Psalms 88:3
Psalms 88:3 in Multiple Translations
For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to Sheol.
For my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave.
For my soul is full of troubles, And my life draweth nigh unto Sheol.
For my soul is full of evils, and my life has come near to the underworld.
My life is full of troubles, and my death is approaching.
For my soule is filled with euils, and my life draweth neere to the graue.
For my soul hath been full of evils, And my life hath come to Sheol.
For my soul is full of troubles. My life draws near to Sheol.
For my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh to the grave.
For thou hast said: Mercy shall be built up for ever in the heavens: thy truth shall be prepared in them.
I have experienced many troubles/difficulties, and I am about to die [MTY] and go where dead people are.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 88:3
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 88:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
תָּב֣וֹא
לְ֭/פָנֶי/ךָ
תְּפִלָּתִ֑/י
הַטֵּֽה
אָ֝זְנְ/ךָ֗
לְ/רִנָּתִֽ/י
תָּב֣וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
לְ֭/פָנֶי/ךָ
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
תְּפִלָּתִ֑/י
tᵉphillâh
H8605
prayer
N-fs | Suff
הַטֵּֽה
nâṭâh
H5186
to stretch
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
אָ֝זְנְ/ךָ֗
ʼôzen
H241
ear
N-fs | Suff
לְ/רִנָּתִֽ/י
rinnâh
H7440
cry
Prep | N-fs | Suff
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 88:3
תָּב֣וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
לְ֭/פָנֶי/ךָ
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | 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.
תְּפִלָּתִ֑/י
tᵉphillâh
H8605
"prayer"
N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, this word means prayer or supplication, often used to describe requests to God. It appears in many Psalms, highlighting the importance of prayer in worship.
Definition: 1) prayer 1a) prayer 1b) pray a prayer 1c) house of prayer 1d) hear prayer 1e) in Ps titles (of poetic or liturgical prayer)
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: prayer. See also: 2 Samuel 7:27; Psalms 66:19; Psalms 4:2.
הַטֵּֽה
nâṭâh
H5186
"to stretch"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.
Definition: 1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer 1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent) 1a3) to bend, turn, incline 1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down 1a3b) to bend, bow 1a3c) to hold out, extend (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stretch out 1c2) to spread out 1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away
Usage: Occurs in 207 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afternoon, apply, bow (down, -ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down, be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched, overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread (out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away), wrest, cause to yield. See also: Genesis 12:8; Psalms 31:3; Psalms 17:6.
אָ֝זְנְ/ךָ֗
ʼôzen
H241
"ear"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for ear, referring to the body part or the ability to hear, is used in various contexts, including listening to God's voice in Psalm 40:6. It can also mean to uncover or reveal something, as in 1 Samuel 20:2.
Definition: : ear 1) ear, as part of the body 2) ear, as organ of hearing 3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, audience, [phrase] displease, ear, hearing, [phrase] show. See also: Genesis 20:8; Psalms 40:7; Psalms 10:17.
לְ/רִנָּתִֽ/י
rinnâh
H7440
"cry"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word means a loud, ringing cry, often used to express joy, praise, or triumph, as seen in Psalm 100:1 where believers are called to shout for joy to the Lord. It can also be a cry of supplication or entreaty. This word is used to describe a loud, joyful noise.
Definition: 1) ringing cry 1a) of entreaty, supplication 1b) in proclamation, joy, praise
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: cry, gladness, joy, proclamation, rejoicing, shouting, sing(-ing), triumph. See also: 1 Kings 8:28; Psalms 126:5; Psalms 17:1.
Study Notes — Psalms 88:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 88:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 88:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 88:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 88:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 88:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 88:3
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 88:3
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 88:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 88:3
- Sermons on Psalms 88:3
Context — I Cry Out before You
1O LORD, the God of my salvation, day and night I cry out before You.
2May my prayer come before You; incline Your ear to my cry.
3For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to Sheol.
4I am counted among those descending to the Pit. I am like a man without strength. 5I 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 107:18 | They loathed all food and drew near to the gates of death. |
| 2 | Lamentations 3:15–19 | He has filled me with bitterness; He has intoxicated me with wormwood. He has ground my teeth with gravel and trampled me in the dust. My soul has been deprived of peace; I have forgotten what prosperity is. So I say, “My strength has perished, along with my hope from the LORD.” Remember my affliction and wandering, the wormwood and the gall. |
| 3 | Mark 14:33–34 | He took with Him Peter, James, and John, and began to be deeply troubled and distressed. Then He said to them, “My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch.” |
| 4 | Psalms 69:17–21 | Hide not Your face from Your servant, for I am in distress. Answer me quickly! Draw near to my soul and redeem me; ransom me because of my foes. You know my reproach, my shame and disgrace. All my adversaries are before You. Insults have broken my heart, and I am in despair. I looked for sympathy, but there was none, for comforters, but I found no one. They poisoned my food with gall and gave me vinegar to quench my thirst. |
| 5 | Psalms 107:26 | They mounted up to the heavens, then sunk to the depths; their courage melted in their anguish. |
| 6 | Job 6:2–4 | “If only my grief could be weighed and placed with my calamity on the scales. For then it would outweigh the sand of the seas— no wonder my words have been rash. For the arrows of the Almighty have pierced me; my spirit drinks in their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me. |
| 7 | Matthew 26:37–39 | He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee and began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, “My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.” Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.” |
| 8 | Psalms 77:2 | In the day of trouble I sought the Lord; through the night my outstretched hands did not grow weary; my soul refused to be comforted. |
| 9 | Isaiah 53:10–11 | 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. After the anguish of His soul, He will see the light of life and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities. |
| 10 | Job 33:22 | He draws near to the Pit, and his life to the messengers of death. |
Psalms 88:3 Summary
This verse is about a person who feels completely overwhelmed by their problems and is crying out to God for help. They feel like their life is falling apart and they're losing hope, like they're being pulled down into a dark and scary place. But even in the midst of this desperation, they're still talking to God and trusting that He will hear their prayer, just like it says in Psalms 116:1. We can learn from this example and bring our own troubles and fears to God, knowing that He cares for us and wants to help us, as promised in 1 Peter 5:7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the soul to be 'full of troubles'?
