Psalms 13:3

KJV

Consider [and] hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the [sleep of] death;

KJV (with Strong's)

Consider {H5027} and hear {H6030} me, O LORD {H3068} my God {H430}: lighten {H215} mine eyes {H5869}, lest I sleep {H3462} the sleep of death {H4194};

Complete Jewish Bible

Look, and answer me, ADONAI my God! Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death.

Berean Standard Bible

Consider me and respond, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, lest I sleep in death,

American Standard Version

Considerand answer me, O Jehovah my God: Lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 13:3 presents a profound and urgent plea from the psalmist to God, expressing a desperate need for divine attention and intervention. In the midst of overwhelming despair and the oppressive presence of enemies, the psalmist fears both spiritual and physical demise, crying out for God to restore vitality, hope, and clarity, lest he succumb to the ultimate darkness of death and utter hopelessness. This verse encapsulates the raw honesty of lament, moving from a profound sense of abandonment to an earnest petition for life-sustaining light.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 13 is a classic example of a lament psalm, structured in a typical progression from distress to trust and praise. Verse 3 falls within the initial, intense cry of anguish (verses 1-2). The psalmist begins by questioning God's apparent forgetfulness and hiddenness, asking, "How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?" This feeling of abandonment is compounded by internal sorrow and external enemy oppression, as he laments, "How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?" The psalmist's profound distress is evident in these opening lines of [Psalm 13:1-2](/psalms/13-1-2 "Psalm 13:1-2 - The Psalmist's Lament"). Verse 3 escalates this desperation, moving from a lament about the *duration* of suffering to an urgent plea for God to act *before* a final, irreversible catastrophe—the "sleep of death"—occurs. It is a pivotal point, transitioning the psalmist's focus from merely expressing pain to actively seeking divine intervention, setting the stage for the turn to trust later in the psalm.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While traditionally attributed to David, the specific historical circumstances of Psalm 13 are not explicitly stated, allowing for a universal application of its themes of suffering and hope. However, the language reflects situations common to ancient Israelite leaders or individuals facing severe personal illness, intense persecution, or profound spiritual darkness. In the ancient Near East, a king's or individual's well-being was often seen as directly tied to divine favor. To have God "hide His face" (as in [Psalm 13:1](/psalms/13-1 "Psalm 13:1 - God's Hidden Face")) or not "lighten one's eyes" was tantamount to divine disfavor or abandonment, leading to a loss of vitality and vulnerability to enemies. The concept of "sleep" as a metaphor for death was widespread in the ancient world, signifying a cessation of life's activities. The plea for God to "lighten mine eyes" also resonates with a culture where light symbolized life, prosperity, knowledge, and divine presence, while darkness represented death, chaos, ignorance, and divine absence.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Psalms and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Urgent Plea for Divine Attention**, highlighting the psalmist's desperate conviction that God's active consideration and hearing are essential for survival. The dual imperative "Consider and hear me" (or "Look and answer me") demonstrates a belief that God's engagement is synonymous with salvation and restoration. Secondly, the phrase "lighten mine eyes" introduces the theme of **Request for Spiritual and Physical Revival**. This is a rich metaphor for renewed hope, spiritual understanding, vitality, and even physical healing. Eyes that are "lightened" are those that see clearly, are full of life, and not dimmed by sorrow or despair; it is a prayer for God to infuse life and clarity into a spirit dimmed by suffering, much like Jonathan's eyes were "lightened" after eating, signifying renewed strength and awareness in [1 Samuel 14:27](/1_samuel/14-27 "1 Samuel 14:27 - Jonathan's Eyes Lightened"). Finally, the stark warning "lest I sleep the sleep of death" reveals the profound **Fear of Death and Despair**. This "sleep" is a common biblical idiom for physical death, but in this context, it also carries the weight of spiritual death or a complete loss of hope and connection with God, which can feel like an end to life itself. The psalmist fears being utterly consumed by his troubles, emphasizing the critical need for God's swift response to prevent utter collapse.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Consider (Hebrew, _nâbaṭ'_):** This word (H5027) signifies an intentional, focused gaze—to "look intently at" or "scan." More profoundly, it implies a compassionate regard, a looking upon with "pleasure, favor, or care." The psalmist is not merely asking for a casual acknowledgement but for God to deeply consider his desperate plight, actively engaging with his suffering and responding with divine favor and concern.
* **Lighten (Hebrew, _ʼôwr'_):** From the root meaning "to be luminous" or "to shine" (H215), this verb, when applied to the eyes, denotes the act of making them bright or clear. This is understood both literally, as restoring physical vitality, and metaphorically, as bringing forth spiritual illumination, renewed hope, and the restoration of life-giving energy. Just as light dispels darkness, God's "lightening" of the eyes signifies the removal of despair, confusion, and the dimness of suffering, bringing clarity and a sense of God's glorious presence.
* **Sleep (Hebrew, _yâshên'_):** This primitive root (H3462) primarily means "to be slack or languid," which by implication leads to "sleep." Figuratively, it is used to mean "to die." In this verse, "sleep" functions as a profound idiom for death, specifically the "sleep of death" (H4194). It represents not merely a cessation of consciousness but a dreaded, permanent state of lifelessness and hopelessness, from which the psalmist fears he cannot awaken without divine intervention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Consider [and] hear me, O LORD my God":** This opening clause is a dual imperative, a fervent and direct address to God. "Consider" (or "look") implores God to fix His gaze upon the psalmist's suffering, to acknowledge his desperate state. "Hear me" is a plea for God to listen and respond to his cry. The personal address, "O LORD my God," emphasizes a covenantal relationship, appealing to God's faithfulness and power as the psalmist's personal deity, even in the midst of feeling abandoned. It reflects a deep-seated trust that despite appearances, God remains his God.
* **"lighten mine eyes":** This is a powerful and multi-layered metaphor. Physically, it could refer to restoring strength or health (as in the example of Jonathan in [1 Samuel 14:27](/1_samuel/14-27 "1 Samuel 14:27 - Jonathan's Eyes Lightened")), dispelling the dimness that often accompanies illness or exhaustion. Spiritually, it signifies a request for renewed hope, understanding, and spiritual vitality. When one's "eyes are dim," it can mean a loss of vision, despair, or even a sense of impending death. The psalmist asks God to infuse him with life, clarity, and the ability to see God's presence and deliverance once more. It's a prayer for inner illumination and renewed purpose.
* **"lest I sleep the [sleep of] death":** This clause states the dire consequence the psalmist seeks to avert. The "sleep of death" is a common biblical idiom for physical death, but in this lament, it also carries the weight of utter despair, spiritual lifelessness, and complete separation from God's active presence. The psalmist fears not just the cessation of biological life but also the loss of all hope, the triumph of his enemies, and the ultimate silence of God. It highlights the urgency of his plea: without God's intervention, the psalmist faces an irreversible descent into oblivion.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent message. **Metaphor** is central, particularly in "lighten mine eyes" and "sleep of death." "Lighten mine eyes" is a vivid **metaphor** for the restoration of vitality, hope, and spiritual insight, drawing on the universal association of light with life and understanding. Conversely, "sleep of death" is a common **euphemism** and **metaphor** for physical death, but here it also functions as a powerful symbol of utter despair and spiritual annihilation, emphasizing the finality and hopelessness the psalmist fears. The opening phrase, "Consider [and] hear me," utilizes **imperative mood** and a form of **parallelism** (though not strict synonymous parallelism) to intensify the plea, demonstrating the psalmist's desperate and direct address to God. The structure of the verse, moving from a direct petition to a stated consequence ("lest I..."), creates a sense of **urgency** and **dramatic tension**, highlighting the critical nature of God's immediate response. The entire verse is an example of **supplication** within the broader **lament genre**, characterized by an honest outpouring of distress and a direct appeal for divine intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 13:3 stands as a profound testament to the human experience of profound spiritual and physical distress, yet it simultaneously affirms a deep-seated faith in God's ability and willingness to intervene. The psalmist's cry for God to "lighten mine eyes" resonates with the biblical emphasis on God as the source of all life and light, the one who dispels darkness and brings forth renewal. It underscores the theological truth that true vitality, hope, and clear spiritual perception are gifts from God, not something we can generate on our own. Furthermore, the fear of the "sleep of death" highlights the ancient understanding of death as a profound separation, emphasizing the preciousness of life and the desperate need for God's sustaining presence to avert both physical demise and spiritual despair. This verse serves as a model for honest, desperate prayer, affirming that God invites our rawest emotions and deepest fears into His presence.

