31:21 31:21

Psalms 31:22

31:23 31:23

Bible Versions

For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee.
For I said {H559} in my haste {H2648}, I am cut off {H1629} from before {H5048} thine eyes {H5869}: nevertheless {H403} thou heardest {H8085} the voice {H6963} of my supplications {H8469} when I cried {H7768} unto thee.
As for me, in my alarm I said, "I have been cut off from your sight!"Nevertheless, you heard my pleas when I cried out to you.
In my alarm I said, “I am cut off from Your sight!” But You heard my plea for mercy when I called to You for help.
As for me, I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: Nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications, When I cried unto thee.

Psalm 31:22 captures a raw moment of human despair followed by a powerful affirmation of divine faithfulness. David recounts a time of intense distress where, in a moment of panic, he felt utterly abandoned by God, only to realize that God had, in fact, heard his desperate cries.

Context

This verse is found within Psalm 31, a psalm of David that vividly portrays his suffering and reliance on God. Throughout the psalm, David expresses deep anguish, feeling surrounded by enemies and experiencing physical and emotional decay. He pours out his heart to the Lord, seeking deliverance and refuge. Verse 22 serves as a pivotal point, reflecting on a past moment of profound doubt and acknowledging God's consistent presence and responsiveness, even when David's faith faltered.

Key Themes

  • Hasty Despair vs. Enduring Faith: David admits to making a rash judgment ("I said in my haste") that he was "cut off from before thine eyes." This highlights the human tendency to succumb to despair and question God's presence during trials. Yet, the verse immediately pivots to God's unwavering attention.
  • God Hears Prayer: Despite David's mistaken belief of abandonment, God demonstrably "heardest the voice of my supplications." This underscores the consistent and powerful truth that God listens to the prayers of His people, even in their weakest moments. For more on God's attentiveness to prayer, consider Psalm 116:1.
  • Divine Faithfulness: The verse is a testament to God's steadfast character. His faithfulness is not dependent on our feelings or our perfect faith; He remains attentive and true even when we are overwhelmed and prone to doubt.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "haste" is chaphaz (חָפַז), meaning to be in alarm, hurry, or panic. It conveys a sense of being overwhelmed and making a rash statement under duress, similar to David's reflection in Psalm 116:11, "I said in my haste, All men are liars."
  • "Cut off" comes from the Hebrew karath (כָּרַת), which can mean to cut down, separate, or destroy. David felt completely severed from God's sight and protective care, a feeling of utter isolation.
  • "Supplications" is from tachanunim (תַּחֲנוּנִים), referring to humble pleas for grace or mercy, emphasizing the desperate and dependent nature of David's prayer.

Practical Application

Psalm 31:22 offers immense comfort and reassurance for believers today. It normalizes the experience of doubt and feelings of abandonment, reminding us that even great figures of faith like David had such moments. It teaches us not to let our immediate emotional distress or circumstances dictate our theology about God. Even when we feel "cut off," God is present and listening. This verse strongly encourages perseverance in prayer, assuring us that our cries are heard, and God's faithfulness transcends our fleeting feelings of despair. It's a powerful reminder that God's presence is not contingent on our perfect perception of it.

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.

  • Psalms 116:11

    I said in my haste, All men [are] liars.

  • Psalms 88:16

    Thy fierce wrath goeth over me; thy terrors have cut me off.

  • Psalms 6:9

    The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer.

  • Job 35:14

    ¶ Although thou sayest thou shalt not see him, [yet] judgment [is] before him; therefore trust thou in him.

  • Ezekiel 37:11

    Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off for our parts.

  • 1 Samuel 27:1

    ¶ And David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: [there is] nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines; and Saul shall despair of me, to seek me any more in any coast of Israel: so shall I escape out of his hand.

  • Lamentations 3:54

    Waters flowed over mine head; [then] I said, I am cut off.
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