Psalms 42:10

KJV

[As] with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where [is] thy God?

KJV (with Strong's)

As with a sword {H7524} in my bones {H6106}, mine enemies {H6887}{H8802)} reproach {H2778}{H8765)} me; while they say {H559}{H8800)} daily {H3117} unto me, Where is thy God {H430}?

Complete Jewish Bible

My adversaries' taunts make me feel as if my bones were crushed, as they ask me all day long, 'Where is your God?'"

Berean Standard Bible

Like the crushing of my bones, my enemies taunt me, while they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?”

American Standard Version

As with a sword in my bones, mine adversaries reproach me, While they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 42:10 powerfully articulates the profound internal agony experienced by the psalmist, whose suffering is intensified by the relentless, piercing taunts of enemies. This verse vividly portrays how external reproach, particularly the cynical challenge to God's presence and faithfulness, can inflict a deep, soul-shattering pain that feels as physically debilitating as a sword thrust into one's very bones, striking at the core of one's identity and trust in the Divine.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 42:10 is embedded within Psalm 42, a deeply moving lament psalm, often considered the first of a two-part unit with Psalm 43, both concluding with the same refrain of hope. The psalm opens with the iconic image of a soul thirsting for God, "as a deer pants for flowing streams" found in [Psalms 42:1](/psalms/42-1 "Psalm 42:1 - The Soul's Thirst for God"). Throughout the psalm, the psalmist grapples with intense spiritual distress, a sense of abandonment, and a profound longing for God's presence, particularly in His sanctuary. The enemy's taunts in verse 10 serve as a direct counterpoint to this yearning, intensifying the psalmist's sorrow and challenging the very foundation of their faith amidst a period of apparent separation from the temple and God's manifest presence. The repetition of the refrain in [Psalms 42:5](/psalms/42-5 "Psalm 42:5 - Hope in God Amidst Despair"), [Psalms 42:11](/psalms/42-11 "Psalm 42:11 - Why Are You Cast Down, O My Soul?"), and [Psalms 43:5](/psalms/43-5 "Psalm 43:5 - My Hope is in God") underscores the internal struggle between despair and a determined resolve to hope in God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the precise historical setting of Psalm 42 is not explicitly stated, many scholars suggest it reflects the experience of an individual (possibly a Levite, given the reference to "going with the throng" to the house of God in [Psalms 42:4](/psalms/42-4 "Psalm 42:4 - Longing for the House of God")) who is separated from Jerusalem and the temple, perhaps due to exile, illness, or some other form of distress. The "reproach" (Hebrew: *ḥerefah*) from enemies was a potent form of social and spiritual warfare in the ancient Near East. To be reproached, especially concerning one's God, was not merely an insult but a deep public shaming, implying disgrace and a loss of honor. The question "Where is thy God?" would have been particularly devastating, as it challenged the very covenant relationship between Israel and Yahweh, implying God's absence, weakness, or abandonment of His people. This taunt was designed to undermine the psalmist's faith and trust in divine justice and intervention.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 42:10 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and broader biblical literature. Firstly, it highlights **deep spiritual anguish**, portraying a suffering that transcends the physical, cutting to the very core of the soul. Secondly, it underscores the **pain of reproach**, revealing how verbal and psychological assaults can be as destructive as physical violence, particularly when they target one's faith and relationship with God. This theme resonates with other biblical narratives where God's people endure scorn for their devotion, such as in [Nehemiah 4:4](/nehemiah/4-4 "Nehemiah 4:4 - Nehemiah's Prayer Against Reproach"). Thirdly, the verse directly addresses the theme of **challenged faith**, as the enemies' taunt "Where is thy God?" directly questions God's presence, power, and faithfulness in the face of suffering. This existential question forces the psalmist (and the reader) to confront the reality of God's seeming silence or delay. Finally, despite the profound distress, the psalm ultimately points to the theme of **enduring adversity with hope**, as the psalmist consistently resolves to "hope in God" even amidst the deepest despair, demonstrating a resilient faith that looks beyond immediate circumstances to God's ultimate faithfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sword (Hebrew, _retsach'_):** From H7524, a primitive root meaning "a crushing; specifically, a murder-cry; slaughter, sword." While the root suggests a "crushing" or "murder-cry," in this context, it refers to a "sword" as a weapon causing deep, penetrating injury. Its use here is a powerful **simile**, comparing the emotional and spiritual pain inflicted by reproach to the physical agony of being pierced by such a weapon. It emphasizes the intensity and penetrating nature of the suffering, suggesting it cuts deep into the psalmist's inner being, not just superficially.
* **Bones (Hebrew, _ʻetsem'_):** From H6106, meaning "a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e. (as pron.) selfsame." In ancient Hebrew thought, "bones" often represented the innermost being, the core strength, or the very essence of a person, not merely skeletal structure. To have a "sword in my bones" therefore signifies a pain that is not just external or superficial but one that has permeated the deepest parts of the psalmist's being, affecting their vitality, strength, and very spirit. It speaks to a profound, debilitating anguish that feels physically embodied.
* **Reproach (Hebrew, _châraph'_):** From H2778, a primitive root meaning "to pull off, i.e. (by implication) to expose (as by stripping); specifically, to betroth (as if a surrender); figuratively, to carp at, i.e. defame; to spend the winter; betroth, blaspheme, defy, jeopard, rail, reproach, upbraid." This term signifies disgrace, shame, scorn, or contempt. It implies public humiliation and a challenge to one's honor or integrity. In this context, the reproach is particularly painful because it targets the psalmist's relationship with God, questioning God's existence, power, or care. It is an attempt to undermine the psalmist's faith and bring them to despair by mocking their trust in a seemingly absent deity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[As] with a sword in my bones":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the excruciating nature of the psalmist's suffering. The pain is not merely emotional or psychological; it is depicted with a visceral, physical intensity, likened to a weapon piercing the very core of one's being. This powerful simile conveys a debilitating, soul-deep agony that affects the psalmist's strength and vitality.
* **"mine enemies reproach me":** This identifies the source of the pain: the taunts and scorn of adversaries. The "reproach" is a form of verbal abuse, designed to shame, humiliate, and discredit the psalmist. It implies a relentless, public assault on their character and, more significantly, their faith.
* **"while they say daily unto me, Where [is] thy God?":** This clause reveals the specific and most agonizing nature of the reproach. The enemies' question is a direct challenge to the psalmist's belief in God's presence, power, and faithfulness. The word "daily" emphasizes the relentless, persistent nature of this spiritual assault, making the suffering continuous and inescapable. This rhetorical question is designed to sow doubt and despair, implying that God has abandoned the psalmist or is powerless to help.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 42:10 is rich with literary devices that amplify its emotional impact. The most prominent is **Simile**, seen in "As with a sword in my bones," which vividly compares the internal, spiritual pain to the physical agony of a sword wound. This is further enhanced by **Hyperbole**, as the pain is described as penetrating to the very "bones," suggesting an extreme, debilitating level of suffering that goes beyond mere discomfort. The phrase also employs a powerful **Metaphor**, where the external reproach is internalized and felt as a physical wound, blurring the lines between emotional and bodily pain. The enemies' taunt, "Where is thy God?", functions as a potent **Rhetorical Question**, designed not to elicit an answer but to mock, accuse, and sow doubt, implying God's absence or impotence. Finally, the word "daily" highlights **Repetition** and **Persistence**, emphasizing the relentless and unceasing nature of the enemies' taunts, which contributes to the psalmist's profound weariness and despair.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 42:10 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of suffering, particularly when it intersects with faith. It affirms that spiritual and emotional pain can be as real and debilitating as physical injury, especially when one's deepest convictions are mocked. The taunt "Where is thy God?" is a timeless question that challenges the believer's understanding of divine sovereignty, presence, and goodness in the face of adversity. This verse underscores the reality of spiritual warfare, where the enemy seeks to undermine faith not just through overt attacks but through insidious doubt and shaming. Yet, the psalmist's lament, rather than succumbing to despair, becomes an act of defiant faith, an honest cry to God that implicitly trusts in His ultimate vindication and presence, even when unseen. It teaches that true faith is often forged in the crucible of such challenging questions, compelling believers to anchor their hope not in circumstances but in the unchanging character of God.

