Psalms 119:25

KJV

¶ DALETH. My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.

KJV (with Strong's)

DALETH. My soul {H5315} cleaveth {H1692} unto the dust {H6083}: quicken {H2421} thou me according to thy word {H1697}.

Complete Jewish Bible

(Dalet) I lie prostrate in the dust; revive me, in keeping with your word.

Berean Standard Bible

My soul cleaves to the dust; revive me according to Your word.

American Standard Version

My soul cleaveth unto the dust: Quicken thou me according to thy word.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The psalmist's poignant cry in Psalms 119:25 encapsulates a profound spiritual despondency, where the soul feels utterly weighed down and lifeless, clinging to the lowest state of existence. Amidst this deep distress, the verse articulates an earnest and humble plea to God for divine quickening and spiritual revival, grounding this desperate petition in the unwavering reliability and life-giving power of God's revealed Word. It is a testament to the believer's absolute dependence on God to infuse life and vitality into a weary soul, not by human effort, but by divine grace consistent with His promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, a meticulously crafted acrostic psalm where each of its 22 stanzas (corresponding to the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet) consists of eight verses, all beginning with the same Hebrew letter. The 'Daleth' section (verses 25-32), where this verse resides, continues the overarching theme of the psalmist's deep love for and devotion to God's law, expressed through various synonyms like "statutes," "precepts," "commandments," "testimonies," and "judgments." Within this section, the psalmist expresses a tension between his commitment to God's ways and the experience of profound personal affliction or spiritual weariness, leading to a desperate cry for divine intervention and guidance, particularly for the strength to follow God's decrees. This stanza often highlights the psalmist's confession of his ways to God and his reliance on God's Word for understanding and revival.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While Psalm 119 does not provide specific historical markers, its themes resonate with the experiences of a devout Israelite living under the Mosaic Covenant. The "dust" imagery often evokes the fragility of human life and mortality, echoing the creation account where humanity is formed from the dust of the ground, as seen in [Genesis 2:7](/genesis/2-7 "Genesis 2:7 - God Forms Man from Dust"). It also reflects the humility and lowliness associated with repentance or deep distress, where one might prostrate oneself on the ground. The concept of "quickening" or revival was understood within a worldview where God was the ultimate source of life, both physical and spiritual. In a culture deeply rooted in the Law, the "Word" was not merely abstract instruction but the very breath and revelation of God, believed to be inherently life-giving and powerful enough to transform and sustain.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 119:25 powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent throughout the psalm and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Spiritual Vulnerability and Dependence**, demonstrating that even the most devoted individuals can experience profound spiritual despondency, feeling their "soul cleaveth unto the dust." This humility leads directly to the theme of **Earnest Prayer and Divine Reliance**, as the psalmist immediately turns to God for help, rather than self-effort, mirroring the constant turning to God for deliverance found in many psalms (e.g., [Psalm 6:4](/psalms/6-4 "Psalm 6:4 - Deliver My Soul")). Thirdly, the verse highlights the **Life-Giving Power of God's Word**. The plea "quicken thou me according to thy word" is not a casual request but a profound declaration of faith in the Word's inherent ability to revive, restore, and infuse vitality, a concept echoed in [Deuteronomy 32:47](/deuteronomy/32-47 "Deuteronomy 32:47 - The Law is Your Life"). This reinforces the overarching theme of Psalm 119: the **Sufficiency and Efficacy of God's Law** as the ultimate source of wisdom, comfort, and spiritual sustenance in all circumstances.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cleaveth (Hebrew, _dabaq'_):** The Hebrew verb דָּבְקָה (_dabaq_), here in the Qal perfect feminine singular, means "to cling, stick fast, be joined, be attached." While often used positively to describe intimate union (e.g., a man cleaving to his wife in [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - A Man Shall Leave and Cleave to His Wife")), here it describes an undesirable, oppressive bond. The psalmist feels inextricably stuck or bound to the "dust," indicating a state of being utterly weighed down, unable to rise, and spiritually immobilized. It conveys a sense of profound spiritual inertia or even a death-like state, where the soul is pulled down to the lowest possible level.

* **Dust (Hebrew, _`aphar'_):** The Hebrew noun עָפָר (_`aphar_) refers to "dust, dry earth, loose dirt." In biblical thought, "dust" frequently symbolizes human mortality, frailty, lowliness, or a state of decay and death (e.g., [Job 10:9](/job/10-9 "Job 10:9 - Remember that You Have Made Me of Clay")). When the soul "cleaves to the dust," it graphically depicts a state of spiritual despondency, humiliation, or utter lifelessness, as if the soul itself is on the verge of returning to its elemental, lifeless components. It suggests a profound spiritual exhaustion and a feeling of being utterly grounded in the most base and lifeless aspects of existence.

