Psalms 61:2

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock [that] is higher than I.

Complete Jewish Bible:

From the end of the earth, with fainting heart, I call out to you. Set me down on a rock far above where I am now.

Berean Standard Bible:

From the ends of the earth I call out to You whenever my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

American Standard Version:

From the end of the earth will I call unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

From the end^{H7097} of the earth^{H776} will I cry^{H7121}{H8799)} unto thee, when my heart^{H3820} is overwhelmed^{H5848}{H8800)}: lead^{H5148}{H8686)} me to the rock^{H6697} that is higher^{H7311}{H8799)} than I.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Psalms 61:2

Psalm 61:2 is part of a Psalm traditionally attributed to King David, though the authorship is not certain. This verse reflects a moment of deep personal crisis and emotional distress. The psalmist feels isolated and overwhelmed, using the phrase "from the end of the earth" to emphasize a sense of being at the farthest point from God's presence, both physically and spiritually. Despite this feeling of distance, the psalmist cries out to God, seeking divine guidance and protection.

The "rock that is higher than I" is a metaphor for God, who is depicted as a place of safety and refuge. This image of a rock or fortress is a common motif in the Psalms, symbolizing stability, strength, and security. The psalmist is asking God to lift him out of his present turmoil and to a place of higher ground, both literally and figuratively, where he can find safety from his enemies and peace for his troubled heart.

Historically, this verse can be understood in the context of the life of David, who faced many trials and adversaries throughout his reign. It speaks to the universal human experience of feeling overwhelmed by circumstances and the instinct to turn to a higher power for help. The theme of seeking God in times of trouble and finding salvation in divine strength is a central message of this Psalm, offering comfort and hope to believers facing their own challenges.

*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: H7097
   There are 87 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: קָצֶה
   Transliteration: qâtseh
   Pronunciation: kaw-tseh'
   Description: or (negative only) קֵצֶה; from קָצָה; (used in a great variety of applications and idioms; compare קֵץ); an extremity; [idiom] after, border, brim, brink, edge, end, (in-) finite, frontier, outmost coast, quarter, shore, (out-) side, [idiom] some, ut(-ter-) most (part).
   
2. 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.
   
3. Strong's Number: H7121
   There are 689 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: קָרָא
   Transliteration: qârâʼ
   Pronunciation: kaw-raw'
   Description: a primitive root (rather identical with קָרָא through the idea of accosting a person met); to call out to (i.e. properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications); bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say.
   
4. Strong's Number: H3820
   There are 550 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: לֵב
   Transliteration: lêb
   Pronunciation: labe
   Description: a form of לֵבָב; the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything; [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom.
   
5. Strong's Number: H5848
   There are 15 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עָטַף
   Transliteration: ʻâṭaph
   Pronunciation: aw-taf'
   Description: a primitive root; to shroud, i.e. clothe (whether transitive or reflex.); hence (from the idea of darkness) to languish; cover (over), fail, faint, feebler, hide self, be overwhelmed, swoon.
   
6. Strong's Number: H5148
   There are 39 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נָחָה
   Transliteration: nâchâh
   Pronunciation: naw-khaw'
   Description: a primitive root; to guide; by implication, to transport (into exile, or as colonists); bestow, bring, govern, guide, lead (forth), put, straiten.
   
7. Strong's Number: H6697
   There are 74 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: צוּר
   Transliteration: tsûwr
   Pronunciation: tsoor
   Description: or צֻר; from צוּר; properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous); edge, [idiom] (mighty) God (one), rock, [idiom] sharp, stone, [idiom] strength, [idiom] strong. See also בֵּית צוּר.
   
8. Strong's Number: H7311
   There are 185 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רוּם
   Transliteration: rûwm
   Pronunciation: room
   Description: a primitive root; to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively); bring up, exalt (self), extol, give, go up, haughty, heave (up), (be, lift up on, make on, set up on, too) high(-er, one), hold up, levy, lift(-er) up, (be) lofty, ([idiom] a-) loud, mount up, offer (up), [phrase] presumptuously, (be) promote(-ion), proud, set up, tall(-er), take (away, off, up), breed worms.