* [Psalm 6:4](/psalms/6-4 "Psalm 6:4 - Deliver My Soul")
* [Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - Your Word Is a Lamp")
* [Ephesians 1:18](/ephesians/1-18 "Ephesians 1:18 - Eyes of Understanding Enlightened")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 13:3 offers a timeless template for navigating moments of profound darkness and despair. It teaches us that authentic faith does not shy away from expressing raw fear or feeling forgotten by God. Instead, it courageously brings these deepest anxieties directly to the Lord, trusting in His character as the Hearer and Giver of life. When we feel overwhelmed, our spiritual vision dimmed by sorrow, or our hope flickering, we can echo the psalmist's plea, asking God to "lighten our eyes." This is a prayer for renewed perspective, for the spiritual clarity to see God's hand at work even in the shadows, and for the infusion of His life-giving Spirit to dispel the "sleep" of despair that threatens to consume us. It reminds us that our prayers are not just petitions but lifelines, connecting us to the sustaining grace and illuminating presence of God, who alone can restore our souls and prevent us from succumbing to the darkness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I feel my "eyes" have grown dim, and what might it look like for God to "lighten" them?**
* **How honest am I with God about my deepest fears and feelings of despair, and what holds me back from expressing them fully?**
* **How does the psalmist's fear of the "sleep of death" inform my understanding of the spiritual dangers of prolonged despair or feeling disconnected from God?**

