Psalms 38:10

KJV

My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me.

KJV (with Strong's)

My heart {H3820} panteth {H5503}, my strength {H3581} faileth {H5800}{H8804)} me: as for the light {H216} of mine eyes {H5869}, it {H1992} also is gone {H369} from me.

Complete Jewish Bible

My heart is throbbing, my strength is gone, and the light in my eyes has left me.

Berean Standard Bible

My heart pounds, my strength fails, and even the light of my eyes has faded.

American Standard Version

My heart throbbeth, my strength faileth me: As for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
captures a profound expression of physical and emotional collapse, articulating the psalmist's utter despair and loss of vitality. As part of a penitential psalm, this verse vividly portrays the severe consequences of perceived divine chastisement for sin, manifesting as a complete depletion of strength, an agitated heart, and the extinguishing of all joy and hope. It is a raw cry of a soul overwhelmed by suffering and conviction, seeking God's mercy amidst deep distress.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 38 is a deeply personal lament of King David, one of the seven traditional penitential psalms (along with Psalms 6, 32, 51, 102, 130, 143). The psalm opens with David pleading for God not to rebuke him in anger, immediately setting a tone of confession and a plea for mercy, as seen in [Psalm 38:1](/psalms/38-1 "Psalm 38:1 - A Plea for Mercy"). The preceding verses vividly describe the physical and emotional anguish David experiences, which he attributes to God's hand due to his sin, detailed in [Psalm 38:2-8](/psalms/38-2-8 "Psalm 38:2-8 - David's Suffering and Sin"). He speaks of his wounds festering, his back being filled with pain, and his body being consumed by a burning fever. This physical decay is paralleled by his emotional and spiritual torment, as he feels forsaken by friends and pursued by enemies, all while grappling with the overwhelming weight of his iniquity, as expressed in [Psalm 38:9](/psalms/38-9 "Psalm 38:9 - David's Groaning"). Verse 10 serves as a climactic expression of this profound despair, where the internal and external pressures converge into a complete breakdown of his being.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Attributed to King David, this psalm likely reflects a period of intense personal suffering, possibly linked to specific sins (such as the Bathsheba affair or the census, though not explicitly stated in the psalm) or a general reflection on the consequences of human sinfulness. In ancient Israelite thought, suffering was often directly linked to sin as a form of divine discipline or judgment. While this perspective is nuanced throughout scripture (e.g., the book of [Job](/job/1 "Job 1 - The Suffering of Job")), it was a prevalent cultural understanding. The psalmist's lament follows a common pattern found in ancient Near Eastern laments, involving a description of suffering, a confession of sin, a plea for help, and an expression of trust in God. The "light of the eyes" was a common idiom for vitality and well-being in the ancient world, its loss signifying a complete collapse of life force and joy.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 38:10 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader Psalter. The primary theme is **suffering and sin**, where the psalmist's profound distress is directly linked to his iniquity and the perceived **divine discipline**. This verse underscores the theme of **human vulnerability and fragility**, depicting a state of complete physical and emotional breakdown. It also highlights the theme of **lament and honest expression before God**, demonstrating that even in the deepest despair, the believer can pour out their heart to the Lord. The loss of "the light of mine eyes" emphasizes the theme of **loss of hope and vitality**, a spiritual and emotional darkness that accompanies the physical ailments. Despite this profound despair, the psalm ultimately points to the necessity of turning to God for deliverance and mercy, even when one feels utterly forsaken, as expressed in the psalmist's continued trust in God later in the psalm, specifically in [Psalm 38:15](/psalms/38-15 "Psalm 38:15 - David's Hope in God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Panteth (Hebrew, _çâchar'_):** Derived from a primitive root meaning "to travel round," this word, when used intensively, signifies "to palpitate." In the context of the heart (H3820, _lêb_), it vividly portrays a rapid, irregular heartbeat, indicative of extreme agitation, distress, or consuming anxiety. It suggests a heart that is not merely beating, but throbbing frantically, reflecting profound internal turmoil and a loss of composure.
* **Faileth (Hebrew, _ʻâzab'_):** From a primitive root meaning "to loosen," "to relinquish," or "to forsake," this verb, when applied to strength (H3581, _kôach_), signifies a complete abandonment or desertion of vitality. It implies not merely a weakening, but a profound and absolute collapse, as if physical and mental vigor have entirely departed, leaving the psalmist utterly helpless and unable to sustain himself.
* **Light of mine eyes (Hebrew, _ʼôwr ʻayin'_):** This powerful idiom combines _ʼôwr_ (H216), meaning "illumination," "happiness," or "light," with _ʻayin_ (H5869), meaning "eye" (literally or figuratively, also "fountain" or "countenance"). Metaphorically, "the light of mine eyes" represents vitality, joy, hope, spiritual clarity, well-being, and the very essence of life's vibrancy. Its disappearance signifies a profound state of despair where all inner radiance, optimism, and the spark of life seem to have been extinguished, leading to both spiritual and physical dimness, akin to a fountain running dry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My heart panteth":** This clause conveys intense internal agitation and physical distress. The "panting" suggests a racing heart, shortness of breath, and a feverish, burning sensation. It speaks to a soul overwhelmed by anxiety, fear, or the consuming nature of illness and sorrow, leaving the psalmist in a state of restless torment.
* **"my strength faileth me":** This phrase describes a complete and utter collapse of physical and mental fortitude. It implies a loss of all capacity to endure, to act, or even to stand. The psalmist feels utterly depleted, unable to muster any resilience against the onslaught of his suffering, signifying a profound state of weakness and helplessness.
* **"as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me":** This climactic clause uses a powerful metaphor to communicate deep despair. The "light of the eyes" symbolizes joy, hope, spiritual insight, vitality, and the very essence of life's vibrancy. Its departure signifies that not only has physical strength vanished, but also all inner sources of comfort, optimism, and even the ability to perceive clearly, leaving the psalmist in a state of profound spiritual and emotional darkness.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 38:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey the psalmist's extreme distress. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, particularly in the phrase "the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me." The "light of the eyes" is a metaphor for vitality, joy, hope, and well-being, its absence powerfully illustrating the psalmist's complete despair and the extinguishing of all inner radiance. **Hyperbole** is also evident in the exaggerated descriptions of the psalmist's condition ("panteth," "faileth," "gone from me"), which serve to emphasize the overwhelming and all-consuming nature of his suffering. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, where the three clauses, though distinct, reinforce a similar theme of complete physical and emotional collapse, intensifying the sense of utter depletion. Finally, the raw and vivid language evokes strong **Pathos**, drawing the reader into the psalmist's profound anguish and eliciting sympathy for his desperate state.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 38:10 offers a stark portrayal of human fragility and the devastating impact of sin and suffering. Theologically, it reminds us that even righteous individuals, like David, experience profound distress and the consequences of their actions, whether directly or indirectly. It highlights the biblical understanding that suffering can be a form of divine discipline, intended to bring about repentance and a deeper reliance on God. This verse underscores the reality of human brokenness and the need for divine intervention, even when one feels utterly abandoned and without hope. It implicitly points to God as the ultimate source of strength and light, even when these seem to have vanished from human experience.

* [Psalms 6:2-3](/psalms/6-2-3 "Psalm 6:2-3 - David's Plea in Anguish")
* [Isaiah 40:29](/isaiah/40-29 "Isaiah 40:29 - God Gives Strength to the Faint")
* [Lamentations 3:1-20](/lamentations/3-1-20 "Lamentations 3:1-20 - Jeremiah's Deep Lament")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 38:10 offers profound relevance for anyone navigating seasons of deep suffering, whether stemming from physical illness, emotional turmoil, or the heavy weight of conviction for sin. It powerfully validates the human experience of feeling utterly overwhelmed, helpless, and completely depleted. This verse reminds us that it is not only permissible but essential to express our profound vulnerability and brokenness before God, much like David did. In moments when our "heart panteth" with anxiety, our "strength faileth" under the burden of life, and the "light of our eyes" seems to have vanished, we are invited to bring our raw, unvarnished pain to the Lord. It encourages us to seek Him even when hope feels extinguished, trusting in His ultimate mercy, restorative power, and the promise that He is near to the brokenhearted, offering enduring strength and light even in the darkest valleys.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel your "heart panteth" or your "strength faileth"?**
* **What does it mean for the "light of your eyes" to be gone, and how have you experienced this loss of hope or vitality?**
* **How does David's raw honesty in this psalm encourage you to be more vulnerable with God about your own struggles?**
* **Where do you typically seek strength and light when you feel completely depleted, and how might you turn more fully to God in those moments?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse only refer to physical illness, or is it broader?**

Answer: While the language certainly evokes physical symptoms like a racing heart and fatigue, the phrase "the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me" extends the meaning beyond mere physical ailment. The "light of the eyes" is a common biblical idiom for joy, hope, vitality, and spiritual clarity. Therefore, the verse speaks to a holistic collapse—physical, emotional, and spiritual—where the psalmist feels utterly depleted in every aspect of their being. It encompasses the profound despair that can accompany deep sorrow, anxiety, or the overwhelming burden of guilt, as seen in the broader context of [Psalm 38](/psalms/38 "Psalm 38 - A Psalm of Lament and Penitence").

**Does God cause suffering as punishment for sin, as implied here?**

Answer: The biblical understanding of suffering is complex. In Psalms 38, David clearly perceives his suffering as a direct consequence of his sin and God's heavy hand of discipline, as he states in [Psalm 38:3](/psalms/38-3 "Psalm 38:3 - No Soundness in My Bones Because of Sin"). While not all suffering is a direct result of personal sin (as illustrated in the book of [Job](/job/1 "Job 1 - The Testing of Job") or [John 9:1-3](/john/9-1-3 "John 9:1-3 - Jesus Heals a Blind Man")), the Bible does teach that God, in His sovereignty, can use suffering as a means of discipline, refinement, or to draw His people back to Himself. This discipline is often born out of love, aiming for repentance and spiritual growth, as explained in [Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5-11 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - God's Discipline"). Psalms 38:10 reflects a deeply personal conviction of the psalmist that his distress is linked to his iniquity, prompting a heartfelt plea for mercy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 38:10, with its raw depiction of human weakness and despair, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David's lament foreshadows the profound suffering of the Suffering Servant, who would truly bear the weight of human sin and its devastating consequences. While David's anguish stemmed from his own iniquity, Jesus, though sinless, took upon Himself the full burden of our sin, experiencing a depth of physical, emotional, and spiritual agony far beyond what any human could endure. On the cross, His heart truly "panted" as He was consumed by the wrath of God, and His strength utterly "failed" Him as He cried out, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" as recorded in [Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction"). The "light of His eyes" was indeed "gone from Him" as He entered into the darkness of separation from the Father, bearing the world's sin. Yet, through His perfect obedience and ultimate sacrifice, Jesus transformed this profound weakness into the greatest strength, conquering sin and death. He is the true "light of the world," as declared in [John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World"), who, having experienced the depths of human despair, now offers enduring strength and an unfailing light to all who feel their heart panting and strength failing. His empathetic high priesthood, described in [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest"), means He understands our brokenness, and His resurrection power ensures that in Him, even when our light is gone, true hope and eternal life are found, echoing the promise in [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Grace in Weakness").

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 6:7

Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies.

Psalms 88:9

Mine eye mourneth by reason of affliction: LORD, I have called daily upon thee, I have stretched out my hands unto thee.

Psalms 69:3

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

Psalms 143:4

Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate.

Psalms 143:7

¶ Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.

Lamentations 5:16

The crown is fallen [from] our head: woe unto us, that we have sinned!

Lamentations 5:17

¶ For this our heart is faint; for these [things] our eyes are dim.