Psalms 39:2

I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, [even] from good; and my sorrow was stirred.

I was dumb {H481} with silence {H1747}, I held my peace {H2814}{H8689)}, even from good {H2896}; and my sorrow {H3511} was stirred {H5916}{H8738)}.

I was silent, said nothing, not even good; but my pain kept being stirred up.

I was speechless and still; I remained silent, even from speaking good, and my sorrow was stirred.

I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; And my sorrow was stirred.

Context

Psalm 39 is a lament psalm, often attributed to King David, reflecting deep personal distress and a contemplation on the brevity of life and the nature of suffering. It immediately follows Psalm 38, which also describes intense physical and emotional anguish, possibly linked to sin or the taunts of enemies. In Psalm 39:1, David resolves to "take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue." Verse 2 reveals the immediate, and perhaps unintended, consequence of this resolution: a profound and burdensome silence.

Key Themes

  • The Burden of Silence: The verse powerfully illustrates that while silence can be a virtue, it can also become a heavy burden, intensifying inner pain rather than alleviating it. David's experience shows that withholding speech, even "from good," can lead to festering sorrow.
  • Internal Conflict and Festering Sorrow: David is caught in a profound internal struggle. His attempt to guard his tongue, perhaps to avoid speaking rashly or complaining against God, inadvertently leads to his grief being "stirred" and agitated, highlighting the complex relationship between expression and emotional well-being.
  • The Nature of Suffering and Withdrawal: This verse underscores how intense suffering can lead individuals to withdraw, even from beneficial communication or expressions of faith, further isolating them in their pain.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Dumb with silence": The Hebrew word for "dumb" (נֶאֱלַם - ne'elam) implies being struck silent or made speechless, suggesting a strong and perhaps involuntary inability or refusal to speak.
  • "I held my peace": The verb (חָשִׁיתִי - hashiti) means to be silent, to cease, or to keep still, reinforcing the deliberate act of withholding speech, though its outcome was detrimental.
  • "[even] from good": The phrase "from good" (מִטּוֹב - mitov) is crucial. It can mean refraining from speaking *good words* (words of comfort, wisdom, or even praise to God), or refraining from speaking *about good things* (perhaps out of despair or a sense of futility), or even refraining from speaking *for good* (i.e., for a beneficial purpose). The KJV's rendering captures the sense of withholding even potentially positive or helpful communication.
  • "my sorrow was stirred": "Sorrow" (כְּאֵב - ke'ev) refers to pain or grief. "Stirred" (נֶעְכָּר - ne'ekar) vividly portrays the internal turmoil, meaning to be troubled, agitated, or muddied, like water. It illustrates how suppressed pain became more intense and turbulent.

Practical Application

Psalm 39:2 offers profound insights into the human experience of suffering and the complexities of our emotional responses. While there is indeed "a time to keep silence" (Ecclesiastes 3:7), David's experience reminds us that prolonged or unhealthy silence can be detrimental, allowing grief, anger, or despair to fester internally. It highlights the human need to express pain and frustration, even to God. Suppressing genuine emotion, especially sorrow, can exacerbate it rather than alleviate it. This verse encourages us to find a healthy balance in guarding our words while also acknowledging the importance of processing and expressing our pain, perhaps by pouring out our heart before God or seeking wise counsel.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 4:20

    For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

  • Isaiah 53:7

    He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

  • Psalms 38:13

    But I, as a deaf [man], heard not; and [I was] as a dumb man [that] openeth not his mouth.

  • Psalms 38:14

    Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth [are] no reproofs.

  • Job 32:19

    Behold, my belly [is] as wine [which] hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles.

  • Job 32:20

    I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer.

  • Matthew 7:6

    Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
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