Psalms 77:2
Psalms 77:2 in Multiple Translations
In the day of trouble I sought the Lord; through the night my outstretched hands did not grow weary; my soul refused to be comforted.
In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted.
In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: My hand was stretched out in the night, and slacked not; My soul refused to be comforted.
In the day of my trouble, my heart was turned to the Lord: my hand was stretched out in the night without resting; my soul would not be comforted.
When I was in trouble I prayed to the Lord. All night long I stretched out my hands to him in prayer but nothing brought me any comfort.
In the day of my trouble I sought ye Lord: my sore ranne and ceased not in the night: my soule refused comfort.
In a day of my distress the Lord I sought, My hand by night hath been spread out, And it doth not cease, My soul hath refused to be comforted.
In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord. My hand was stretched out in the night, and didn’t get tired. My soul refused to be comforted.
In the day of my trouble I sought the LORD: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted.
I will open my mouth in parables: I will utter propositions from the beginning.
Whenever have trouble, I pray to the Lord; all during the night I lift up my hands while I pray, but nothing causes me to be comforted.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 77:2
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 77:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
קוֹלִ֣/י
אֶל
אֱלֹהִ֣ים
וְ/אֶצְעָ֑קָה
קוֹלִ֥/י
אֶל
אֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים
וְ/הַאֲזִ֥ין
אֵלָֽ/י
קוֹלִ֣/י
qôwl
H6963
voice
N-ms | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אֱלֹהִ֣ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
וְ/אֶצְעָ֑קָה
tsâʻaq
H6817
to cry
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
קוֹלִ֥/י
qôwl
H6963
voice
N-ms | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
וְ/הַאֲזִ֥ין
ʼâzan
H238
to listen
Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms
אֵלָֽ/י
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 77:2
קוֹלִ֣/י
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
N-ms | Suff
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֱלֹהִ֣ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
וְ/אֶצְעָ֑קָה
tsâʻaq
H6817
"to cry"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
To cry or cry out is the meaning of this verb, often used to express distress or need, as seen in the Psalms where people cry out to God for help.
Definition: 1) to cry, cry out, call, cry for help 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cry, cry out (for help) 1a2) to cry, cry out (in distress or need) 1a3) to make outcry, clamour 1b) (Niphal) to be summoned 1c) (Piel) to cry aloud (in grief) 1d) (Hiphil) to call together
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, call together, cry (out), gather (selves) (together). See also: Genesis 4:10; 1 Samuel 13:4; Psalms 34:18.
קוֹלִ֥/י
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
N-ms | Suff
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
וְ/הַאֲזִ֥ין
ʼâzan
H238
"to listen"
Conj | V-Hiphil-3ms
To listen or hear is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often implying obedience or paying attention to what is being said, as in 1 Kings 3:9.
Definition: 1) to hear, listen 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to hear, listen, give ear 1a2) to be obedient, harken 1a3) to hear or listen to prayers (of God)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: give (perceive by the) ear, hear(-ken). See H239 (אָזַן). See also: Genesis 4:23; Psalms 77:2; Psalms 5:2.
אֵלָֽ/י
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
Study Notes — Psalms 77:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 77:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 77:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 77:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 77:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 77:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 77:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 77:2
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 77:2
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 77:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 77:2
- Sermons on Psalms 77:2
Context — In the Day of Trouble I Sought the Lord
1I cried out to God; I cried aloud to God to hear me.
2In the day of trouble I sought the Lord; through the night my outstretched hands did not grow weary; my soul refused to be comforted.
3I remembered You, O God, and I groaned; I mused and my spirit grew faint. Selah 4You have kept my eyes from closing; I am too troubled to speak.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 50:15 | Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor Me.” |
| 2 | Genesis 37:35 | All his sons and daughters tried to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. “No,” he said. “I will go down to Sheol mourning for my son.” So his father wept for him. |
| 3 | Isaiah 26:9 | My soul longs for You in the night; indeed, my spirit seeks You at dawn. For when Your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness. |
| 4 | Isaiah 26:16 | O LORD, they sought You in their distress; when You disciplined them, they poured out a quiet prayer. |
| 5 | Hebrews 5:7 | During the days of Jesus’ earthly life, He offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the One who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence. |
| 6 | Esther 4:1–4 | When Mordecai learned of all that had happened, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the middle of the city, wailing loudly and bitterly. But he went only as far as the king’s gate, because the law prohibited anyone wearing sackcloth from entering that gate. In every province to which the king’s command and edict came, there was great mourning among the Jews. They fasted, wept, and lamented, and many lay in sackcloth and ashes. When Esther’s maidens and eunuchs came and told her about Mordecai, the queen was overcome with distress. She sent clothes for Mordecai to wear instead of his sackcloth, but he would not accept them. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 31:15 | This is what the LORD says: “A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children, and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” |
| 8 | Psalms 102:1–2 | Hear my prayer, O LORD; let my cry for help come before You. Do not hide Your face from me in my day of distress. Incline Your ear to me; answer me quickly when I call. |
| 9 | Jonah 2:1–2 | From inside the fish, Jonah prayed to the LORD his God, saying: “In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered me. From the belly of Sheol I called for help, and You heard my voice. |
| 10 | Hosea 5:13 | When Ephraim saw his sickness and Judah his wound, then Ephraim turned to Assyria and sent to the great king. But he cannot cure you or heal your wound. |
Psalms 77:2 Summary
This verse means that when we're going through hard times, we should turn to God and keep praying, even if it's hard and we don't feel like it. The psalmist is saying that he prayed all day and night, and he didn't give up, even when he didn't feel comforted. This is like what Jesus taught in Luke 18:1-8, where He encouraged us to always pray and not give up. We can trust that God is with us and will help us, even when things seem dark and difficult, as He promises in Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'seek the Lord' in times of trouble?
To seek the Lord means to turn to Him in prayer and trust, as seen in Psalms 77:2, and to rely on His presence and guidance, as promised in Jeremiah 29:13 and Matthew 7:7-8.
Why did the psalmist's soul refuse to be comforted?
The psalmist's soul refused to be comforted because he was deeply troubled and grieving, and he needed a deeper sense of God's presence and comfort, as expressed in Psalms 42:1-2 and Lamentations 3:20-24.
How can I keep my hands 'outstretched' in prayer during difficult times?
Keeping your hands outstretched in prayer means to persist in prayer and trust, even when it's hard, as seen in Luke 18:1-8 and 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, and to trust in God's sovereignty and love, as declared in Romans 8:28-30.
What can I learn from the psalmist's example of praying through the night?
The psalmist's example teaches us to be persistent in prayer, even when it's dark and difficult, and to trust in God's faithfulness, as seen in Psalms 138:8 and Isaiah 50:10-11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some troubles in my life that I can bring to God in prayer, and how can I seek Him in those times?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of trust and reliance on God, even when I don't feel comforted or at peace?
- What are some ways I can 'outstretch my hands' in prayer, and what are some promises from God's Word that can encourage me to persist?
- How can I remember God's faithfulness and character in times of trouble, and how can that memory sustain me?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 77:2
In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord,.... Not the creature, for help, and creature amusements to drive away trouble, but the Lord, in private, by prayer and supplication; a time of trouble is a
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 77:2
In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 77:2
My sore ran: the hand in the Hebrew tongue, and Scripture use, is oft put for a blow or stroke given by the hand. Heb. My hand, or hands, (the singular number being frequently put for the plural,) flowed or poured forth, i.e. spread abroad to God in prayer. This phrase he useth rather than were stretched out, which is frequent in like cases, to imply that his case was low and almost desperate, his spirits and strength quite gone, so that he was not able to stretch them out, as he had done. In the night; which to others was a time of rest and quietness, but to me of torment. My soul refused to be comforted; I rejected all those consolations which either my friends or my own mind suggested to me.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 77:2
Psalms 77:2 In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted.Ver. 2. In the day of my trouble] The time of affliction is the time of supplication, Psalms 50:15. My sore ran in the night] Heb. My hand was poured out; that is, stretched out in prayer; or wet with continual weeping. Non fuit remissa, nec retracta in lectum. And ceased not] Or, was not tired; in allusion, belike, to Moses’ s hands held up against Amalek; though My soul refused to be comforted] I prayed on, though I had little heart to do it (as Daniel afterwards did the king’ s work, though he were sick), or though with much infirmity, while I rather wrangled with God, by cavilling objections, than wrestled with him, as I ought to have done; by important prayer.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 77:2
(2) My sore ran . . .—The text of this verse is evidently faulty. As it stands it is unintelligible. My hand was poured out and grew not dull (like a corpse). The LXX. and Vulg. have, “with my hands against Him, and I was not deceived,” pointing to a different reading. Symmachus has, however, “my hand was stretched out,” which may be a possible meaning of the Hebrew, though a comparison with Lamentations 3:49 (comp. Lamentations 2:18) suggests that eye was written instead of hand. The Authorised Version’s sore comes from the Rabbins, who thought of the hand beating the breast, and rendered, “my blows were poured out.” Though the probable text may be beyond recovery, the feeling of the verse is quite palpable. It expresses the anguish of the poet’s soul— “His vows in the night, so fierce and unavailing, Stings of his shame and passion of his tears.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 77:2
Verse 2. My sore ran in the night, and ceased not] This is a most unaccountable translation; the literal meaning of ידי נגרה yadi niggerah, which we translate my sore ran, is, my hand was stretched out, i.e., in prayer. He continued during the whole night with his voice and hands lifted up to God, and ceased not, even in the midst of great discouragements.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 77:2
2. (Thus) in the day of my distress I sought the Lord: My hand was stretched out in the night, and slacked not; My soul refused to be comforted.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 77:2
In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord - Compare the notes at Psalms 50:15.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 77:2
2. In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord—Not only the depth of the psalmist’s sufferings is here indicated, such as God only could relieve, but his true piety. His troubles brought him nearer to God. Psalms 50:15.
Sermons on Psalms 77:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Thy Way Was in the Sea by T. Austin-Sparks | The video is a sermon about the way in which the Lord delivered his people out of Egypt and through the Red Sea. The speaker reflects on how he had previously written a song about |
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Calling on the Name of the Lord by Jim Cymbala | This sermon emphasizes the power and importance of calling on the name of the Lord in times of trouble and need. It recounts personal experiences and biblical principles that highl |
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Gold Tried in the Fire by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher expresses his deep concern and disappointment with the modern gospel being preached on television. He believes that it is a disgrace to the name of Jes |
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(Basics) 29. Praise Brings Deliverance by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of praising God in difficult situations. He shares the story of King Jehoshaphat and how he led the people of Israel to victor |
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The Position of Power by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, Pastor Jim Simba emphasizes the importance of prayer in our lives. He acknowledges that Satan tries to distract and cut us off from our supply line, which is prayer |
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Visitation by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker recounts the story of Peter's miraculous escape from prison. Peter was imprisoned and guarded by four groups of soldiers, but the church fervently praye |
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Becoming True Worshipers by Brian Long | In this sermon, the preacher describes the vision of the prophet Isaiah, where he saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up. The preacher emphasizes the sovereignty of G |