Psalms 39:12

KJV

Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I [am] a stranger with thee, [and] a sojourner, as all my fathers [were].

KJV (with Strong's)

Hear {H8085} my prayer {H8605}, O LORD {H3068}, and give ear {H238}{H8685)} unto my cry {H7775}; hold not thy peace {H2790}{H8799)} at my tears {H1832}: for I am a stranger {H1616} with thee, and a sojourner {H8453}, as all my fathers {H1} were.

Complete Jewish Bible

Hear my prayer, ADONAI, listen to my cry, don't be deaf to my weeping; for with you, I am just a traveler passing through, like all my ancestors.

Berean Standard Bible

Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry for help; do not be deaf to my weeping. For I am a foreigner dwelling with You, a stranger like all my fathers.

American Standard Version

Hear my prayer, O Jehovah, and give ear unto my cry; Hold not thy peace at my tears: For I am a stranger with thee, A sojourner, as all my fathers were.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 39:12 presents the psalmist's heartfelt and desperate appeal to God, marked by fervent prayer, an urgent cry, and silent tears. It articulates a profound awareness of human transience, with David identifying himself as a "stranger" and "sojourner" on earth, mirroring the temporary pilgrimage of all his ancestors. This acknowledgment of his fleeting existence is profoundly shaped by the crucial declaration of being "with thee," signifying that even in his temporary state, his ultimate hope, security, and belonging are found in God's abiding presence and providential care.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 39 is a deeply personal and poignant lament, likely penned by David during a period of intense suffering, possibly severe illness or profound distress. The psalm opens with David's resolute vow to "take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue" [Psalms 39:1](/psalms/39-1 "Psalm 39:1 - David's Vow of Silence"), reflecting a desire to control his words even amidst internal turmoil. However, his inner anguish proves too great to contain, leading to a fervent outburst of prayer where he grapples with the brevity and frailty of human life. He meditates on the fleeting nature of existence, lamenting that "every man at his best state is altogether vanity" [Psalms 39:5](/psalms/39-5 "Psalm 39:5 - The Vanity of Man"). Verse 12 serves as the emotional and theological climax of this heartfelt supplication, marking a pivot from introspective reflection on human weakness and the brevity of life to an earnest, direct appeal for God's mercy and intervention before his brief earthly sojourn concludes. It is a desperate cry for divine compassion in the face of his perceived imminent end.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of "stranger" (Hebrew: _ger_) and "sojourner" (Hebrew: _toshab_) held significant social and theological meaning in ancient Israelite society. A _ger_ was a resident alien, someone living within the community but not a native-born citizen, often dependent on the hospitality and legal protections afforded by the host community (see [Deuteronomy 10:19](/deuteronomy/10-19 "Deuteronomy 10:19 - Love the Sojourner")). A _toshab_ further emphasized temporary residency, indicating someone dwelling in a place for a limited time, without permanent land rights. For David, the king of Israel and owner of significant land, to call himself a _ger_ and _toshab_ "with thee" (with God) is a profound theological statement. It acknowledges that even in the promised land, his ultimate dwelling is not earthly but heavenly, and his tenure here is temporary. This resonates deeply with the experience of the patriarchs, such as Abraham, who lived in the land of Canaan as a sojourner, looking for "a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God" [Hebrews 11:10](/hebrews/11-10 "Hebrews 11:10 - Abraham's Heavenly City"). The phrase "as all my fathers were" explicitly links David's personal experience to this long lineage of faithful individuals who understood their earthly lives as a pilgrimage under God's sovereign hand.

* **Key Themes:** Psalm 39:12 encapsulates several foundational themes woven throughout the book of Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Earnest Supplication and Lament**, demonstrating that authentic faith allows for raw, emotional honesty before God, even in the depths of sorrow and tears. David's plea for God to "hear my prayer" and "give ear unto my cry" underscores the psalmist's conviction that God is attentive and responsive to the cries of His people. Secondly, the verse profoundly addresses **Human Transience and Pilgrimage**, emphasizing the fleeting and temporary nature of human life on earth. The imagery of being a "stranger" and "sojourner" underscores that our earthly existence is not a permanent residence but a temporary stop on a journey toward an eternal destination, a theme echoed in the New Testament's description of believers as "strangers and pilgrims on the earth" [1 Peter 2:11](/1-peter/2-11 "1 Peter 2:11 - Believers as Strangers and Pilgrims"). Thirdly, the phrase "as all my fathers were" introduces the theme of a **Shared Human Experience and Heritage of Faith**, connecting David's personal realization of transience to the universal human condition and the historical experience of the patriarchs and faithful ancestors who also lived by faith as temporary residents. Finally, and most crucially, the declaration "with thee" underscores **Absolute Dependence on God's Presence and Sovereignty**. Despite the temporary nature of his earthly dwelling, David's hope and security are rooted in God's abiding presence, transforming the vulnerability of a sojourner into the profound security of one who walks in intimate fellowship with the Almighty.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Tears (Hebrew, _dimʻâh'_):** From H1832, this feminine noun refers to "weeping" or "tears." In this context, it signifies the profound emotional distress and sorrow experienced by the psalmist. David's plea for God to "hold not thy peace at my tears" indicates that his grief has surpassed verbal articulation, manifesting in a raw, physical expression of anguish. It emphasizes the depth of his suffering and his desperate need for God's compassionate acknowledgment and intervention, highlighting that God is attentive not only to spoken prayers but also to the silent language of human sorrow.
* **Stranger (Hebrew, _gêr'_):** From H1616, this term properly denotes "a guest" or, by implication, "a foreigner" or "alien." It refers to someone residing in a land who is not a native-born citizen and typically lacks the full rights and land inheritance associated with citizenship. David's self-identification as a _ger_ before God signifies a profound humility and an acknowledgment that his true citizenship and ultimate belonging are not rooted in his earthly dwelling or status, but in his relationship with God. It speaks to a spiritual sense of not being fully at home in the present world, despite his earthly kingship.
* **Sojourner (Hebrew, _tôwshâb'_):** From H8453, this word means "a dweller (but not outlandish)" or a "resident alien." It emphasizes the concept of temporary residency, referring to someone who dwells in a place for a limited period, indicating a lack of permanent settlement or ownership. Paired with _ger_, it powerfully conveys the idea of a transient existence, emphasizing that life on earth is a journey, not a final destination. For David, this is not a lament about homelessness, but a profound theological statement about the ultimate nature of human existence in relation to God's eternal plan and kingdom, underscoring the temporary nature of all earthly tenure.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears":** This opening tripartite plea reveals the psalmist's profound distress and desperate need for divine intervention. "Hear my prayer" (from H8085 _shâmaʻ_, to hear intelligently) and "give ear unto my cry" (from H238 _ʼâzan_, to listen, and H7775 _shavʻâh_, a hallooing/crying) are synonymous parallels, emphasizing the urgency and intensity of his vocalized petition. The addition of "hold not thy peace" (from H2790 _chârash_, to be silent) "at my tears" (H1832 _dimʻâh_) introduces a visceral, emotional dimension, indicating that his suffering has moved beyond words to the silent, yet powerful, expression of grief. It is a plea for God not to remain silent or indifferent in the face of his deep sorrow, but to respond actively and compassionately, acknowledging his pain.
* **"for I [am] a stranger with thee, [and] a sojourner":** This clause provides the theological rationale for David's urgent plea, grounding his request in his identity as a temporary resident on earth. The crucial phrase "with thee" (Hebrew: `im-makh`) transforms the potentially desolate feeling of being a stranger into a statement of profound intimacy and dependence. It implies that his sojourning is not aimless or alone, but occurs in the very presence and under the watchful eye of God (H3068 _Yᵉhôvâh_). His vulnerability as a temporary dweller is mitigated by the security of being in God's care, highlighting a deep, personal relationship with the Almighty.
* **"as all my fathers [were]":** This concluding phrase broadens David's personal experience into a universal truth and a shared heritage. It connects his present reality to the long lineage of his ancestors (H1 _ʼâb_)—Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and others—who also lived by faith as temporary residents, looking forward to a greater promise. This historical solidarity provides both comfort and theological grounding, affirming that his experience is part of God's overarching plan for humanity, a pilgrimage toward an eternal dwelling, and that he is not alone in this transient human condition.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 39:12 employs several potent literary devices to convey the psalmist's deep anguish and theological insight. The opening lines utilize **Synonymous Parallelism**, where "Hear my prayer," "give ear unto my cry," and "hold not thy peace at my tears" all convey the same urgent plea for God's attentive response, intensifying the emotional weight of the supplication and demonstrating the comprehensive nature of David's appeal. The central declaration, "I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner," is a powerful **Metaphor** and **Simile**. David is not literally a homeless person or an alien, but he likens his earthly existence to that of a temporary resident or alien, conveying the transient and non-permanent nature of human life on earth. The phrase "as all my fathers were" functions as a direct **Simile** and a profound **Allusion**, drawing a direct comparison to and invoking the historical experience of the patriarchs and previous generations who also lived as pilgrims, thereby universalizing David's personal experience and rooting it in the covenant history of Israel. The entire verse functions as a poignant **Lament**, a common genre in the Psalms, which gives voice to suffering and appeals to God for deliverance, often concluding with an expression of trust or hope despite the distress, showcasing raw human emotion before a compassionate God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 39:12 offers a profound theological statement about the nature of human existence in relation to God's eternal kingdom. It asserts that our earthly lives, no matter how long or prosperous, are fundamentally temporary and transient. This perspective is not meant to foster nihilism or despair but to reorient our affections and priorities. By acknowledging ourselves as "strangers and sojourners," we are called to hold lightly to the fleeting possessions, accolades, and comforts of this world, recognizing that our ultimate citizenship and true home lie beyond the temporal. Yet, this transient status is not one of alienation or abandonment but of intimate fellowship, as David declares himself a sojourner "with thee" (with God). This signifies that our pilgrimage is undertaken in the divine presence, under God's sovereign care, providing profound security and purpose even amidst life's uncertainties. It challenges believers to cultivate an eternal perspective, understanding that our true identity and belonging are found in God, not in our earthly circumstances, and that our present journey is a preparation for an enduring, eternal inheritance.

* [Hebrews 11:13](/hebrews/11-13 "Hebrews 11:13 - Patriarchs as Strangers and Pilgrims")
* [1 Peter 2:11](/1-peter/2-11 "1 Peter 2:11 - Believers as Sojourners and Exiles")
* [1 Chronicles 29:15](/1-chronicles/29-15 "1 Chronicles 29:15 - David's Prayer on Transience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 39:12 invites us into a deeper understanding of our human condition and our relationship with God. Firstly, David's raw and tearful lament grants us permission to bring our full range of emotions—our sorrows, fears, frustrations, and even our unspoken anguish—honestly before God. It reminds us that God is not distant or indifferent to our suffering but is intimately attentive to our cries, even our silent tears. This validates the importance of authentic, unburdened prayer, fostering a relationship of trust where vulnerability is welcomed and met with divine compassion. Secondly, recognizing ourselves as "strangers and sojourners" provides a crucial heavenly perspective. It encourages us to detach from the idolatry of earthly comforts, material possessions, and fleeting ambitions, prompting us to invest our time, energy, and resources in eternal values and cultivate a deep longing for our true, permanent home with God. This mindset helps us navigate the challenges, disappointments, and injustices of this world with resilience and hope, knowing that our ultimate belonging is not here. Finally, this verse instills a sense of purposeful living. If life is a temporary pilgrimage, then every moment becomes precious, an opportunity to honor God, serve others, and advance His kingdom, rather than merely pursuing fleeting pleasures or temporal security. It transforms the potential despair of transience into a hopeful anticipation of eternal dwelling and a life lived with eternal significance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you tend to seek permanent security or identity in temporary earthly things, and how might this verse challenge that tendency?**
* **How does the concept of being a "stranger and sojourner" transform your perspective on suffering, loss, or feeling out of place in the world?**
* **What are your "tears"—your deepest, perhaps unspoken, sorrows—that you need to bring before the Lord, trusting that He hears and cares?**
* **How can cultivating an eternal perspective, as suggested by this verse, impact your daily priorities, decisions, and the way you steward your life?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to be a "stranger and sojourner" in a modern context?**

Answer: In a modern context, being a "stranger and sojourner" means recognizing that our ultimate citizenship and belonging are not found in any earthly nation, culture, or material possession, but in God's eternal kingdom. It implies that while we live in this world, we are not fully "of" this world, and our values, priorities, and ultimate hope are distinct from those of a fallen world system. This perspective encourages detachment from worldly idols, resilience in the face of societal pressures, and a longing for the new heavens and new earth, where righteousness dwells. It means living with a pilgrim mindset, understanding that our earthly journey is temporary and a preparation for our eternal home with God, as the Apostle Paul reminds us that "our citizenship is in heaven" [Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Citizenship is in Heaven"). This perspective guides our ethical choices, our use of resources, and our engagement with culture, always with an eye toward eternity.

**How does David's lament in this Psalm relate to Christian prayer?**

Answer: David's lament in Psalm 39, particularly in verse 12, serves as a powerful model for Christian prayer. It demonstrates that authentic prayer involves complete honesty and vulnerability before God. David does not hide his anguish, his tears, or his sense of human frailty; instead, he pours them out before the Lord. This validates the Christian practice of lament, assuring believers that it is not a sign of weak faith but an act of profound trust to bring our deepest sorrows, doubts, and frustrations to God. It shows that God invites our raw emotions and hears our cries, even when they are expressed through tears. It encourages Christians to pray with desperation and urgency, knowing that God is attentive and compassionate, even when His response is not immediately apparent. It underscores that God desires a relationship where we can be fully ourselves, unburdened by pretense.

**Is the phrase "with thee" significant in this verse?**

Answer: Absolutely. The phrase "with thee" (Hebrew: `im-makh`) is profoundly significant. It transforms the potentially desolate identity of being a "stranger" or "sojourner" into a position of security and intimacy. Without "with thee," David's statement could be interpreted as a lament of existential loneliness or homelessness, suggesting a life adrift. However, by declaring himself a stranger and sojourner *with God*, he asserts that his temporary status is not one of abandonment but of being in the divine presence. It highlights that his pilgrimage is not aimless but guided, sustained, and protected by God. This emphasizes God's immanence and faithfulness, assuring the psalmist that even in his transient state, he is never truly alone, but under the watchful eye and compassionate care of the Almighty. It is a declaration of profound trust and dependence, finding comfort, purpose, and ultimate belonging in God's abiding presence throughout life's journey.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 39:12 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the paradox of the "stranger and sojourner" while simultaneously being the eternal God. Though the Creator of all things, through whom "all things were made" [John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Him"), Jesus willingly "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" [Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation"), becoming a sojourner on the very earth He created. He had "nowhere to lay his head" [Matthew 8:20](/matthew/8-20 "Matthew 8:20 - Jesus Has No Home"), identifying fully with humanity's transient and vulnerable state. Just as David wept and cried out to God, Jesus, too, experienced profound human sorrow, weeping at the tomb of Lazarus [John 11:35](/john/11-35 "John 11:35 - Jesus Wept") and crying out in anguish in Gethsemane [Luke 22:44](/luke/22-44 "Luke 22:44 - Jesus' Anguish in Gethsemane"). His earthly journey culminated in the ultimate act of self-sacrifice on the cross, securing for all who believe an eternal home that is not of this world. Through His death and resurrection, Christ transformed the believer's status from a mere "stranger" to an adopted child of God, whose true "citizenship is in heaven" [Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Heavenly Citizenship"). We are now "strangers and sojourners" not in a state of longing for an unknown future, but as those who have been given a guaranteed inheritance, living in anticipation of the "city that is to come" [Hebrews 13:14](/hebrews/13-14 "Hebrews 13:14 - The City to Come"), where we will dwell eternally with Christ, our true and permanent home.

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

1 Peter 2:11

Dearly beloved, I beseech [you] as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

Hebrews 11:13

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of [them], and embraced [them], and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

Genesis 47:9

And Jacob said unto Pharaoh, The days of the years of my pilgrimage [are] an hundred and thirty years: few and evil have the days of the years of my life been, and have not attained unto the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage.

Leviticus 25:23

¶ The land shall not be sold for ever: for the land [is] mine; for ye [are] strangers and sojourners with me.

Psalms 119:19

¶ I [am] a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me.

Psalms 56:8

¶ Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: [are they] not in thy book?

1 Chronicles 29:15

For we [are] strangers before thee, and sojourners, as [were] all our fathers: our days on the earth [are] as a shadow, and [there is] none abiding.