This phrase suggests a deep emotional and spiritual pain, similar to what is described in Psalms 42:11, where the psalmist feels cast down and troubled. It is a cry of desperation and a plea for God's help.
What is Sheol, and why is it significant in this verse?
Sheol refers to the place of the dead, often associated with darkness and separation from God, as seen in Psalms 89:48. The speaker feels their life is drawing near to this place, indicating a sense of hopelessness and despair.
How can I apply this verse to my own life when I'm struggling?
When we feel overwhelmed by troubles, we can cry out to God like the psalmist, trusting in His faithfulness and love, as promised in Deuteronomy 31:6. We can also remember that Jesus experienced similar feelings of abandonment and sorrow, as seen in Matthew 27:46.
Is it wrong to feel like my life is drawing near to death or darkness?
No, it's not wrong to acknowledge and express our feelings of desperation and hopelessness, as the psalmist does in this verse. However, we must also remember to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, as declared in Romans 8:28, and seek His comfort and guidance in times of trouble.
Reflection Questions
- What are the deepest troubles and pains that I'm currently facing, and how can I bring them before God in prayer?
- In what ways do I feel like my life is 'drawing near to Sheol', and how can I find hope and comfort in God's presence?
- How can I balance honesty about my struggles with trust in God's goodness and faithfulness, like the psalmist does in this verse?
- What are some Bible verses or promises that I can cling to when I feel overwhelmed by troubles and despair?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 88:3
For my soul is full of troubles,.... Or "satiated or glutted" (e) with them, as a stomach full of meat that can receive no more, to which the allusion is; having been fed with the bread of adversity
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 88:3
For my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 88:3
My soul, properly so called; for that he was under great troubles of mind from a sense of God’ s wrath and departure from him, is evident from .
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 88:3
Psalms 88:3 For my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave.Ver. 3. For my soul is full of trouble] Hypotyposis hominis luctuosissime affecti. Here we have the lively picture of a man under bitter affliction. Extraordinary wise he was, and extraordinary troubles he had. None out of hell suffer more than God’ s dearest children. This good man felt himself in the suburbs of hell, as it were. And my life draweth nigh unto the grave] Or, unto hell. The same word signifieth both, because death is hell’ s harbinger, and would be so to the elect, but for Christ.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 88:3
(3) Grave.—Sheôl. Here, as in Psalms 6:4-5; Psalms 33:19; Isaiah 38:10-11, there comes into prominence the thought that death severs the covenant relation with God, and so presents an irresistible reason why prayer should be heard now before it is too late.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 88:3
3. For &c.] He pleads the urgency of his need as the ground for a hearing. draweth nigh &c.] Hath drawn nigh unto Sheol, the gloomy nether world which is the abode of the departed. Cp. Psalms 6:5; Psalms 107:18.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 88:3
For my soul is full of troubles - I am full of trouble. The word rendered as “full” means properly to satiate as with food; that is, when as much had been taken as could be.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 88:3
3. For my soul is full of troubles—Life can endure no more. From this to Psalms 88:9, the author urges his great distress as an argument for the divine interposition.
Sermons on Psalms 88:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Wine for Gospel wantons... by Thomas Shepard | Thomas Shepard preaches on the consequences of spiritual drunkenness as described in Jeremiah 13:12-15, where God fills the inhabitants of the land with a spirit of drunkenness, le |
|
The Road to Failure by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the passage in Mark 14:33-42 where Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus expresses his deep distress and sorrow to his disciples and a |
|
Faith or Feeling by Richard Sipley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not trusting in our own feelings but in God who raises the dead. He encourages believers to live by faith rather than by t |
|
The Sufferings of Christ Mark 14 by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby emphasizes the dual nature of Christ's sufferings in Mark 14, highlighting both the rejection He faced from humanity and the profound agony of bearing God's wrath |
|
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 |
|
The Heavenly Birth and Its Earthly Counterfeits by J.C. Philpot | Joseph Philpot preaches about the rejection of Christ by His own people due to hypocrisy, self-righteousness, and worldliness, despite their outward religious practices. He emphasi |
|
Three Homilies on the Devil - Part 2 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the story of Adam and Job, highlighting the contrast between their responses to temptation and suffering. He emphasizes the importance of vigilance, |