* **Quicken (Hebrew, _ḥayyēnî'_):** The Hebrew verb חַיֵּנִי (_ḥayyēnî_), a Piel imperative from the root חָיָה (_ḥayah_), means "to cause to live, revive, restore to life, preserve alive, give life." This is a fervent plea for divine intervention to infuse life, vitality, and spiritual energy into a soul that feels dead or dying. It's a request for spiritual resuscitation, a restoration of vibrancy and vigor that can only come from God, the ultimate source of life. The psalmist desires to be made spiritually alive again, to be lifted from the oppressive weight of the "dust."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My soul cleaveth unto the dust:"** This clause vividly expresses the psalmist's profound state of spiritual distress, despondency, or extreme lowliness. The "soul" (_nephesh_) here refers to the whole being, the inner person, indicating that this is not merely a physical ailment but a deep spiritual affliction. The imagery of "cleaving to the dust" paints a picture of being utterly weighed down, perhaps by sin, sorrow, persecution, or spiritual dryness, to the point of feeling spiritually dead or unable to function. It conveys a sense of humiliation, helplessness, and an inability to rise above one's circumstances or spiritual condition by one's own strength.

* **"quicken thou me according to thy word."** This second clause is the psalmist's desperate yet hopeful petition. Despite the dire state described in the first clause, the psalmist immediately turns to God, acknowledging Him as the sole source of life and revival. The plea "quicken thou me" is a direct request for spiritual resuscitation, to be made alive, invigorated, and restored to spiritual vitality. Crucially, the basis for this plea is "according to thy word." This phrase reveals the psalmist's profound faith in the inherent power, truth, and life-giving nature of God's revealed will. It implies that God's Word contains promises of life, renewal, and sustenance, and the psalmist is asking God to act consistently with those divine declarations and promises. The Word is not just a guide but an active, living force through which God imparts life.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 119:25 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Metaphor** and **Imagery**, particularly in the phrase "My soul cleaveth unto the dust." This vivid image powerfully conveys a state of extreme spiritual despondency, lowliness, or even death, likening the soul's condition to something lifeless and bound to the earth. It evokes the biblical understanding of humanity's origin from dust and eventual return to it, underscoring human frailty and mortality. The entire verse functions as a **Supplication** or **Prayer**, a direct and earnest appeal to God for divine intervention. The psalmist's plea "quicken thou me" is a direct imperative, demonstrating a complete reliance on God's power. Furthermore, the verse is part of an **Acrostic Structure**, specifically the 'Daleth' section of Psalm 119. While not a device within the verse itself, its placement within this structured poem emphasizes the comprehensive and orderly nature of the psalmist's devotion to God's Word, even in moments of deep spiritual struggle. The contrast between the soul's low state and the expectation of divine quickening also presents a subtle **Antithesis**, highlighting the vast difference between human weakness and divine power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 119:25 stands as a powerful testament to the human experience of spiritual despondency and the divine provision for renewal. Theologically, it underscores God as the ultimate source of life, both physical and spiritual, and highlights the inherent life-giving power of His Word. It teaches that even those deeply devoted to God can experience profound spiritual lows, but that true hope and revival are found not in self-effort or external circumstances, but in turning to God in prayer, trusting in His character and the efficacy of His promises. The verse encapsulates the paradox of human weakness met by divine strength, affirming that God's Word is not merely instruction but a dynamic force capable of transforming and quickening the soul. This profound reliance on God's Word for spiritual vitality is a cornerstone of biblical faith, emphasizing that true life is found in communion with and obedience to the Creator.

* [Deuteronomy 32:47](/deuteronomy/32-47 "Deuteronomy 32:47 - The Word is Your Life")
* [Psalm 42:1-2](/psalms/42-1 "Psalm 42:1-2 - As a Deer Pants for Water")
* [John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - The Spirit Gives Life, the Words are Spirit and Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 119:25 offers profound comfort and practical guidance for believers navigating the inevitable seasons of spiritual dryness, discouragement, or overwhelming life burdens. It normalizes the experience of feeling "cleaved to the dust," reminding us that spiritual lows are not a sign of failure but a common human experience, even for those deeply committed to God. The psalmist's immediate turning to God in prayer models the essential response: rather than wallowing in despair or attempting to self-generate spiritual vitality, we are called to humbly cry out to the only One who can truly quicken us. The verse powerfully directs our hope for revival "according to thy word," emphasizing that God's promises and His revealed truth are the wellspring of spiritual life. In an age prone to seeking quick fixes or external solutions, this verse calls us back to the foundational truth that sustained spiritual vitality is rooted in a deep, prayerful engagement with God's life-giving Scripture, trusting that He will act faithfully to His own declarations, lifting us from our spiritual inertia and empowering us to live vibrant, fruitful lives for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel your "soul cleaveth unto the dust," experiencing spiritual weariness or despondency?**
* **How does the psalmist's immediate turning to God in prayer challenge or affirm your own response to spiritual lows?**
* **What specific "words" or promises of God come to mind that you can cling to when seeking spiritual quickening?**