* [Psalms 22:1](/psalms/22-1 "Psalm 22:1 - My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me?")
* [Job 2:9](/job/2-9 "Job 2:9 - Job's Wife Urges Him to Curse God")
* [Romans 8:35-39](/romans/8-35 "Romans 8:35-39 - Nothing Can Separate Us From God's Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 42:10 offers profound solace and challenge for believers navigating the complexities of faith in a skeptical world. It validates the deep, often unspoken, pain experienced when one's faith is ridiculed or when God's apparent silence in suffering leads to internal questioning. In moments when circumstances or critics whisper, "Where is your God?", this verse reminds us that such spiritual assaults are not new; they are part of the human and spiritual condition. It calls us to acknowledge the reality of our pain, to lament honestly before God, and yet, like the psalmist, to actively choose hope. Our response to such taunts is not to abandon our faith but to cling more fiercely to the God who is always present, even when His presence is not immediately felt or understood. This verse encourages us to find strength in our vulnerability, knowing that our cries of anguish are heard by the One who understands suffering perfectly. It invites us to transform our lament into a declaration of enduring trust, affirming that our God is indeed with us, even in the valley of the shadow of doubt.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do you experience "reproach" or challenges to your faith in your daily life?**
* **How do you respond when your faith is questioned, either by others or by your own internal doubts?**
* **What does it mean for your pain to feel "like a sword in your bones," and how does this verse validate that deep suffering?**
* **How can you actively "hope in God" when His presence feels distant or when circumstances seem to contradict His promises?**

