Psalms 143:6

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul [thirsteth] after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah.

Complete Jewish Bible:

I spread out my hands to you, I long for you like a thirsty land. (Selah)

Berean Standard Bible:

I stretch out my hands to You; my soul thirsts for You like a parched land. Selah

American Standard Version:

I spread forth my hands unto thee: My soulthirstethafter thee, as a weary land. [Selah

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

I stretch forth^{H6566} my hands^{H3027} unto thee: my soul^{H5315} thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty^{H5889} land^{H776}. Selah^{H5542}.

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Commentary for Psalms 143:6

Psalm 143:6 is part of a larger penitential psalm attributed to King David, which is a prayer for deliverance in times of distress and persecution. The verse reflects a deep yearning for God's presence and assistance. Here, the psalmist uses the imagery of outstretched hands to convey a sense of desperation and earnest plea for God's attention and help. The metaphor of a thirsty land vividly captures the intensity of the psalmist's spiritual longing, comparing the soul's need for God to the physical need for water in a parched environment.

The historical context of this psalm is not explicitly stated, but it is consistent with other psalms of lament where David expresses his dependence on God during periods of intense trial, possibly during his flight from Saul or Absalom's rebellion. The term "Selah," which appears at the end of the verse, is of uncertain meaning but is commonly thought to be a musical or liturgical notation, perhaps indicating a pause for reflection or an instruction to musicians in the temple worship.

In summary, Psalm 143:6 conveys a powerful message of spiritual thirst and reliance on God. The psalmist's hands are stretched out not only in a posture of prayer but also as an expression of complete reliance on God's mercy and deliverance. The verse reflects the universal human experience of needing divine intervention during times of hardship, and it invites readers to consider their own dependency on God in moments of deep need.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H6566
   There are 66 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: פָּרַשׂ
   Transliteration: pâras
   Pronunciation: paw-ras'
   Description: a primitive root; to break apart, disperse, etc.; break, chop in pieces, lay open, scatter, spread (abroad, forth, selves, out), stretch (forth, out).
   
2. Strong's Number: H3027
   There are 1447 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יָד
   Transliteration: yâd
   Pronunciation: yawd
   Description: a primitive word; in distinction from כַּף, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of applications, both literally and figuratively, both proximate and remote (as follows); a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.),; ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves.
   
3. Strong's Number: H5315
   There are 683 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נֶפֶשׁ
   Transliteration: nephesh
   Pronunciation: neh'-fesh
   Description: from נָפַשׁ; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or mental); any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it.
   
4. Strong's Number: H5889
   There are 17 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עָיֵף
   Transliteration: ʻâyêph
   Pronunciation: aw-yafe'
   Description: from עָיֵף; languid; faint, thirsty, weary.
   
5. Strong's Number: H776
   There are 2739 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֶרֶץ
   Transliteration: ʼerets
   Pronunciation: eh'-rets
   Description: from an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth (at large, or partitively a land); [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world.
   
6. Strong's Number: H5542
   There are 74 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: סֶלָה
   Transliteration: çelâh
   Pronunciation: seh'-law
   Description: from סָלָה; suspension (of music), i.e. pause; Selah.