King James Version
What Does Psalms 39:12 Mean?
“Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were.”
Context
10
Remove thy stroke away from me: I am consumed by the blow of thine hand. blow: Heb. conflict
11
When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth: surely every man is vanity. Selah. his: Heb. that which is to be desired in him to melt away
12
Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were.
13
O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more.
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(12) **For** **I am** **a stranger.**—A reminiscence of Genesis 23:4, and adopted 1Peter 2:11 from the LXX. (See *New Testament Commentary, *and comp. Hebrews 11:13.) The psalmist, like the Apostle, applies Abraham’s words metaphorically to this earthly pilgrim age (comp. 1Chronicles 29:15), and pathetically asks why, when the tenure of life is so uncertain, God looks angrily on him? (For the passionate appeal for a respite, comp. Job 10:20-21, and for the Hebrew conception of the under world, Psalm 6:5, Note.)
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 39:12 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 39:12
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge