Psalms 55:4

My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me.

My heart {H3820} is sore pained {H2342}{H8799)} within {H7130} me: and the terrors {H367} of death {H4194} are fallen {H5307}{H8804)} upon me.

My heart within me is pounding in anguish, the terrors of death press down on me,

My heart murmurs within me, and the terrors of death assail me.

My heart is sore pained within me: And the terrors of death are fallen upon me.

Commentary

Context of Psalms 55:4

Psalm 55 is a deeply personal lament, traditionally attributed to King David, reflecting a period of intense distress, betrayal, and fear. While the exact historical context is debated, many scholars link it to David's flight from his son Absalom, particularly the betrayal by his trusted counselor Ahithophel (2 Samuel 15:31). This psalm vividly portrays the psalmist's emotional turmoil, physical danger, and the pain of treachery from a close friend. Verse 4 specifically plunges into the core of his internal suffering, setting the stage for the desperate plea that follows.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Profound Inner Anguish: The verse powerfully conveys an overwhelming sense of internal pain and emotional distress. It's not merely discomfort but a deep, piercing agony that affects the very core of one's being.
  • Fear of Death: The "terrors of death" indicate an intense, paralyzing dread, possibly stemming from immediate threats to his life or the psychological impact of his desperate situation. This fear is not just rational apprehension but an overwhelming horror.
  • Human Vulnerability: David, a mighty warrior and king, is portrayed in a state of extreme vulnerability, highlighting that even the strongest among us can experience debilitating fear and pain.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "sore pained within me" translates the Hebrew verb Χ—ΦΈΧœΦ·Χœ (chalal), which means to pierce, wound, or be grieved. It suggests a deep, internal injury, as if his heart has been literally wounded. This is not a superficial ache but a profound, visceral suffering. The "terrors of death" comes from the Hebrew ΧΦ΅Χ™ΧžΧ•ΦΉΧͺ ΧžΦΈΧ•ΦΆΧͺ (eimot mavet), conveying not just fear, but overwhelming dread, horrors, or panic associated with mortality. It describes a psychological and spiritual assault rather than just a physical threat.

Related Scriptures

  • This expression of deep inner turmoil echoes sentiments found in other psalms of lament, such as Psalm 6:3, where David cries out, "My soul is also sore vexed."
  • The extreme anguish described here can be seen as foreshadowing the intense spiritual and emotional agony experienced by Jesus in Gethsemane, when He told His disciples, "My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death."
  • For another powerful depiction of fear and trembling, see Psalm 119:120, where the psalmist states, "My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments."

Practical Application

Psalms 55:4 offers a profound validation for human suffering. It assures us that experiencing intense emotional pain, anxiety, and even the "terrors of death" is not uncommon, even for those with strong faith. David's raw honesty gives us permission to acknowledge our deepest fears and distress before God. In moments of overwhelming sorrow or dread, this verse reminds us that we are not alone in our anguish, and that it is acceptable to voice our pain to the One who understands our frame (Psalm 103:14). It encourages us to bring our whole selves, even our most painful emotions, into prayer and communion with God.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 116:3

    The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.

  • Mark 14:33

    And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy;

  • Mark 14:34

    And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch.

  • Psalms 18:4

    The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid.

  • Psalms 18:5

    The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me.

  • Psalms 6:3

    My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long?

  • Hebrews 5:7

    Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;
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