### FAQ

**What does "As with a sword in my bones" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: This powerful phrase is a vivid **simile** describing the intense, debilitating pain the psalmist feels. It means that the emotional and spiritual anguish caused by the enemies' reproach is so severe that it feels like a physical wound, specifically a sword piercing the deepest parts of one's being. In ancient Hebrew thought, "bones" often represented the core strength, vitality, or innermost essence of a person. Thus, the pain is not superficial; it cuts to the very marrow, affecting the psalmist's strength, spirit, and sense of well-being, leaving them profoundly wounded and weakened. It underscores that psychological and spiritual suffering can be as devastating as physical injury.

**Why is the question "Where is thy God?" so painful for the psalmist?**

Answer: The question "Where is thy God?" is excruciatingly painful because it is a direct assault on the psalmist's faith, identity, and covenant relationship with Yahweh. For an Israelite, God was not just a distant deity but an active, present deliverer and protector. This taunt implies that God is either absent, powerless, or has abandoned His faithful servant. It aims to sow doubt, shame, and despair, undermining the psalmist's trust and publicly discrediting their devotion. It echoes similar challenges faced by God's people throughout the Old Testament, such as in [2 Kings 18:35](/2_kings/18-35 "2 Kings 18:35 - The Rabshakeh's Taunt Against Hezekiah"), where the Assyrian Rabshakeh mocks Judah's reliance on God. The pain is compounded by the "daily" repetition, making it a relentless psychological torment.

**Does this verse only apply to physical enemies, or can it speak to other forms of suffering?**

Answer: While the verse explicitly mentions "enemies," its profound imagery and emotional depth extend far beyond merely physical adversaries. The "reproach" can come from various sources:
* **Skeptical or hostile individuals:** Those who mock faith or question God's existence in the face of suffering.
* **Adverse circumstances:** Life's trials, illnesses, losses, or injustices that make God's presence seem distant, leading to internal questions of "Where is God in this?"
* **Internal struggles:** Moments of profound doubt or spiritual dryness where one's own heart questions God's faithfulness, as seen in the psalmist's own internal dialogue in [Psalms 42:5](/psalms/42-5 "Psalm 42:5 - Why Are You Cast Down, O My Soul?").
Thus, the verse speaks broadly to any situation where one's faith is challenged, and the pain feels deeply internal and debilitating, regardless of the direct source.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 42:10 finds its ultimate and most poignant fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied the psalmist's suffering and triumphed over it. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus endured constant "reproach" from His enemies, who daily questioned His authority, His identity, and ultimately, His divine connection. They mocked Him, saying, "He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him" in [Matthew 27:43](/matthew/27-43 "Matthew 27:43 - Mocking of Jesus on the Cross"). The climax of this reproach came on the cross, where Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God, cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" in [Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction"), echoing the very lament of abandonment found in the Psalms. This cry, a "sword in His bones" of spiritual agony, revealed the depth of His identification with humanity's suffering and God's seeming absence in the face of sin. Yet, unlike the psalmist who merely hoped, Jesus' suffering was redemptive. His reproach led to our reconciliation; His cry of abandonment secured our eternal adoption. Through His resurrection, God definitively answered the "Where is thy God?" question, demonstrating His ultimate power and faithfulness, proving that even in the deepest suffering and apparent absence, God is profoundly present, working salvation for all who believe, fulfilling the psalmist's yearning for God's manifest presence in a way that transcends all human expectation, as declared by Peter in [Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Him Up").

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 42:3

My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where [is] thy God?

Joel 2:17

Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where [is] their God?

Proverbs 12:18

¶ There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise [is] health.

Luke 2:35

(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

Micah 7:10

Then [she that is] mine enemy shall see [it], and shame shall cover her which said unto me, Where is the LORD thy God? mine eyes shall behold her: now shall she be trodden down as the mire of the streets.