelmed by God's wrath and judgment. The Psalmist feels like they are being consumed by God's anger, which is a difficult and painful experience. This verse reminds us that, even in our darkest moments, we can bring our honest emotions to God, just like the Psalmist does, and find comfort in His presence, as promised in Psalms 23:4 and Matthew 11:28. By acknowledging our feelings and surrendering them to God, we can begin to experience His peace and restoration, as seen in Isaiah 26:3 and Philippians 4:7.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for God's wrath to sweep over someone?

This phrase, as seen in Psalms 88:16, refers to the experience of feeling overwhelmed by God's judgment or displeasure, similar to what is described in Isaiah 51:17 and Revelation 6:17, where God's wrath is poured out on those who reject Him.

Can a Christian experience God's wrath?

While Christians are not under God's wrath in the sense of condemnation, as stated in Romans 8:1, they can still experience the consequences of sin and feel the weight of God's displeasure, as the Psalmist does in Psalms 88:16, emphasizing the importance of humility and repentance.

How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual depression?

The Psalmist's cry in Psalms 88:16 reflects a deep sense of spiritual distress and feelings of abandonment, which can be a part of spiritual depression, underscoring the need for believers to seek comfort in God's presence, as encouraged in Psalms 23:4 and Matthew 11:28.

Is it okay to express feelings of despair to God?

The Psalmist's honest expression of emotions in Psalms 88:16 demonstrates that it is acceptable to bring our feelings of despair and desperation to God, as seen also in Psalms 42:1-2 and Lamentations 3:19-24, where the writers pour out their hearts to Him in times of trouble.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways you have felt overwhelmed by circumstances or emotions, and how did you respond to those feelings?
How does the concept of God's wrath make you feel, and what does it reveal about your understanding of God's character?
In what ways can you relate to the Psalmist's sense of desperation and despair, and how can you bring those feelings to God in prayer?
What does this verse teach you about the importance of honesty and transparency in your relationship with God?
How can you balance the reality of God's wrath with the truth of His love and mercy, as seen in John 3:16 and Romans 5:8?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 88:16

Thy fierce wrath goeth over me,.... Or "wraths" (h), burning wrath; the whole of divine wrath, in all its fierceness, due to the sins of his people: these, like the mighty waves of the sea, passed

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 88:16

Thy fierce wrath goeth over me; thy terrors have cut me off. Thy terrors have cut me off - the same Hebrew ( tsimtuwtuniy (H6789)) as in Leviticus 25:23, where God saith, "the land shall not be sold

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 88:16

Psalms 88:16 Thy fierce wrath goeth over me; thy terrors have cut me off.Ver. 16. Thy fierce wrath, &c.] As rivers of brimstone. Have cut me off] Multis excisionibus ideoque duplicatur Tau.

Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 88:16

(16) Have cut me off.—Or, extinguished me. The form of the verb is very peculiar, and is variously explained. All that is certain is that it is intensive, expressing the hopeless and continued state of prostration of the sufferer. The LXX., “have frightened.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 88:16

Verse 16. Thy fierce wrath goeth over me.] It is a mighty flood by which I am overwhelmed.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 88:16

16. The fiery streams of thy wrath have gone over me. Cp. Psalms 42:7; but for waves he substitutes fiery wraths.Thine alarms, a word found only in Job 6:4, have made an end of me (Lamentations 3:53).

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 88:16

Thy fierce wrath goeth over me - Like waters. See Psalms 88:7. Thy terrors have cut me off - That is, I am as one already dead; I am so near to death that I may be spoken of as dead.

Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 88:16

16. Cut me off—Thy terrible judgments have severed me from the living.

Sermons on Psalms 88:16

	Sermon	Description
	When I See the Blood 3 by Roy Hession	In this sermon, Roy Hessian discusses the significance of the blood in the story of the Exodus. He mentions that during the Mount of Transfiguration, Jesus was seen talking with Mo
	The Terrors of Hell by William Nichols	The sermon transcript discusses the concept of God's will versus man's will. It emphasizes that by sinning, man sets his own will above God's and disrespects Him. The sermon also h
	Habakkuk - Part 5 by Roy Hession	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Achan in Joshua 7. The children of Israel committed a trespass by taking things that were supposed to be destroyed and hiding t
	Of the Anger and Wrath of God. by John Gill	John Gill addresses the anger and wrath of God, emphasizing that while God is loving and merciful, He also possesses anger and wrath as responses to sin. He distinguishes between G
	Day 43, James 4 by David Servant	David Servant preaches on James addressing false or backslidden believers, warning them of their unfaithfulness and enmity with God due to their worldly friendship, emphasizing the
	His Wrath by Catherine Booth	Catherine Booth preaches about the impending great day of God's wrath, drawing parallels to past instances of divine judgment such as the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, the flo
	He Drank It Up—every Drop! by Thomas Brooks	Thomas Brooks preaches about the profound suffering of Jesus Christ, emphasizing that He comprehended the full extent of God's wrath as He endured immense physical and emotional pa