King James Version
Psalms 42:3 in the King James Version says “My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 42 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?”
Psalms 42:3 · KJV
To the chief Musician, Maschil, for the sons of Korah. As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. Maschil: or, A Psalm giving instruction of the sons, etc panteth: Heb. brayeth
My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?
My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?
When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.
Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. cast: Heb. bowed praise: or, give thanks for the: or, his presence is salvation
KJV Study — Public Domain
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
“have been my meat”
H3899food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
“and night”
H3915properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
“while they continually”
H3117a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
“unto me Where is thy God”
H430gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
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.
Psalms 42:3 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Psalms 42:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge