Psalms 142:4

KJV

¶ I looked on [my] right hand, and beheld, but [there was] no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.

KJV (with Strong's)

I looked {H5027} on my right hand {H3225}, and beheld {H7200}, but there was no man that would know {H5234} me: refuge {H4498} failed {H6} me; no man cared {H1875} for my soul {H5315}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Look to my right, and see that no one recognizes me. I have no way of escape; nobody cares for me.

Berean Standard Bible

Look to my right and see; no one attends to me. There is no refuge for me; no one cares for my soul.

American Standard Version

Look onmy right hand, and see; For there is no man that knoweth me: Refuge hath failed me; No man careth for my soul.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 142:4 powerfully articulates King David's profound sense of utter abandonment and isolation during a period of extreme distress, likely while fleeing from King Saul. He describes an earnest search for human aid and solace, only to find none, experiencing a complete failure of external support and a deep lack of empathetic care for his very being. This verse captures the raw anguish of feeling completely alone and underscores the desperate human need for refuge and understanding when all earthly sources of comfort and assistance prove insufficient.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 142 is uniquely designated a "Maskil of David," a contemplative psalm or instruction, and specifically notes it was a prayer "when he was in the cave." This superscription immediately situates the psalm within a narrative of profound personal crisis, vulnerability, and introspection. It follows directly from David's desperate lament in [Psalms 142:1-3](/psalms/142-1-3 "Psalms 142:1-3 - David's Overwhelmed Spirit and Hidden Traps"), where he pours out his complaint before the Lord, acknowledging his overwhelming spirit and the hidden traps laid for him by his enemies. Verse 4 then vividly illustrates the depth of his despair by detailing the complete absence of human help or empathy, setting the stage for his subsequent resolute declaration of God as his sole refuge and portion in [Psalms 142:5](/psalms/142-5 "Psalms 142:5 - God, My Refuge and Portion"). The psalm thus functions as a critical pivot point, moving from a desperate cry of human failure and isolation to a profound declaration of unwavering divine reliance, a common trajectory found throughout the [Psalms](/psalms/1 "The Book of Psalms").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The superscription "when he was in the cave" points to a specific and harrowing period in David's life as a fugitive, most likely referring to his time in the [cave of Adullam](/1_samuel/22-1-2 "1 Samuel 22:1-2 - David in the Cave of Adullam") or the [cave of Engedi](/1_samuel/24-1-3 "1 Samuel 24:1-3 - David Spares Saul in the Cave of Engedi"). During this era, David was relentlessly pursued by King Saul, who viewed him as a direct threat to his throne. David was effectively cut off from his family, his people, and the established religious and political structures of Israel. He was a hunted man, living in desolate wilderness areas, often with only a small band of loyal followers who themselves were distressed and indebted. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the "right hand" (as mentioned in the verse) was symbolically the place of strength, support, counsel, or a trusted ally. The absence of anyone on his "right hand" underscored his extreme vulnerability, isolation, and the profound danger he faced, making his situation one of not only physical peril but also deep psychological and emotional distress.

* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several major themes prevalent not only in the Psalms but also throughout the broader biblical narrative of suffering and divine faithfulness. It highlights the **profound isolation and loneliness** that can afflict even God's chosen servants, emphasizing that human support systems, no matter how strong, are ultimately fallible and limited. The poignant phrase "refuge failed me" underscores the **failure of human assistance** and the inherent limitations of relying on others in times of ultimate crisis, pointing to the transient nature of earthly security. Furthermore, "no man cared for my soul" speaks to a deep sense of **neglect for one's deepest being**, encompassing one's life, emotions, spiritual well-being, and very identity. This experience of utter human inadequacy and abandonment serves as a powerful catalyst, driving David to the profound realization that only God can provide true and lasting refuge and care, a foundational theme that resonates throughout the entire book of [Psalms](/psalms/1 "The Book of Psalms - A Book of Prayer and Praise"). It vividly illustrates the biblical pattern where human despair and the collapse of earthly hopes often precede a profound and unwavering turning to divine faithfulness and sufficiency, as seen in David's ultimate trust in the Lord in [Psalms 142:5](/psalms/142-5 "Psalms 142:5 - God, My Refuge and Portion").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **looked (Hebrew, _nâbaṭ'_):** From H5027, this primitive root means "to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care." David's "looking" was not a casual glance but an earnest, searching gaze, indicating a desperate and hopeful search for help, recognition, or a sign of support. The failure to find anyone who would "know" him amplifies the tragedy of his intense scrutiny yielding no positive result, highlighting his deep need for someone to truly see his plight.
* **know (Hebrew, _nâkar'_):** From H5234, this primitive root properly means "to scrutinize, i.e., look intently at; hence (with recognition implied), to acknowledge, be acquainted with, care for, respect, revere, or (with suspicion implied), to disregard, ignore, be strange toward, reject." In this context, David laments that no one would "know" him in the sense of acknowledging his plight, offering empathy, or providing the care and respect due to him. It implies a profound lack of genuine, empathetic understanding and recognition of his desperate state, a feeling of being utterly unseen and unacknowledged in his deepest suffering.
* **cared (Hebrew, _dârash'_):** From H1875, this primitive root properly means "to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship." In this verse, it signifies a lack of active seeking after, inquiring about, or diligently caring for David's well-being. The absence of anyone to "care for my soul" means no one was actively pursuing his welfare, inquiring into his needs, or showing genuine, proactive concern for his life, vitality, or emotional state. It speaks to a complete void of solicitous attention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I looked on [my] right hand, and beheld":** David describes a deliberate, intense, and hopeful searching action. The "right hand" was traditionally the place of a supporter, a trusted counselor, or a defender, indicating where one would expect to find aid or alliance. His intense gaze, implied by the parallel verbs "looked" (_nâbaṭ_) and "beheld" (_râʼâh_), indicates a desperate and thorough search for someone to stand by him, offer assistance, or provide counsel in his dire time of need.
* **"but [there was] no man that would know me":** Despite his earnest and hopeful search, David found no one who would acknowledge him in a meaningful, empathetic, or supportive way. This "knowing" (_nâkar_) extends beyond mere recognition; it implies a profound lack of understanding, compassion, or willingness to engage with his suffering. He felt unseen in his distress, unacknowledged in his pain, and unrecognized in his true identity and desperate need.
* **"refuge failed me":** This clause highlights the complete collapse of any potential source of safety, protection, or escape. The word "refuge" (H4498, _mânôwç_) denotes a place of retreat or escape from danger. David found no haven, no safe place, and no one to offer him shelter or security. All human avenues of escape, protection, or solace had vanished, leaving him utterly exposed and vulnerable.
* **"no man cared for my soul":** This is the deepest and most poignant expression of his abandonment. "Soul" (H5315, _nephesh_) here refers to his very being—his life, his inner self, his emotions, his vitality, and his deepest needs. David felt that no one had any genuine concern or active interest in his well-being, his survival, or his deepest spiritual and emotional needs. He was utterly alone, with no one to seek his good, inquire about his state, or offer true solace.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 142:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey David's profound distress and the depth of his isolation. The use of **Personification** is evident in the phrase "refuge failed me," as "refuge," an abstract concept representing safety and protection, is given the human capacity to fail or abandon. This intensifies the sense of betrayal and the complete absence of any external support, making the failure feel active and personal. **Hyperbole** is also powerfully present in the repeated negation "no man" ("no man that would know me," "no man cared for my soul"). While David likely had a small band of loyal followers with him in the cave, his emotional state perceives a universal and absolute lack of care, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of his isolation and the depth of his despair, rather than a literal absence of every single individual. Finally, the entire verse is steeped in **Pathos**, evoking a strong sense of pity, empathy, and sorrow in the reader for David's desperate plight. The raw, unvarnished confession of utter abandonment and the profound lack of human concern appeal directly to the reader's emotions, allowing them to deeply empathize with his profound loneliness and vulnerability.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 142:4 serves as a stark and sobering reminder of the inherent limitations of human support and the ultimate frailty of even the most robust earthly systems. David's experience of total abandonment underscores a recurring biblical theme: that human beings, even those in positions of power or influence, are ultimately vulnerable, dependent, and subject to the failures of others. This verse sets the stage for a profound theological truth: when all human refuge fails, God alone remains the unfailing and ultimate source of help, protection, and genuine care. It points to the divine faithfulness that transcends human fickleness, inadequacy, and even malicious intent. David's cry of desolation is not an end in itself but a powerful prelude to his turning completely to the Lord, recognizing that true care and lasting refuge are found exclusively in Him. This deep theological insight is echoed throughout Scripture, affirming God's unique and indispensable role as the only truly reliable refuge for the soul and the only one who truly "knows" and "cares" for His people.
* [Psalms 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalms 46:1 - God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.")
* [Hebrews 13:5-6](/hebrews/13-5-6 "Hebrews 13:5-6 - The Lord is my helper; I will not fear.")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Fear not, for I am with you.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 142:4 offers a powerful and deeply relatable expression of human vulnerability and the profound pain of feeling utterly alone. In a world that often values self-sufficiency, external validation, and constant connection, David's honest lament reminds us that even the strongest and most faithful among us can experience moments when all human support seems to vanish, leaving us exposed and isolated. This verse speaks directly to those who have felt misunderstood, betrayed, or abandoned by friends, family, or institutions, validating the deep anguish of such experiences and assuring us that it is not uncommon, even for figures of great faith. The raw honesty of David's prayer encourages us to bring our own feelings of isolation, despair, and perceived neglect before God, knowing that He fully comprehends our deepest hurts and the cries of our soul. When we find ourselves in similar "caves" of despair, where no human hand seems to reach out, this verse implicitly points us to the only One who truly sees, knows, and cares for our soul, preparing us to echo David's subsequent declaration of God as his only refuge and ultimate portion. It invites us to shift our gaze from the failure of human systems to the unfailing faithfulness of the Divine.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When have you experienced a moment where you felt truly alone, as if "no man cared for your soul," and how did you respond?**
* **How does David's honest expression of despair in this verse give you permission to voice your own feelings of isolation and abandonment to God without reservation?**
* **What does it mean for "refuge" to fail in your life, and how does this verse prompt you to re-evaluate where you seek your ultimate security and solace?**

### FAQ
**Did David truly have "no man" with him, or is this an exaggeration?**

Answer: While David was in a desperate situation, likely with a small band of followers (as seen in [1 Samuel 22:2](/1_samuel/22-2 "1 Samuel 22:2 - David's Companions Gather")), the phrase "no man cared for my soul" is best understood as a powerful expression of his profound emotional and spiritual isolation, rather than a literal statement of being physically alone. The Hebrew word for "soul" (_nephesh_) encompasses the entire person—their life, being, desires, and emotions. David felt that no one truly understood his plight, sympathized with his suffering, or actively sought his well-being in a meaningful, empathetic way. It speaks to a deep sense of abandonment and a lack of genuine, empathetic connection, emphasizing that even if others were physically present, they could not provide the deep care and refuge his soul desperately needed. It highlights the subjective experience of profound loneliness, even in the presence of others, and the ultimate inability of human beings to fully meet the deepest needs of the soul.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 142:4, a poignant cry of abandonment and the failure of human support, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. David's experience of looking for human help and finding none—of refuge failing and no one truly caring for his soul—powerfully foreshadows the ultimate abandonment endured by the Son of God. On the cross, as He bore the sin of the world, Jesus cried out, "[My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")" echoing [Psalms 22:1](/psalms/22-1 "Psalms 22:1 - My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me?"). In that moment, the Lamb of God experienced a depth of isolation far greater than David's, as even the Father, in His holiness, turned away from the sin Christ became for us. The very ones He came to save rejected Him ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came Unto His Own")), and His closest disciples forsook Him and fled when He was arrested (as seen in [Matthew 26:56](/matthew/26-56 "Matthew 26:56 - All the Disciples Forsook Him")). Yet, it is precisely through this ultimate, unparalleled abandonment that Christ became our perfect and unfailing refuge. Unlike David, who found no one to truly "know" or "care for his soul," Jesus, the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd"), truly knows His sheep and willingly laid down His life for them. He is the one who, in His own profound suffering, understands our every feeling of loneliness, neglect, and despair (as affirmed in [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest, Sympathizes with Our Weaknesses")). In Christ, we find the unfailing refuge and the compassionate, eternal care for our souls that David desperately sought, for He promises His followers, "[I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - I will never leave you nor forsake you")."

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

Jeremiah 30:17

For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD; because they called thee an Outcast, [saying], This [is] Zion, whom no man seeketh after.

Psalms 88:18

Lover and friend hast thou put far from me, [and] mine acquaintance into darkness.

Psalms 31:11

I was a reproach among all mine enemies, but especially among my neighbours, and a fear to mine acquaintance: they that did see me without fled from me.

Job 19:13

He hath put my brethren far from me, and mine acquaintance are verily estranged from me.

Job 19:19

All my inward friends abhorred me: and they whom I loved are turned against me.

Matthew 26:56

But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.

Psalms 69:20

Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked [for some] to take pity, but [there was] none; and for comforters, but I found none.