### FAQ

**What does 'lighten mine eyes' truly mean in this context?**

Answer: "Lighten mine eyes" is a rich Hebrew idiom with multiple layers of meaning, moving beyond mere physical sight. Primarily, it signifies the restoration of vitality, hope, and spiritual understanding. In ancient Israel, "light" was synonymous with life, well-being, prosperity, and divine favor, while "darkness" represented death, sorrow, and divine absence. When the psalmist asks God to "lighten his eyes," he is praying for a renewal of life force, a dispelling of the gloom of despair, and the ability to see God's presence and deliverance clearly once more. It's a plea for God to infuse him with spiritual clarity, joy, and the strength to endure, preventing him from succumbing to the "sleep of death" (physical and spiritual demise). This concept is echoed in passages like [1 Samuel 14:27](/1_samuel/14-27 "1 Samuel 14:27 - Jonathan's Eyes Lightened"), where Jonathan's eyes are "lightened" after eating, signifying renewed strength and awareness, and in [Ephesians 1:18](/ephesians/1-18 "Ephesians 1:18 - Eyes of Understanding Enlightened"), where Paul prays for the "eyes of your understanding being enlightened."

**Is 'sleep of death' only about physical death, or something more?**

Answer: While "sleep of death" is a common biblical idiom for physical death (e.g., [John 11:11](/john/11-11 "John 11:11 - Jesus Raises Lazarus") where Jesus refers to Lazarus's death as sleep), in the context of Psalms 13:3, it carries a broader and deeper meaning. The psalmist's lament is not solely about the cessation of biological life. It also encompasses the profound fear of utter despair, spiritual lifelessness, and a complete loss of hope and connection with God. To "sleep the sleep of death" in this psalm implies a state where the psalmist's enemies triumph, God's face remains hidden, and all vitality—physical, emotional, and spiritual—is extinguished. It's a fear of being utterly consumed by his troubles, falling into a state of hopelessness from which there is no waking, a spiritual death that feels as final and devastating as physical death.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The desperate plea of the psalmist in Psalms 13:3 finds its ultimate fulfillment and answer in Jesus Christ. The psalmist cries out for God to "lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death," a plea for life, light, and deliverance from the power of darkness and despair. Jesus, the true [Light of the World](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, Light of the World"), perfectly embodies God's response to this cry. He came into a world darkened by sin and death, offering not just physical sight but profound spiritual illumination, enabling those who were spiritually blind to [see the glory of God](/john/1-4-5 "John 1:4-5 - Life and Light"). Furthermore, Jesus Himself experienced the depths of human lament and the feeling of abandonment, crying out ["My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction") on the cross, taking upon Himself the very "sleep of death" that the psalmist feared. Yet, unlike the psalmist's potential fate, Jesus' "sleep" in death was not final. His resurrection decisively conquered the power of death, becoming the [firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep](/1_corinthians/15-20-22 "1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ, Firstfruits of Resurrection"), offering eternal life to all who believe. Through Christ, our "eyes" are truly "lightened," not merely from temporary despair but from the eternal darkness of sin and spiritual death, bringing us from a state of being [dead in trespasses and sins](/ephesians/2-1-5 "Ephesians 2:1-5 - Made Alive in Christ") into the glorious light of God's grace and life.

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

Ezra 9:8

And now for a little space grace hath been [shewed] from the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail in his holy place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage.

Psalms 18:28

For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.

Jeremiah 51:39

In their heat I will make their feasts, and I will make them drunken, that they may rejoice, and sleep a perpetual sleep, and not wake, saith the LORD.

Psalms 5:1

¶ To the chief Musician upon Nehiloth, A Psalm of David. Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation.

1 Samuel 14:27

But Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people with the oath: wherefore he put forth the end of the rod that [was] in his hand, and dipped it in an honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened.

1 Samuel 14:29

Then said Jonathan, My father hath troubled the land: see, I pray you, how mine eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey.

Lamentations 5:1

¶ Remember, O LORD, what is come upon us: consider, and behold our reproach.