Psalms 141:8

KJV

But mine eyes [are] unto thee, O GOD the Lord: in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute.

KJV (with Strong's)

But mine eyes {H5869} are unto thee, O GOD {H3069} the Lord {H136}: in thee is my trust {H2620}; leave {H6168} not my soul {H5315} destitute {H6168}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For my eyes, ADONAI, Adonai, are on you; in you I take refuge; don't pour out my life.

Berean Standard Bible

But my eyes are fixed on You, O GOD the Lord. In You I seek refuge; do not leave my soul defenseless.

American Standard Version

For mine eyes are unto thee, O Jehovah the Lord: In thee do I take refuge; leave not my soul destitute.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 141:8 is a profound declaration of unwavering faith and absolute dependence on God in a time of intense personal peril and spiritual vulnerability. The psalmist, facing external threats and internal temptations, consciously directs his entire attention and hope towards the Lord, affirming his complete trust in divine intervention. He concludes with an earnest plea not to be abandoned or left spiritually desolate, encapsulating a deep reliance on God as his sole source of protection, sustenance, and deliverance from all forms of destitution.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 141 is a lament and prayer of David, part of the larger collection of Psalms, often categorized as individual laments. It immediately follows Psalm 140, another prayer for deliverance from wicked men, and precedes Psalm 142, a "Maschil of David; A Prayer when he was in the cave." The psalm begins with an urgent cry for God to hear his prayer (v. 1-2), followed by petitions for divine restraint over his words and heart, lest he be tempted to join the wicked or partake in their evil deeds (v. 3-4). David expresses his desire for righteous correction rather than the flattery of the wicked (v. 5) and describes the downfall of his enemies (v. 6-7). Verse 8 marks a pivotal turn, shifting from the description of his predicament and his internal struggles to a direct, confident declaration of his absolute trust in God, serving as the foundation for his concluding plea for rescue from the snares of the wicked (v. 9-10). This verse acts as the spiritual anchor of the psalm, grounding David's hope amidst chaos.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Attributed to David, Psalm 141 likely originates from a period of significant personal danger, possibly during his flight from King Saul or during Absalom's rebellion. In ancient Israel, kings and leaders, though divinely appointed, often faced conspiracies, betrayals, and military threats. The "wicked" mentioned throughout the psalm could refer to specific enemies, treacherous advisors, or a general class of unrighteous individuals who sought David's downfall. Culturally, the concept of a "refuge" or "stronghold" was vital for survival in a land prone to conflict and where justice was often administered by powerful figures. David's plea reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of a patron-client relationship with deity, where the worshiper sought protection and provision from their divine patron, in exchange for loyalty and obedience. The "soul" (Hebrew *nephesh*) in this context encompasses the entire being—mind, will, emotions, and life itself—underscoring the comprehensive nature of David's vulnerability and his comprehensive need for God's sustaining presence.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent in the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Absolute Dependence on God**, portraying a posture where all human avenues of help are deemed insufficient, and the gaze is fixed solely on the Divine. This resonates with the declaration in [Psalm 121:1-2](/psalms/121-1 "Psalm 121:1-2 - My Help Comes from the Lord"), where the psalmist lifts his eyes to the hills, acknowledging that help comes only from the Lord. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Unwavering Trust Amidst Adversity**, demonstrating that genuine faith is not merely intellectual assent but an active, confident reliance on God's character and power, even when circumstances are dire. This trust is the bedrock of the believer's resilience, as seen throughout the narratives of faithful individuals who relied on God in impossible situations (e.g., [Daniel 3](/daniel/3 "Daniel 3 - The Fiery Furnace")). Thirdly, the plea "leave not my soul destitute" speaks to the profound human fear of **Spiritual and Existential Abandonment**. It reveals a deep awareness that true destitution is not merely physical poverty but a state of being utterly without God's sustaining presence, a theme echoed in the lamentations of those who feel forsaken by God (e.g., [Psalm 22:1](/psalms/22-1 "Psalm 22:1 - My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me?")). Finally, the address "O GOD the Lord" emphasizes **God's Sovereign Authority and Covenant Faithfulness**, recognizing Him as the ultimate Master and the ever-present, relational God who upholds His promises, a foundational truth for all who place their hope in Him (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:9](/deuteronomy/7-9 "Deuteronomy 7:9 - God's Faithfulness to His Covenant")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **eyes (Hebrew, _ʻayin'_):** This word, often meaning "eye" literally, also carries figurative senses such as "outward appearance," "sight," "presence," or "knowledge." In this context, "mine eyes are unto thee" signifies a deliberate and complete turning of one's attention, expectation, and focus towards God. It implies looking to God as the sole source of help, guidance, and deliverance, a posture of hopeful anticipation and unwavering vigilance.
* **trust (Hebrew, _châçâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to flee for protection" or "to confide in." It conveys the idea of seeking refuge or shelter, and by extension, placing one's confident reliance upon something or someone. Here, it denotes an active, confident faith where the psalmist takes refuge in God, believing wholeheartedly in His ability and willingness to protect and deliver. It is more than passive hope; it is an intentional act of leaning on God.
* **destitute (Hebrew, _ʻârâh'_):** This primitive root means "to be (causatively, make) bare," "to empty," "pour out," or "demolish." When used in the context of "leave not my soul destitute," it vividly expresses the fear of being left stripped bare, exposed, helpless, or utterly without aid and resources. It implies a state of desolation, vulnerability, and spiritual emptiness, highlighting the psalmist's profound need for God's active presence and sustaining power to prevent such a devastating outcome.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But mine eyes [are] unto thee, O GOD the Lord:"** This opening clause marks a decisive turning point. "But" indicates a contrast with the preceding verses, where David describes his perilous situation and the snares of the wicked. His "eyes" (representing his focus, hope, and expectation) are not on his enemies or his problems, but singularly "unto thee, O GOD the Lord." This address uses both "YHWH" (God, H3069) and "Adonai" (Lord, H136), emphasizing God's covenant faithfulness and His absolute sovereignty as the Master of all. It is a declaration of intentional, unwavering focus on the divine.
* **"in thee is my trust;"** This phrase articulates the foundation of the psalmist's focused gaze. His trust (Hebrew *châçâh*) is not merely intellectual assent but a profound, active reliance and taking refuge in God. It signifies a confident expectation that God will act on his behalf, rooted in God's character and past faithfulness. This trust is comprehensive, encompassing his entire being and situation.
* **"leave not my soul destitute."** This is the heartfelt plea that flows directly from the preceding declaration of trust. "My soul" (Hebrew *nephesh*) refers to his entire being—his life, his inner self, his vitality. To be left "destitute" (Hebrew *ʻârâh*) means to be left bare, empty, exposed, or utterly helpless. David fears not just physical abandonment but spiritual and existential desolation, a state of being without God's sustaining presence and protection. It is a desperate cry for God's active intervention to preserve his life and spirit from utter ruin.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 141:8 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The phrase "mine eyes [are] unto thee" is a powerful **Metaphor** for complete focus, expectation, and reliance. It visually represents the psalmist's entire being directed towards God, illustrating a spiritual posture of unwavering attention and hope. The direct address, "O GOD the Lord," is an instance of **Apostrophe**, where the speaker directly addresses a divine being, emphasizing the personal and intimate nature of the prayer. The concluding petition, "leave not my soul destitute," uses **Personification** by attributing vulnerability and the capacity for destitution to the "soul," which represents the psalmist's entire inner being. This imbues the plea with emotional depth and urgency. Furthermore, the verse exhibits a form of **Parallelism**, where the declaration of trust ("in thee is my trust") logically undergirds the subsequent plea ("leave not my soul destitute"), creating a cause-and-effect relationship between faith and petition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 141:8 stands as a timeless testament to the believer's posture in times of distress: a conscious, deliberate turning away from the chaos of circumstances and an unwavering focus on God alone. This verse underscores the biblical truth that true security and deliverance are found not in human strength or worldly solutions, but solely in the divine. It highlights the profound theological concept of *theocentricity*—God as the center of all hope and trust—and the essential nature of active faith as a refuge. The psalmist's fear of being left "destitute" speaks to the universal human need for divine sustenance and the terror of spiritual abandonment, emphasizing God's role as the ultimate provider and preserver of life and spirit. This plea is not a sign of weak faith, but rather a profound acknowledgment of human limitation and God's boundless power and faithfulness.

* [Psalm 25:15](/psalms/25-15 "Psalm 25:15 - My Eyes Are Ever Toward the Lord")
* [Psalm 62:8](/psalms/62-8 "Psalm 62:8 - Trust in Him at All Times")
* [Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - God Will Never Leave You Nor Forsake You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 141:8 offers a powerful spiritual discipline for believers navigating life's inevitable storms. It calls us to consciously redirect our internal gaze from overwhelming problems, tempting distractions, or the allure of worldly solutions, and instead fix our attention entirely on God. This act of "lifting our eyes" is not passive resignation but an active, intentional choice to place our hope and expectation in the One who is sovereign over all circumstances. When we declare, "in thee is my trust," we are not merely stating a theological fact but actively confessing our reliance, strengthening our own faith, and reminding ourselves of God's unchanging character and limitless power. This verse also provides a model for fervent prayer, urging us to articulate our deepest fears—the fear of spiritual emptiness, desolation, or abandonment—and to boldly ask God to sustain us, fill us, and never leave us truly destitute in spirit or in life. In doing so, we acknowledge our complete dependence on His grace and reaffirm His role as our ultimate refuge and source of all good things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life are your "eyes" currently fixed, and how might you intentionally redirect them towards God?**
* **What does it practically mean for you to place your "trust" in God, especially when circumstances seem to contradict His promises?**
* **What does "destitute" mean to you in a spiritual or emotional sense, and how can you pray this verse over those fears?**
* **How does remembering God as "O GOD the Lord" (Sovereign and Covenant-keeping) strengthen your ability to trust Him fully?**

### FAQ
**Why does David emphasize his "eyes" being on God?**

Answer: David emphasizes his "eyes" being on God to signify a complete and intentional redirection of his entire being—his attention, focus, expectation, and hope—away from his perilous circumstances and towards the divine. In ancient thought, the "eye" was often seen as the window to the soul, representing perception, understanding, and intention. By declaring his eyes are "unto thee," David expresses a deliberate act of faith and dependence, acknowledging that true help and deliverance can only come from God. It's a posture of unwavering vigilance and confident anticipation of God's intervention, as seen in other passages like [Psalm 123:2](/psalms/123-2 "Psalm 123:2 - Our Eyes Look to the Lord").

**What does it mean for a "soul" to be "destitute" in this context?**

Answer: For David's "soul" (Hebrew *nephesh*, representing his entire inner being, life, and vitality) to be "destitute" (Hebrew *ʻârâh*, meaning bare, empty, exposed, or helpless) implies a profound state of spiritual, emotional, and existential abandonment. It's not just about physical poverty or lack, but about being left utterly without divine aid, comfort, or sustenance. David fears being stripped of God's protecting presence, leaving him vulnerable to his enemies and inner despair. This plea highlights the deep human need for God's constant presence and sustaining power to prevent spiritual barrenness and desolation, a condition far more terrifying than physical hardship.

**How does this Psalm relate to trusting God in modern times?**

Answer: Psalms 141:8 provides a timeless model for faith and prayer applicable to modern believers. In a world filled with distractions, anxieties, and temptations, the verse calls us to consciously fix our spiritual gaze on God, rather than on our problems or worldly solutions. It encourages an active declaration of trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, reminding us that He is our ultimate refuge. Furthermore, it prompts us to pray against spiritual destitution—the feeling of emptiness, despair, or abandonment—and to rely on God's Holy Spirit to fill and sustain us, ensuring we are never truly left without His presence and provision, no matter the external circumstances. It reinforces the truth that our ultimate hope and security are found in God alone, a truth as relevant today as it was for David.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 141:8, with its heartfelt plea for divine focus and protection from destitution, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David's cry, "But mine eyes are unto thee, O GOD the Lord: in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute," foreshadows the perfect trust and dependence exemplified by Christ, who always fixed His gaze upon the Father, even unto death on the cross (cf. [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking Unto Jesus")). More significantly, it points to Christ as the definitive answer to humanity's deepest fear of spiritual destitution. Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus became "poor" that we, through His poverty, might become "rich" (cf. [2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")), rescuing our souls from the barrenness of sin and separation from God. He is the Good Shepherd who promises never to abandon His sheep, ensuring that those who trust in Him will never be left desolate or without hope (cf. [John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - No One Can Snatch Them Out of My Hand")). In Christ, we are not merely preserved from destitution; we are filled with "all the fullness of God" (cf. [Ephesians 3:19](/ephesians/3-19 "Ephesians 3:19 - Filled with All the Fullness of God")) and have an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading (cf. [1 Peter 1:4](/1-peter/1-4 "1 Peter 1:4 - An Inheritance Imperishable")). Thus, David's ancient prayer becomes a vibrant reality for all who are in Christ, the one in whom all our trust is perfectly placed, and by whom our souls are eternally sustained and never left destitute.

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 123:1

¶ A Song of degrees. Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens.

Psalms 123:2

Behold, as the eyes of servants [look] unto the hand of their masters, [and] as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes [wait] upon the LORD our God, until that he have mercy upon us.

2 Chronicles 20:12

O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes [are] upon thee.

Isaiah 41:17

[When] the poor and needy seek water, and [there is] none, [and] their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them.

Psalms 102:17

He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer.

Psalms 25:15

¶ Mine eyes [are] ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.

Psalms 25:17

The troubles of my heart are enlarged: [O] bring thou me out of my distresses.