Thy fierce wrath goeth over me; thy terrors have cut me off.
Thy fierce wrath {H2740} goeth over {H5674}{H8804)} me; thy terrors {H1161} have cut me off {H6789}{H8768)}.
Your fierce anger has overwhelmed me, your terrors have shriveled me up.
Your wrath has swept over me; Your terrors have destroyed me.
Thy fierce wrath is gone over me; Thy terrors have cut me off.
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.
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Psalms 90:11
Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, [so is] thy wrath. -
Psalms 102:10
Because of thine indignation and thy wrath: for thou hast lifted me up, and cast me down. -
Revelation 6:17
For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand? -
Romans 8:32
He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? -
Psalms 90:7
¶ For we are consumed by thine anger, and by thy wrath are we troubled. -
Isaiah 53:4
¶ Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. -
Isaiah 53:6
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Psalms 88:16 (KJV)
Thy fierce wrath goeth over me; thy terrors have cut me off.
Commentary
This verse is part of Psalm 88, one of the most somber psalms in the Psalter. It is a deep lament attributed to Heman the Ezrahite, marked by intense suffering and a profound sense of abandonment by God, uniquely ending without a clear note of hope or resolution.
Historical and Cultural Context: Little is known specifically about Heman the Ezrahite, though the psalm is linked to the sons of Korah, suggesting a possible connection to temple musicians or Levitical families. The context is one of overwhelming personal suffering, isolation, and feeling as though one is at the brink of death or in the realm of the dead (Sheol). The psalmist perceives his suffering as a direct result of God's displeasure or wrath.
Key Themes and Messages: The verse powerfully expresses the psalmist's feeling of being utterly overwhelmed by divine judgment. "Thy fierce wrath" (חֲרוֹנְךָ - *charon*) implies a burning, intense anger, which the psalmist feels is passing over him like a flood or wave. "Thy terrors" (בַּעוּתֶיךָ - *ba'uteyka*) refers to frightening things or divine visitations that cause dread. These terrors, he says, "have cut me off" (צִמְּתוּנִי - *tsim'tutuni*), which can mean to silence, destroy, bring to an end, or make one speechless. The core message is the deep despair of feeling under God's severe displeasure and being brought to the brink of destruction by it.
Linguistic Insights: The Hebrew words emphasize the intensity of the experience. *Charon* for wrath is strong. *Ba'uteyka* for terrors suggests things that actively frighten or overwhelm. *Tsim'tutuni* for "cut me off" implies being brought to a sudden, final halt or destruction.
Significance: Psalm 88, and this verse within it, is significant because it gives voice to the darkest moments of faith, where God is perceived not just as distant but as actively hostile or punishing. It validates the reality of deep spiritual and emotional pain, even within a relationship with God, portraying a raw, unvarnished expression of suffering.
Practical Application or Reflection: While difficult, this psalm reminds us that the Bible includes expressions of the most profound human despair and feeling alienated from God. It can resonate with those experiencing severe trials, depression, or illness where they feel overwhelmed and that God is against them. It teaches that even in such depths, crying out to God, however painfully, is part of the human experience of faith.