King James Version

What Does Psalms 102:4 Mean?

Psalms 102:4 in the King James Version says “My heart is smitten, and withered like grass; so that I forget to eat my bread.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 102 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“My heart is smitten, and withered like grass; so that I forget to eat my bread.”

Psalms 102:4 · KJV

Context

2

Hide not thy face from me in the day when I am in trouble; incline thine ear unto me: in the day when I call answer me speedily.

3

For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as an hearth. like: or, (as some read) into smoke

4

My heart is smitten, and withered like grass; so that I forget to eat my bread.

5

By reason of the voice of my groaning my bones cleave to my skin. skin: or, flesh

6

I am like a pelican of the wilderness: I am like an owl of the desert.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The heart 'smitten like grass' that withers evokes the biblical metaphor of human frailty (Ps 90:5-6, Isa 40:6-8). The psalmist's loss of appetite ('forget to eat my bread') indicates deep depression. This honest portrayal of spiritual and physical collapse demonstrates Scripture's realism about human weakness. The Puritans called this 'the dark night of the soul.' Yet even in such depths, the psalmist continues addressing God, modeling persistent faith. Christ sustains believers through similar valleys (Ps 23:4).

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Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient Israel, refusing food was a sign of extreme grief or penitence (2 Sam 12:16-17). The withering grass metaphor would resonate powerfully in a semi-arid climate where vegetation quickly dies without water.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you distinguish between clinical depression requiring medical attention and spiritual darkness requiring pastoral care?
  2. What spiritual disciplines help you persevere when your emotional and physical strength fails?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
הוּכָּֽה1 of 8

“is smitten”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

כָ֭עֵשֶׂב2 of 8

“like grass”

H6212

grass (or any tender shoot)

וַיִּבַ֣שׁ3 of 8

“and withered”

H3001

to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)

לִבִּ֑י4 of 8

“My heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

כִּֽי5 of 8
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

שָׁ֝כַ֗חְתִּי6 of 8

“so that I forget”

H7911

to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention

מֵאֲכֹ֥ל7 of 8

“to eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

לַחְמִֽי׃8 of 8

“my bread”

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 102:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 102:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 40:7Psalms 37:2Acts 9:9Ezra 10:61 Samuel 1:7-8Matthew 26:37-38

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 102 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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