### FAQ

**What does "My soul cleaveth unto the dust" truly mean in a spiritual sense?**

Answer: "My soul cleaveth unto the dust" is a vivid metaphor expressing a state of profound spiritual despondency, extreme lowliness, or even a feeling of spiritual lifelessness. The "soul" refers to the psalmist's entire inner being, indicating a deep, pervasive affliction. "Cleaving" suggests being stuck or bound, while "dust" symbolizes mortality, decay, and the lowest possible state of existence, echoing the biblical understanding of humanity's origin from the dust of the ground ([Genesis 2:7](/genesis/2-7 "Genesis 2:7 - God Forms Man from Dust")). Spiritually, it means feeling utterly weighed down, devoid of vitality, perhaps overwhelmed by sin, sorrow, persecution, or a sense of spiritual inertia, unable to rise or function in a vibrant relationship with God. It's a cry from a soul that feels spiritually dead or dying, in desperate need of divine intervention.

**How does God "quicken" us "according to His word"?**

Answer: God "quickens" or revives us "according to His word" in several profound ways. Firstly, His Word itself is inherently life-giving. As [John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - The Spirit Gives Life, the Words are Spirit and Life") states, "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life." When we immerse ourselves in Scripture, the Holy Spirit uses it to convict, transform, and infuse spiritual vitality into our souls. Secondly, God quickens us by fulfilling the promises contained within His Word. His Word is full of promises for renewal, strength, comfort, and deliverance (e.g., [Isaiah 40:31](/isaiah/40-31 "Isaiah 40:31 - Those Who Wait on the Lord Shall Renew Their Strength")). When we pray "according to thy word," we are appealing to God's faithfulness to His own character and declarations. Thirdly, God's Word provides the truth that exposes our spiritual deadness and points us to the source of life, Jesus Christ, who is the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). By aligning our lives with His truth and trusting in His promises, we experience spiritual renewal and a fresh infusion of divine life.

**Is it normal for a devoted believer to feel their "soul cleaveth unto the dust"?**

Answer: Yes, absolutely. Psalms 119:25, along with numerous other psalms and biblical narratives, clearly demonstrates that even deeply devoted believers can experience profound spiritual distress, despondency, and feelings of being utterly weighed down or spiritually lifeless. The psalmist, a person of immense devotion to God's law, openly expresses this vulnerability. Biblical figures like Job, Elijah ([1_kings/19-4](/1_kings/19-4 "1 Kings 19:4 - Elijah's Despair")), and even Jesus in Gethsemane ([Matthew 26:38](/matthew/26-38 "Matthew 26:38 - Jesus' Soul is Sorrowful Unto Death")) experienced intense emotional and spiritual lows. These experiences are part of the human condition in a fallen world and can be exacerbated by trials, sin, or spiritual warfare. The key is not to deny these feelings but, like the psalmist, to acknowledge them honestly before God and turn to Him for the quickening and renewal that only He can provide through His Word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 119:25 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The psalmist's cry for quickening "according to thy word" points directly to Christ, who is the living Word of God made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He is the embodiment of God's life-giving truth and the very source of spiritual vitality. Humanity, in its fallen state, is universally "cleaved unto the dust," spiritually dead in trespasses and sins ([Ephesians 2:1](/ephesians/2-1 "Ephesians 2:1 - Dead in Trespasses and Sins")). It is through Christ that God performs the ultimate quickening, raising us from spiritual death to new life. Jesus declared, "I am the resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")), and promised, "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly" ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Jesus Came to Give Abundant Life")). The quickening power of God's Word is fully realized in the gospel message of Christ's death and resurrection, through which the Holy Spirit indwells believers, bringing them from spiritual death to life ([Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit of Him Who Raised Jesus from the Dead")). Thus, the psalmist's ancient plea for revival finds its glorious answer in the person and work of Jesus, who alone has the words of eternal life ([John 6:68](/john/6-68 "John 6:68 - Peter's Confession to Jesus")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.