Psalms 88:4

KJV

I am counted with them that go down into the pit: I am as a man [that hath] no strength:

KJV (with Strong's)

I am counted {H2803}{H8738)} with them that go down {H3381}{H8802)} into the pit {H953}: I am as a man {H1397} that hath no strength {H353}:

Complete Jewish Bible

I am counted among those going down to the pit, like a man who is beyond help,

Berean Standard Bible

I am counted among those descending to the Pit. I am like a man without strength.

American Standard Version

I am reckoned with them that go down into the pit; I am as a man that hath no help,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 88:4 offers a poignant glimpse into the psalmist's profound despair, portraying a soul already reckoned among the dead, seemingly confined to the grave, and utterly devoid of all strength. This verse encapsulates a unique and unyielding lament, articulating a deep sense of abandonment and an overwhelming feeling of being on the precipice of death, without any hope or capacity to resist the encroaching darkness. It is a raw cry from the depths of human suffering, illustrating a spiritual and physical exhaustion that leaves the psalmist feeling as good as gone from the land of the living.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 88 stands as one of the most singular and somber laments in the entire Psalter, often termed "the dark psalm" because, unlike almost every other psalm of lament, it concludes without any glimmer of hope, resolution, or expression of God's deliverance. Authored by Heman the Ezrahite, identified as a chief musician from the tribe of Levi (see [1 Chronicles 6:33](/1_chronicles/6-33 "1 Chronicles 6:33 - Heman, the Musician")), this psalm expresses an unparalleled depth of suffering, isolation, and a profound feeling of being utterly abandoned by God and man. The preceding verses establish the psalmist's continuous cry to God, his feeling of being overwhelmed by affliction, and his life drawing near to Sheol. Verse 4 intensifies this imagery, depicting a soul already consigned to the realm of the dead, further deepening the psalm's pervasive tone of relentless sorrow and unmitigated despair, a theme that resonates throughout the entire composition, from its opening plea for God to hear his prayer in [Psalms 88:1-2](/psalms/88-1-2 "Psalms 88:1-2 - A Cry to God") to its final, bleak declaration in [Psalms 88:18](/psalms/88-18 "Psalms 88:18 - Darkness as My Only Companion").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "pit" (Hebrew: *bor*, בּוֹר) in ancient Israelite culture could refer to various deep excavations: a cistern for water, a dungeon for prisoners, or, most significantly in this context, a grave or a symbolic representation of the underworld (Sheol). To be "counted with them that go down into the pit" suggests a dire situation, possibly a life-threatening illness that has brought the psalmist to the brink of death, or perhaps imprisonment in a literal dungeon. The description of being "as a man that hath no strength" points to extreme physical debilitation, possibly from a severe disease, prolonged suffering, or the psychological toll of profound depression. This state of utter weakness and proximity to death would have been a terrifying reality in a world without modern medicine, where such conditions often led swiftly to the grave, reinforcing the psalmist's sense of being beyond human help or hope, and highlighting the precariousness of life in the ancient Near East.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in Psalms 88 and the broader Psalter. The most prominent is the theme of **Imminent Death and Despair**, where the psalmist feels already condemned to the grave, a sentiment echoed in other laments that speak of life slipping away, as seen in [Psalms 30:9](/psalms/30-9 "Psalms 30:9 - What Profit is There in My Blood?"). Another crucial theme is **Utter Helplessness**, as the psalmist describes himself as completely devoid of strength, unable to help himself or escape his dire plight. This stands in stark contrast to the common biblical theme of God as the source of strength for His people, as celebrated in [Isaiah 40:29](/isaiah/40-29 "Isaiah 40:29 - God Gives Power to the Faint") and [Psalms 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalms 46:1 - God is Our Refuge and Strength"). Finally, the verse underscores **Profound Isolation**, as being "counted with them that go down into the pit" implies a separation from the living and a forced association with the deceased, emphasizing a deep sense of loneliness and alienation, even from God and human comfort, a feeling that permeates the entire psalm, making it a unique expression of spiritual abandonment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Counted (Hebrew, חָשַׁב, _châshab_):** A primitive root meaning "to think, reckon, account, impute, devise." In this context, it conveys the idea of being *reckoned* or *considered* among a group. The psalmist feels that he has already been officially assigned or sentenced to the company of those who are dead or dying, indicating a sense of irreversible destiny and a loss of identity among the living. This is not merely a personal feeling but a perceived decree, as if God or fate has already made the calculation.
* **Pit (Hebrew, בּוֹר, _bor_):** This noun refers to a cistern, a dungeon, or a grave. In the context of Psalms 88:4, it primarily carries the connotation of the grave or the underworld (Sheol), a deep, dark place of confinement and the abode of the dead. Its use here emphasizes the psalmist's feeling of being literally on the verge of death, or metaphorically, already in the realm of the deceased, cut off from life and light.
* **Strength (Hebrew, אֱיָל, _ʼĕyâl_):** This noun signifies "might, power, strength, ram." Paired with the negative particle "no" (אֵין, _'ayin_), the phrase "no strength" (אֵין אֱיָל) denotes an absolute absence of physical vigor, resilience, or the ability to cope. It highlights the psalmist's complete physical, emotional, and spiritual breakdown, rendering him utterly impotent in the face of his suffering and unable to resist the forces pulling him towards death.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I am counted with them that go down into the pit":** This initial clause powerfully conveys the psalmist's perception of his own state. He feels that his life is effectively over, that he has been officially designated or grouped with those who are descending into the grave or the realm of the dead (Sheol). This is not merely a fear of death, but a profound internal conviction of having already crossed the threshold, of being a living corpse, separated from the world of the living and consigned to the company of the deceased. It speaks to a deep internal conviction of imminent demise and a loss of identity among the healthy and vibrant.
* **"I am as a man that hath no strength":** This second clause provides the reason or the manifestation of the psalmist's dire condition. The KJV's "that hath" is supplied, with the Hebrew simply stating "a man no strength." This is a powerful simile, comparing the psalmist to someone utterly devoid of any vitality, power, or capacity for action. It describes not just weakness, but a complete and absolute physical and emotional exhaustion, rendering him helpless and unable to resist the forces pulling him towards death. This lack of strength encompasses both physical vigor and the will or ability to fight against his circumstances, highlighting his utter incapacitation.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 88:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey the psalmist's profound despair. **Metaphor** is central, as "the pit" serves as a powerful metaphorical representation of the grave, Sheol, or a state of utter confinement and death. This metaphor evokes a sense of deep, inescapable darkness, isolation, and hopelessness. The phrase "I am as a man that hath no strength" utilizes a **Simile**, directly comparing the psalmist's state to that of someone utterly debilitated. This simile emphasizes the complete and debilitating nature of his weakness, making the abstract concept of despair tangible and relatable. Furthermore, the description of being "counted with them that go down into the pit" and having "no strength" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, an exaggeration used to stress the extreme and overwhelming nature of the psalmist's suffering and his conviction that he is already as good as dead. These devices collectively amplify the psalm's unique tone of unmitigated despair and convey the psalmist's subjective experience of being beyond human help.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 88:4 offers a stark theological reflection on the reality of human suffering and the depths of despair that can afflict even the most devout. It challenges any simplistic notion that faith guarantees an absence of profound anguish or a quick resolution to suffering. Instead, it validates the experience of feeling utterly abandoned and without strength, even when crying out to God. Theologically, it underscores God's allowance for honest lament and the expression of raw, unvarnished human pain within the covenant relationship. It reminds us that faith is not always triumphant joy, but often a persistent cry from the abyss, trusting that God, though seemingly absent, hears the cries of His suffering children. This psalm, and particularly this verse, serves as a vital reminder that the biblical narrative encompasses the full spectrum of human experience, including the darkest valleys, without offering a superficial escape.

* [Psalms 30:3](/psalms/30-3 "Psalms 30:3 - God Has Brought My Soul Up From the Grave")
* [Isaiah 40:29](/isaiah/40-29 "Isaiah 40:29 - God Gives Power to the Faint and Increases Strength")
* [Job 17:16](/job/17-16 "Job 17:16 - The Bars of Sheol")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 88:4, while deeply personal to Heman the Ezrahite, resonates powerfully with the universal human experience of profound suffering and despair. It offers a vital validation for those who find themselves in the grip of overwhelming illness, grief, mental anguish, or spiritual darkness, feeling utterly "without strength" or on the brink of collapse. This verse assures us that it is permissible, even biblical, to express raw, unvarnished suffering to God, without needing to sugarcoat our pain or feign a hope we do not feel. It calls us to cultivate radical empathy and compassion for those who are suffering, recognizing that their journey may involve periods of intense darkness where hope seems absent. Furthermore, it reminds us that even when God feels distant or unresponsive, the act of crying out to Him, as the psalmist persistently does throughout Psalm 88, remains a profound act of faith, a testament to the belief that He is still there, even in the deepest pit, and that our honest lament is heard.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Psalms 88:4 validate your own experiences or observations of deep despair in yourself or others, and what comfort might it offer?**
* **In what ways might the psalmist's feeling of being "counted with them that go down into the pit" relate to modern experiences of isolation, chronic illness, or mental health struggles?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the nature of prayer and lament, especially when God feels distant or silent, and how can we persist in faith during such times?**
* **How can we cultivate greater empathy and provide meaningful support for those who are suffering profoundly, even when their experience offers no clear path to resolution or hope?**

### FAQ
**Why is Psalm 88 considered one of the darkest psalms, and how does verse 4 contribute to this?**

Answer: Psalm 88 is uniquely dark because, unlike nearly all other psalms of lament, it offers no resolution, no glimmer of hope, and no expression of God's deliverance by its conclusion. The psalmist's suffering begins and ends in profound despair, with the final verse stating that "darkness is my closest friend" ([Psalms 88:18](/psalms/88-18 "Psalms 88:18 - Darkness as My Only Companion")). Verse 4 significantly contributes to this pervasive darkness by depicting the psalmist as already being "counted with them that go down into the pit," a vivid image of being consigned to death or the grave. This sense of being a living corpse, utterly devoid of strength, immediately establishes a tone of irreversible decline and overwhelming helplessness, setting the stage for the psalm's relentless focus on suffering without relief. The psalmist's cry is one of unmitigated anguish, with no turn towards praise or renewed trust, making it a stark portrayal of the deepest human sorrow.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 88:4 is a personal lament of Heman the Ezrahite, its profound depiction of suffering, abandonment, and descent into the "pit" finds a powerful and ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus, the Son of God, truly became "as a man that hath no strength" in His human weakness, experiencing the full weight of human suffering and temptation, yet without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest, Sympathizes with Our Weaknesses")). In Gethsemane, He was "counted with them that go down into the pit" as He faced the crushing burden of the world's sin and the imminent prospect of crucifixion, crying out to His Father in agony, even sweating drops of blood ([Luke 22:44](/luke/22-44 "Luke 22:44 - Jesus' Agony in Gethsemane")). On the cross, He experienced the ultimate isolation and abandonment, crying out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")), a cry echoing the deepest human despair. He literally descended into the "pit" of death, becoming one with the dead, taking upon Himself the full consequence of sin, and experiencing the separation from God that humanity deserved ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ Humbled Himself to Death")). Yet, unlike Heman, Christ's descent into the pit was not an end but a means to victory. His ultimate lack of strength on the cross led to His resurrection, demonstrating that through His suffering and apparent defeat, He conquered death and the grave, providing the strength and hope that the psalmist longed for, and offering eternal life to all who believe in Him ([1 Peter 3:18](/1_peter/3-18 "1 Peter 3:18 - Christ Suffered Once for Sins, That He Might Bring Us to God")). His journey through the pit ensures that those who trust in Him will never be truly abandoned in their suffering, for He has walked that path before them, and His resurrection guarantees a future beyond the grave ([Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38-39 "Romans 8:38-39 - Nothing Can Separate Us From God's Love")).

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 28:1

¶ [A Psalm] of David. Unto thee will I cry, O LORD my rock; be not silent to me: lest, [if] thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit.

Psalms 31:12

I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel.

Psalms 143:7

¶ Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.

2 Corinthians 1:9

But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:

2 Corinthians 13:4

For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.

Isaiah 38:17

Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul [delivered it] from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.

Isaiah 38:18

For the grave cannot praise thee, death can [not] celebrate thee: they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth.