Psalms 119:82

KJV

Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me?

KJV (with Strong's)

Mine eyes {H5869} fail {H3615} for thy word {H565}, saying {H559}, When wilt thou comfort {H5162} me?

Complete Jewish Bible

My eyes fail from watching for your promise; I ask, "When will you comfort me?"

Berean Standard Bible

My eyes fail, looking for Your promise; I ask, “When will You comfort me?”

American Standard Version

Mine eyes fail for thy word, While I say, When wilt thou comfort me?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 119:82 articulates the psalmist's profound and desperate longing for the fulfillment of God's promised word, expressing a physical and emotional exhaustion that borders on collapse due to prolonged waiting amidst deep affliction. It is a poignant cry from a soul whose hope is singularly fixed on divine intervention and comfort, questioning the delay while maintaining an unwavering trust in God's faithfulness and the reliability of His revealed truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the expansive [Psalm 119](/psalms/119 "Psalm 119 - The Longest Psalm Exalting God's Word"), the longest chapter in the Bible, meticulously structured as an acrostic poem. Each of its 22 stanzas, comprising eight verses, commences with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Verse 82 falls within the *Kaph* section (verses 81-88), a segment particularly marked by the psalmist's intense suffering, persecution, and fervent pleas for God's promised salvation and comfort. Throughout this lengthy composition, the author, often understood as a devout Israelite facing severe distress, expresses an unwavering devotion to God's Word—His law, statutes, precepts, and commandments—as his guide, hope, and very source of life, even when its fulfillment seems agonizingly delayed. The immediate verses surrounding 82 also speak of the psalmist's soul pining for salvation ([Psalm 119:81](/psalms/119-81 "Psalm 119:81 - Soul Pining for Salvation")) and his enemies' relentless pursuit ([Psalm 119:84](/psalms/119-84 "Psalm 119:84 - Enemies Persecuting")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While Psalm 119 does not specify a particular historical event, the psalmist's laments of affliction, persecution, and being "like a wineskin in the smoke" ([Psalm 119:83](/psalms/119-83 "Psalm 119:83 - Like a Wineskin in the Smoke")) suggest a context of severe personal or national distress. This could range from individual suffering at the hands of adversaries to the broader experience of the Israelite people during periods of oppression, exile, or post-exilic struggles. Culturally, the "eyes failing" is a vivid and common ancient Near Eastern idiom for intense longing, despair, and exhaustion, often associated with waiting for a desired outcome or the return of a loved one. It conveys a deep physical and emotional toll taken by prolonged anticipation and unfulfilled hope, highlighting the psalmist's desperate state where even his physical faculties are worn out by the intensity of his spiritual yearning.

* **Key Themes:** The verse encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent in [Psalm 119](/psalms/119 "Psalm 119 - The Longest Psalm Exalting God's Word") and, indeed, throughout the biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully conveys **Intense Longing and Waiting**, where the psalmist's physical exhaustion ("Mine eyes fail") vividly portrays a desperate yearning for God's promises to materialize, mirroring the spiritual posture of [waiting patiently for the Lord](/psalms/27-14 "Psalm 27:14 - Waiting on the Lord"). Secondly, it underscores **Suffering and Affliction**, as the direct plea, "When wilt thou comfort me?", unequivocally indicates a state of distress, sorrow, or persecution, seeking solace that only God can provide. Thirdly, despite the suffering, the psalmist's unwavering focus on "thy word" highlights **Hope in God's Word** as his ultimate anchor. This signifies that his hope is not in fleeting circumstances or human aid, but entirely in God's reliable promises and immutable character, even when fulfillment seems distant. Finally, the core request for **Divine Comfort** is not merely emotional solace but often refers to God's active intervention, strength, and deliverance from affliction, as seen in [God's comfort in all our tribulation](/2_corinthians/1-4 "2 Corinthians 1:4 - God's Comfort in Tribulation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Eyes (Hebrew, _ʻayin'_):** The Hebrew word עַיִן (*ʻayin*) refers literally to the physical organ of sight, but here, it is used figuratively to represent the psalmist's entire being, his perception, and his intense focus. The "failing" of the eyes signifies a profound physical and emotional exhaustion, a pining away caused by the prolonged and intense waiting for God's promised intervention. It conveys a state where hope has been stretched to its limits, yet it remains fixed on God's reliable "word."
* **Fail (Hebrew, _kâlâh'_):** The Hebrew word כָּלָה (*kâlâh*) is a powerful verb meaning "to be completed," "to be consumed," "to pine away," "to come to an end," or "to be utterly spent." When applied to the eyes, as here, it signifies not merely tiredness but an extreme state of exhaustion, a wasting away from intense longing and prolonged waiting. It conveys a sense of being utterly worn out, physically and emotionally, by the fervent expectation of God's promised intervention. The psalmist's very being is consumed by this desperate hope.
* **Word (Hebrew, _ʼimrâh'_):** The Hebrew word אִמְרָה (*ʼimrâh*) is multifaceted and central to Psalm 119. It encompasses God's spoken word, His revealed law, His commandments, His decrees, and, crucially in this context, His promises. The psalmist's eyes "fail for thy word" because he is waiting for the *fulfillment* of God's promises, the manifestation of God's divine will and redemptive action in his life. It is the dependable, life-giving revelation of God that the psalmist clings to, the foundation of his enduring hope.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Mine eyes fail for thy word":** This clause vividly portrays the psalmist's profound and agonizing longing. The "failing" of the eyes is a **metaphor** for extreme physical and emotional exhaustion, a pining away caused by the prolonged and intense waiting for God's promised intervention. It speaks to a state where hope has been stretched to its limits, yet it remains fixed on God's reliable "word"—His promises of salvation, deliverance, and justice. The psalmist has gazed so long and so intently into the horizon of God's promises that his physical sight, and by extension his entire being, is depleted.
* **"saying, When wilt thou comfort me?":** This second clause is a direct, desperate plea, articulating the specific nature of the psalmist's longing. The "eyes saying" is a **personification**, attributing human speech to a physical organ, emphasizing the depth and urgency of the internal cry. The question "When wilt thou comfort me?" is a **rhetorical question** born of pain and weariness, not necessarily of doubt. It expresses a fervent desire for God's timing to align with the psalmist's urgent need, a plea for active divine solace, relief from affliction, and the fulfillment of the very "word" for which his eyes fail. It underscores the tension between God's sovereign timing and human suffering.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 119:82 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the psalmist's deep anguish and unwavering hope. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically in the phrase "Mine eyes fail for thy word." The physical failing of the eyes serves as a potent image for the psalmist's utter exhaustion, despair, and the consuming nature of his longing for God's promises to manifest. It's not literal blindness, but a spiritual and emotional depletion that affects his entire being. Closely related is **Personification**, as the psalmist's "eyes" are depicted as "saying" the question, "When wilt thou comfort me?" This imbues a physical part of the body with the capacity for speech, emphasizing the depth and urgency of the psalmist's internal cry, making the longing palpable and immediate. Finally, the question "When wilt thou comfort me?" functions as a **Rhetorical Question**. While it demands an answer, its primary purpose is not to elicit information but to express the psalmist's intense suffering, his desperate plea for divine intervention, and his continued, albeit strained, hope in God's faithfulness despite the delay. It highlights the profound tension between human suffering and divine timing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully encapsulates the human experience of waiting on God amidst suffering, a recurring theme throughout Scripture. It highlights the tension between God's certain promises and their delayed fulfillment in the believer's experience. The psalmist's unwavering focus on God's "word" even as his physical being wastes away underscores the theological truth that true hope is anchored not in fleeting circumstances or immediate relief, but in the immutable character and dependable promises of God. This profound longing for divine comfort in distress reflects a deep understanding that only God can truly satisfy the soul's deepest needs and bring ultimate deliverance. It also implicitly affirms God's sovereignty over time, even as the psalmist pleads for His intervention, acknowledging that God's timing, though often mysterious, is perfect. The integrity of God's Word, His faithfulness to fulfill it, and His compassionate nature are the bedrock of the psalmist's desperate yet enduring hope.

* [Romans 8:25](/romans/8-25 "Hope in What We Do Not See")
* [Hebrews 10:36](/hebrews/10-36 "Perseverance and Receiving the Promise")
* [Isaiah 40:31](/isaiah/40-31 "Waiting on the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 119:82 offers a profound mirror for anyone navigating a season of prolonged difficulty, unanswered prayer, or spiritual dryness. It validates the raw, honest expression of weariness and desperation before God, reminding us that it is permissible, even necessary, to voice our deepest longings and frustrations without losing faith. The psalmist's "failing eyes" speak to the exhaustion that comes from waiting, the emotional and spiritual toll of hope deferred. Yet, crucially, his gaze remains fixed on "thy word." This challenges us to anchor our hope not in the immediate manifestation of our desires, but in the unchanging reliability of God's promises and His character as revealed in Scripture. In our own seasons of waiting, this verse calls us to persistent prayer, to patiently endure, and to continually re-center our trust on the truth that God is faithful, He hears our cries, and His comfort will come, even if His timing differs from our own. It encourages us to cultivate a resilient faith that clings to the Word even when our strength fails, knowing that our ultimate hope is secure in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are your "eyes failing" from prolonged waiting or unfulfilled hopes?**
* **How does the psalmist's cry, "When wilt thou comfort me?", resonate with your own prayers during times of distress?**
* **What specific "word" or promise of God are you clinging to when your strength and patience are depleted?**
* **How can you maintain your focus on God's Word when the immediate circumstances seem to contradict His promises?**

### FAQ
**Does the psalmist's question "When wilt thou comfort me?" indicate a lack of faith or doubt in God?**

Answer: No, the psalmist's question does not necessarily indicate a lack of faith or doubt. Rather, it is a deeply human and honest expression of profound longing, weariness, and distress. In the context of the Psalms, such direct questions to God, often framed as laments, are common and reflect a robust, intimate relationship with the Divine. The psalmist is not questioning God's ability or faithfulness, but rather the *timing* of His intervention. His eyes "failing for thy word" demonstrates an *unwavering* focus on God's promises, even in the midst of suffering. It's a plea for God to act, born out of a desperate need for the comfort that only God can provide, not a sign of disbelief in His power or willingness. It is an act of persistent prayer, echoing the plea of the suffering, "How long, O Lord?" ([Psalm 13:1](/psalms/13-1 "Psalm 13:1 - How Long, O Lord?")).

**How can I apply this verse when I feel completely exhausted by waiting on God?**

Answer: When you feel completely exhausted by waiting, Psalm 119:82 offers several profound applications. First, it validates your experience; the psalmist's "failing eyes" show that such weariness is a normal part of the human spiritual journey. It gives you permission to be honest with God about your exhaustion and your longing. Second, it redirects your focus: despite his failing eyes, the psalmist's gaze remains fixed on "thy word." This encourages you to immerse yourself in Scripture, reminding yourself of God's unchanging character and His unfailing promises. Even when you cannot see the way forward, God's Word is a lamp to your feet and a light to your path ([Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - Your Word is a Lamp")). Third, it encourages persistent, heartfelt prayer. The psalmist's cry, "When wilt thou comfort me?", is a model of continuing to bring your deepest needs and frustrations before God, trusting that He hears and will respond in His perfect timing, even if it's not yours. Remember that God is the "God of all comfort" ([2 Corinthians 1:3](/2_corinthians/1-3 "2 Corinthians 1:3 - God of All Comfort")), and He understands your plight.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound longing and desperate cry of the psalmist in Psalms 119:82 find their ultimate fulfillment and deepest resonance in Jesus Christ. He is the very "Word" (Logos) of God made flesh, through whom all of God's promises are ultimately revealed and fulfilled ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")). The psalmist's yearning for divine comfort and the manifestation of God's word foreshadows Christ's own experience of profound suffering and His cries to the Father, particularly in Gethsemane, when He prayed, "Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done" ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")). Jesus, who experienced the depths of human affliction, perfectly embodies the one who waits on God's timing and trusts in the Father's will, even unto death. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ became the ultimate source of comfort, sending the Holy Spirit, the "Comforter," to dwell within believers ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Comforter")). The psalmist's longing for comfort is fully satisfied in Christ, who promises peace in a troubled world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Peace in Christ")) and ultimately, the day when God "will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away" ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears")). Thus, the psalmist's pining eyes look forward to the very comfort and fulfillment that Christ alone provides, both in this life and in the life to come.

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.

Cross-References

Psalms 69:3

I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.

Psalms 119:123

¶ Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness.

Proverbs 13:12

¶ Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but [when] the desire cometh, [it is] a tree of life.

Psalms 86:17

Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see [it], and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me.

Psalms 90:13

Return, O LORD, how long? and let it repent thee concerning thy servants.

Psalms 90:15

Make us glad according to the days [wherein] thou hast afflicted us, [and] the years [wherein] we have seen evil.

Lamentations 2:11

Mine eyes do fail with tears, my bowels are troubled, my liver is poured upon the earth, for the destruction of the daughter of my people; because the children and the sucklings swoon in the streets of the city.