Psalms 13:2
Psalms 13:2 in Multiple Translations
How long must I wrestle in my soul, with sorrow in my heart each day? How long will my enemy dominate me?
How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?
How long shall I take counsel in my soul, Having sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?
How long is my soul to be in doubt, with sorrow in my heart all the day? how long will he who is against me be given power over me?
How long must I be in inner turmoil, feeling sad all day long? How long will my enemy be victorious over me?
How long shall I take counsell within my selfe, hauing wearinesse dayly in mine heart? how long shall mine enemie be exalted aboue me?
Till when do I set counsels in my soul? Sorrow in my heart daily? Till when is mine enemy exalted over me?
How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart every day? How long shall my enemy triumph over me?
How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall my enemy be exalted over me?
The Lord hath looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there be any that understand and seek God.
How long must I endure anguish/worry? Must I be miserable/sad every day? How long will my enemies continue to defeat me?
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 13:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 13:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עַד
אָ֣נָה
יְ֭הוָה
תִּשְׁכָּחֵ֣/נִי
נֶ֑צַח
עַד
אָ֓נָה
תַּסְתִּ֖יר
אֶת
פָּנֶ֣י/ךָ
מִמֶּֽ/נִּי
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
אָ֣נָה
ʼân
H575
where?
Adv
יְ֭הוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
תִּשְׁכָּחֵ֣/נִי
shâkach
H7911
to forget
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | Suff
נֶ֑צַח
netsach
H5331
perpetuity
N-ms
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
אָ֓נָה
ʼân
H575
where?
Adv
תַּסְתִּ֖יר
çâthar
H5641
to hide
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
פָּנֶ֣י/ךָ
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp | Suff
מִמֶּֽ/נִּי
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 13:2
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
אָ֣נָה
ʼân
H575
"where?"
Adv
The Hebrew word for 'where' is used to ask about location or direction, like in Genesis 3:9 and Exodus 2:13. It can also mean 'when' or 'how long'.
Definition: 1) where?, whither? (of place) 2) when?, until when?, how long? (of time)
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] any (no) whither, now, where, whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 16:8; 2 Kings 6:6; Psalms 13:2.
יְ֭הוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
תִּשְׁכָּחֵ֣/נִי
shâkach
H7911
"to forget"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | Suff
To forget something means to mislay it or be oblivious to it. This Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe when people forget things, like God's commands. The KJV translates it as 'to forget' or 'at all'.
Definition: 1) to forget, ignore, wither 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to forget 1a2) to cease to care 1b) (Niphal) to be forgotten 1c) (Piel) to cause to forget 1d) (Hiphil) to make or cause to forget 1e) (Hithpael) to be forgotten Aramaic equivalent: she.khach (שְׁכַח "to find" H7912)
Usage: Occurs in 95 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, (cause to) forget. See also: Genesis 27:45; Psalms 106:13; Psalms 9:13.
נֶ֑צַח
netsach
H5331
"perpetuity"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for perpetuity or everlastingness, often used to describe God's nature. It appears in Psalm 9:7, where the psalmist praises God's enduring presence. This word conveys the idea of something lasting forever.
Definition: 1) eminence, perpetuity, strength, victory, enduring, everlastingness 1a) eminence 1b) enduring of life 1c) endurance in time, perpetual, continual, unto the end 1d) everlastingness, ever
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), constantly, end, ([phrase] n-) ever(more), perpetual, strength, victory. See also: 1 Samuel 15:29; Psalms 74:10; Psalms 9:7.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
אָ֓נָה
ʼân
H575
"where?"
Adv
The Hebrew word for 'where' is used to ask about location or direction, like in Genesis 3:9 and Exodus 2:13. It can also mean 'when' or 'how long'.
Definition: 1) where?, whither? (of place) 2) when?, until when?, how long? (of time)
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] any (no) whither, now, where, whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 16:8; 2 Kings 6:6; Psalms 13:2.
תַּסְתִּ֖יר
çâthar
H5641
"to hide"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
This word means to hide or conceal something, like covering it up. It can also mean to keep something secret or hidden from others, as in Psalm 27:5.
Definition: 1) to hide, conceal 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to hide oneself 1a2) to be hidden, be concealed 1b) (Piel) to hide carefully 1c) (Pual) to be hidden carefully, be concealed 1d) (Hiphil) to conceal, hide 1e) (Hithpael) to hide oneself carefully Aramaic equivalent: se.tar (סְתַר "to hide" H5642A)
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: be absent, keep close, conceal, hide (self), (keep) secret, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:14; Psalms 55:13; Psalms 10:11.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
פָּנֶ֣י/ךָ
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
מִמֶּֽ/נִּי
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
Study Notes — Psalms 13:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 13:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 13:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 13:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 13:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 13:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 13:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 13:2
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 13:2
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 13:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 13:2
- Sermons on Psalms 13:2
Context — How Long, O LORD?
1How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?
2How long must I wrestle in my soul, with sorrow in my heart each day? How long will my enemy dominate me?
3Consider me and respond, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, lest I sleep in death, 4lest my enemy say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes rejoice when I fall.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Micah 7:8–10 | Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will arise; though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light. Because I have sinned against Him, I must endure the rage of the LORD, until He argues my case and executes justice for me. He will bring me into the light; I will see His righteousness. Then my enemy will see and will be covered with shame— she who said to me, “Where is the LORD your God?” My eyes will see her; at that time she will be trampled like mud in the streets. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 8:18 | My sorrow is beyond healing; my heart is faint within me. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 15:18 | Why is my pain unending, and my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? You have indeed become like a mirage to me— water that is not there. |
| 4 | Psalms 143:3–4 | For the enemy has pursued my soul, crushing my life to the ground, making me dwell in darkness like those long since dead. My spirit grows faint within me; my heart is dismayed inside me. |
| 5 | Job 23:8–10 | If I go east, He is not there, and if I go west, I cannot find Him. When He is at work in the north, I cannot behold Him; when He turns to the south, I cannot see Him. Yet He knows the way I have taken; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold. |
| 6 | Proverbs 15:13 | A joyful heart makes a cheerful countenance, but sorrow of the heart crushes the spirit. |
| 7 | Job 10:15 | If I am guilty, woe to me! And even if I am righteous, I cannot lift my head. I am full of shame and aware of my affliction. |
| 8 | Psalms 142:4–7 | Look to my right and see; no one attends to me. There is no refuge for me; no one cares for my soul. I cry to You, O LORD: “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” Listen to my cry, for I am brought quite low. Rescue me from my pursuers, for they are too strong for me. Free my soul from prison, that I may praise Your name. The righteous will gather around me because of Your goodness to me. |
| 9 | Ecclesiastes 5:17 | Moreover, all his days he eats in darkness, with much sorrow, sickness, and anger. |
| 10 | Lamentations 1:5 | Her foes have become her masters; her enemies are at ease. For the LORD has brought her grief because of her many transgressions. Her children have gone away as captives before the enemy. |
Psalms 13:2 Summary
This verse is about feeling really sad and struggling inside, and wondering how long it will last. The psalmist is asking God how long he will have to feel this way, and how long his enemies will seem to be winning. It's like when we feel overwhelmed and wonder if God has forgotten about us, but as we see in Psalms 23:4, God is always with us, even in the darkest times. We can trust that God loves us and will help us, even when things seem really tough, just like it says in Romans 8:28 that all things work together for our good.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to wrestle in my soul?
Wrestling in the soul, as mentioned in Psalms 13:2, refers to the inner turmoil and spiritual struggle that believers may experience, as seen in Romans 7:22-23 where Paul describes the conflict between the flesh and the spirit.
Why does the psalmist ask how long he must experience sorrow?
The psalmist asks how long he must experience sorrow because he is feeling overwhelmed by his circumstances, much like the prophet Jeremiah who cried out to God in Lamentations 3:1-20, expressing his deep emotional pain and seeking relief from God.
What does it mean for an enemy to dominate me?
In Psalms 13:2, the enemy dominating the psalmist refers to the spiritual forces of darkness, such as Satan, who seek to oppress and defeat believers, as mentioned in 1 Peter 5:8-9, where believers are encouraged to resist the devil and stand firm in their faith.
How can I apply this verse to my own life?
This verse can be applied to our own lives by recognizing that we all experience seasons of spiritual struggle and sorrow, and that we can cry out to God for help and relief, just like the psalmist, and trust in His sovereignty and love, as expressed in Psalms 23:4 and Romans 8:28.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am currently wrestling in my soul, and how can I surrender them to God?
- How do I respond when I feel dominated by my enemies, whether they are spiritual forces or physical circumstances, and what does Scripture teach me about trusting God in these situations?
- In what ways can I practice crying out to God like the psalmist, expressing my deepest feelings and concerns to Him, and what can I expect from Him in response?
- How can I balance my desire for immediate relief from suffering with the understanding that God's timing and ways are often different from mine, as seen in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 13:2
How long shall I take counsel in my soul,.... Or "put it" (s); to take counsel of good men and faithful friends, in matters of moment and difficulty, is safe and right; and it is best of all to take
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 13:2
How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me? How long shall I take (literally, put) counsel in my soul?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 13:2
How long shall I be in such perplexities and anxieties of mind, not knowing what course to take, nor how to get out of my troubles?
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 13:2
Psalms 13:2 How long shall I take counsel in my soul, [having] sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?Ver. 2. How long shall I take counsel in my soul] i.e. Conceal my grief, saith Aben Ezra, which is no small aggravation of it; or, How long shall I toss and tumble in my mind sundry counsels and purposes, but all to no purpose? This is no small affliction, when we try all courses to get out of durance, and nothing will do. Such must needs have much sorrow in their hearts. Having sorrow in my heart daily?] Heb. by day, sc. when others are full of business and forget their sorrows, saith R. David. But the Greek rendereth it, day and night. David was a cheerful man, and a great musician; but at this time heaviness had possessed his heart, and his harp would not relieve him. Sadness of spirit had dried up his bones, Proverbs 17:22, and made him a very bag of bones, a bottle in the smoke, shrinking away to nothing almost.
See Proverbs 12:25; Proverbs 15:13,
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 13:2
(2) Take counsel.—Literally, put plans unto my soul. The plans (LXX., âïõëὰ ?ò) formed in the mind turn to sorrows as they are frustrated. It is, however, so doubtful whether nephesh can stand for the mind, that it is better to render, how long shall I form plans against my soul (having) sorrow in my heart all the day? The next verse confirms the suspicion that suicide had been in the psalmist’s mind. Daily.—There is a doubt about this rendering; but so Symmachus, and many moderns, relying on Ezekiel 30:16, “distresses daily.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 13:2
Verse 2. Take counsel in my soul] I am continually framing ways and means of deliverance; but they all come to naught, because thou comest not to my deliverance. When a soul feels the burden and guilt of sin, it tries innumerable schemes of self-recovery; but they are all useless. None but God can speak peace to a guilty conscience. Mine enemy be exalted] Satan appears to triumph while the soul lies under the curse of a broken law.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 13:2
2. Lit. How long shall I set counsels in my soul? devising one plan after another in vain. daily] The Heb. word means by day in contrast to by night (Psalms 22:2). We must either supply and by night (it is added in some MSS. of the LXX), or with R.V. render all the day, which however is hardly justified by usage. But an easy emendation gives the sense daily, which seems to be required by the context. be exalted] Be in authority and have the upper hand. Cp. Psalms 12:8.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 13:2
How long - This refers to the third aspect of the case, or the third phase of the trouble, that is, that he was perplexed and embarrassed, having a deep and heavy sorrow in his heart, and he asks how long this was to continue.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 13:2
2. Take counsel in my soul—Literally, “put counsel in my soul.” How long shall this life of peril and anxiety compel me daily to new plans and new cares for my safety?
Sermons on Psalms 13:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Overcoming Lust (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the evidence of being born of God, which is making war against sin. He describes how indulging in sinful desires may provide temporary pleas |
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When the Temple Declares the Glory of God by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes the importance of giving glory to God by agreeing with what He has spoken to us. It highlights the power of God's voice in our lives, breaking barriers, brin |
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Separated From Lot by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the necessity of separation from worldly influences, using the story of Abraham and Lot to illustrate how God can transform unworthy materials into vessels of |
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The Deliverance of the Kirk of God by Samuel Rutherford | Samuel Rutherford preaches on the prophecy of the fall of Babylon and the deliverance of Jerusalem, emphasizing the union and fellowship of a divided Kirk and the people of God. Th |
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Victory in Reverses by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon delivers a powerful message on finding victory in times of adversity, emphasizing that even when we feel downtrodden and oppressed, we can trust in the Lord to bring |
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Belief Through the Darkness by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about finding light in the midst of darkness, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's goodness, wisdom, and mercy even when faced with doubts |
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Confiding Trust and Patient Submission by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the journey of a believer through afflictions, temptations, and darkness, highlighting the need for patient submission to God's righteous dealings. The |