King James Version

What Does Psalms 88:8 Mean?

Psalms 88:8 in the King James Version says “Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; thou hast made me an abomination unto them: I am shut up, and I cannot...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 88 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; thou hast made me an abomination unto them: I am shut up, and I cannot come forth.”

Psalms 88:8 · KJV

Context

6

Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps.

7

Thy wrath lieth hard upon me, and thou hast afflicted me with all thy waves. Selah.

8

Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; thou hast made me an abomination unto them: I am shut up, and I cannot come forth.

9

Mine eye mourneth by reason of affliction: LORD, I have called daily upon thee, I have stretched out my hands unto thee.

10

Wilt thou shew wonders to the dead? shall the dead arise and praise thee? Selah.

Read Psalms 88 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me—God is the active agent of social isolation. The Hebrew "put away" (הִרְחַקְתָּ, hirchakta) means to cause to be far, to distance. This isn't paranoia but theological interpretation: the psalmist traces even human rejection back to divine providence. Thou hast made me an abomination unto them (שִׂמְתַּנִי תוֹעֵבוֹת לָמוֹ, simtani toevot lamo)—"Abomination" (toevah) is the same word used for detestable idolatry; the sufferer has become repulsive, ceremonially unclean, avoided by others.

I am shut up, and I cannot come forth (כָּלֻא וְלֹא אֵצֵא, kalu velo etzeh)—Imprisoned, perhaps by illness, depression, or social ostracism, with no means of escape. This total entrapment echoes Job's complaint (Job 19:8) and anticipates Christ's burial—"shut up" in a sealed tomb with a guard posted. Yet Christ's resurrection breaks open every prison, every sealed tomb.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient Israel, serious illness often led to quarantine from the community (Leviticus 13-14). Physical affliction meant social and religious exclusion—unable to enter the temple, separated from family and friends. This separation from the worshiping community was experienced as separation from God's presence, since His presence was located at the sanctuary.

Reflection Questions

  1. When social isolation accompanies suffering, how do you avoid the temptation to blame only circumstances or people rather than acknowledging God's sovereignty?
  2. How does Christ's experience of being "shut up" in the tomb provide hope when you feel trapped with no way out?
  3. What ministry might God be calling you to toward those who feel like "abominations"—rejected and isolated?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
הִרְחַ֥קְתָּ1 of 9

“Thou hast put away”

H7368

to widen (in any direction), i.e., (intransitively) recede or (transitively) remove (literally or figuratively, of place or relation)

מְיֻדָּעַ֗י2 of 9

“mine acquaintance”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

מִ֫מֶּ֥נִּי3 of 9
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

שַׁתַּ֣נִי4 of 9

“from me thou hast made”

H7896

to place (in a very wide application)

תוֹעֵב֣וֹת5 of 9

“me an abomination”

H8441

properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol

לָ֑מוֹ6 of 9
H0
כָּ֝לֻ֗א7 of 9

“unto them I am shut up”

H3607

to restrict, by act (hold back or in) or word (prohibit)

וְלֹ֣א8 of 9
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אֵצֵֽא׃9 of 9

“and I cannot come forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

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 88:8 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 88:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 31:11Jeremiah 32:2Job 30:10John 15:23-24Zechariah 11:8Job 19:13-19

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 88 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Psalms 88 with CommentaryAll Psalms ChaptersComplete Psalms QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes