Psalms 109:22

For I [am] poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me.

For I am poor {H6041} and needy {H34}, and my heart {H3820} is wounded {H2490} within {H7130} me.

For I am poor and needy, and my heart within me is wounded.

For I am poor and needy; my heart is wounded within me.

For I am poor and needy, And my heart is wounded within me.

Commentary on Psalms 109:22 (KJV)

"For I [am] poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me."

Context

Psalm 109 is a deeply emotional and often challenging psalm, traditionally attributed to King David. It is categorized as an imprecatory psalm, meaning it contains strong prayers for judgment against enemies. This particular verse, however, shifts the focus from the psalmist's adversaries to his own profound state of suffering. David expresses his utter vulnerability and distress, providing the underlying reason for his fervent cry for divine intervention against those who have wronged him. The psalm paints a picture of a righteous person persecuted and falsely accused, leading to immense personal anguish.

Key Themes

  • Profound Vulnerability and Helplessness: The declaration "I am poor and needy" highlights the psalmist's recognition of his own inability to contend with his powerful enemies. It signifies a state of destitution, not just materially, but also in terms of strength and influence, making him entirely dependent on God.
  • Deep Emotional and Spiritual Pain: The phrase "my heart is wounded within me" goes beyond physical suffering. It conveys intense inner anguish, sorrow, and perhaps even betrayal, suggesting a deep piercing of his spirit. This internal wound is the source of his profound distress.
  • Justification for Divine Aid: By articulating his dire condition, the psalmist is essentially presenting his case before God, appealing to His character as a protector of the afflicted and a dispenser of justice for the oppressed. His suffering is the basis for his plea for God's swift action.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words behind "poor and needy" are significant. "Poor" comes from `aniy` (עָנִי), often meaning afflicted, humble, or lowly, while "needy" is `'ebyown` (אֶבְיוֹן), referring to one who is destitute or dependent. Together, they emphasize a state of utter helplessness and reliance on a higher power. The term "wounded" derives from `chalal` (חָלַל), which can mean pierced, defiled, or profaned, indicating a severe, internal injury that has deeply affected the psalmist's inner being, possibly by the malicious words and actions of his foes.

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful insights for believers today. It legitimizes expressing deep pain and vulnerability before God. In moments of great personal suffering, whether due to injustice, betrayal, or overwhelming circumstances, we can identify with the psalmist's raw honesty. His confession of being "poor and needy" reminds us that true strength often lies in acknowledging our dependence on God, rather than relying on our own limited resources. Just as David poured out his heart, we too can bring our wounded hearts and desperate pleas before the Lord, knowing that He is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. This verse encourages us to trust that God sees our affliction and hears our cries, just as He did for the psalmist. For further reflection on acknowledging dependence on God, consider Psalm 40:17.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 86:1

    ¶ A Prayer of David. Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I [am] poor and needy.

  • Psalms 22:6

    But I [am] a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.

  • Psalms 40:17

    But I [am] poor and needy; [yet] the Lord thinketh upon me: thou [art] my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.

  • Psalms 102:4

    My heart is smitten, and withered like grass; so that I forget to eat my bread.

  • Job 6:4

    For the arrows of the Almighty [are] within me, the poison whereof drinketh up my spirit: the terrors of God do set themselves in array against me.

  • Matthew 8:20

    And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air [have] nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay [his] head.

  • Psalms 88:15

    I [am] afflicted and ready to die from [my] youth up: [while] I suffer thy terrors I am distracted.

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