King James Version
What Does Psalms 116:3 Mean?
“The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow. gat: Heb. found me”
Context
1
I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.
2
Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live. as long: Heb. in my days
3
The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow. gat: Heb. found me
4
Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.
5
Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(3) **The pains of hell.**—Or, *oppressions of Sheôl, *if we retain the text. But a very slight change in a single letter brings the clause into closer correspondence with Psalm 18:5-6, whence it is plainly borrowed, *the nets of Sheôl. *We may reproduce the original more exactly by using, as it does, the same verb in the last two clauses of the verse:
Nets of Sheôl caught me,
Trouble and sorrow I catch.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 116:3 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 116:3
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge