Psalms 88:14
Psalms 88:14 in Multiple Translations
Why, O LORD, do You reject me? Why do You hide Your face from me?
LORD, why castest thou off my soul? why hidest thou thy face from me?
Jehovah, why castest thou off my soul? Why hidest thou thy face from me?
Lord, why have you sent away my soul? why is your face covered from me?
Lord, why do you reject me? Why do you turn away from me?
Lord, why doest thou reiect my soule, and hidest thy face from me?
Why, O Jehovah, castest Thou off my soul? Thou hidest Thy face from me.
LORD, why do you reject my soul? Why do you hide your face from me?
LORD, why castest thou off my soul? why hidest thou thy face from me?
Thy arm is with might. Let thy hand be strengthened, and thy right hand exalted:
Yahweh, why do you reject me [RHQ]? Why do you turn away from me [RHQ]?
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 88:14
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 88:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/אֲנִ֤י
אֵלֶ֣י/ךָ
יְהוָ֣ה
שִׁוַּ֑עְתִּי
וּ֝/בַ/בֹּ֗קֶר
תְּֽפִלָּתִ֥/י
תְקַדְּמֶֽ/ךָּ
וַ/אֲנִ֤י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Conj | Pron
אֵלֶ֣י/ךָ
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
שִׁוַּ֑עְתִּי
shâvaʻ
H7768
to cry
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
וּ֝/בַ/בֹּ֗קֶר
bôqer
H1242
morning
Conj | Prep | N-ms
תְּֽפִלָּתִ֥/י
tᵉphillâh
H8605
prayer
N-fs | Suff
תְקַדְּמֶֽ/ךָּ
qâdam
H6923
to meet
V-Piel-Imperf-3fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 88:14
וַ/אֲנִ֤י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
אֵלֶ֣י/ךָ
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.
יְהוָ֣ה
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.
שִׁוַּ֑עְתִּי
shâvaʻ
H7768
"to cry"
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
To cry out in the original Hebrew means to shout for help or freedom from trouble. This verb is used to describe calling out for assistance in times of need.
Definition: (Piel) to cry out (for help), shout
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: cry (aloud, out), shout. See also: Job 19:7; Psalms 22:25; Psalms 18:7.
וּ֝/בַ/בֹּ֗קֶר
bôqer
H1242
"morning"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
The break of day or morning, a time of new beginnings, as in the morning sacrifices in Exodus 29:39 or the resurrection of Jesus on the first day of the week in John 20:1.
Definition: 1) morning, break of day 1a) morning 1a1) of end of night 1a2) of coming of daylight 1a3) of coming of sunrise 1a4) of beginning of day 1a5) of bright joy after night of distress (fig.) 1b) morrow, next day, next morning
Usage: Occurs in 189 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase]) day, early, morning, morrow. See also: Genesis 1:5; 1 Samuel 11:11; Psalms 5:4.
תְּֽפִלָּתִ֥/י
tᵉphillâh
H8605
"prayer"
N-fs | Suff
In the Bible, this word means prayer or supplication, often used to describe requests to God. It appears in many Psalms, highlighting the importance of prayer in worship.
Definition: 1) prayer 1a) prayer 1b) pray a prayer 1c) house of prayer 1d) hear prayer 1e) in Ps titles (of poetic or liturgical prayer)
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: prayer. See also: 2 Samuel 7:27; Psalms 66:19; Psalms 4:2.
תְקַדְּמֶֽ/ךָּ
qâdam
H6923
"to meet"
V-Piel-Imperf-3fs | Suff
To meet or go before someone, often for help, as seen in the Bible when God meets his people in Exodus. This word can also mean to anticipate or hasten something. In the book of Psalms, it is used to describe God coming to the aid of his people.
Definition: 1) to meet, come or be in front, confront, go before 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to meet, confront, come to meet, receive 1a2) to go before, go in front, be in front 1a3) to lead, be beforehand, anticipate, forestall 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to come in front 1b2) to confront, anticipate
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: come (go, (flee)) before, [phrase] disappoint, meet, prevent. See also: Deuteronomy 23:5; Psalms 59:11; Psalms 17:13.
Study Notes — Psalms 88:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 88:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 88:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 88:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 88:14
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 88:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 88:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 88:14
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 88:14
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 88:14
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 88:14
- Sermons on Psalms 88:14
Context — I Cry Out before You
12Will Your wonders be known in the darkness, or Your righteousness in the land of oblivion?
13But to You, O LORD, I cry for help; in the morning my prayer comes before You.
14Why, O LORD, do You reject me? Why do You hide Your face from me?
15From my youth I was afflicted and near death. I have borne Your terrors; I am in despair. 16Your wrath has swept over me; Your terrors have destroyed me.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 13:24 | Why do You hide Your face and consider me as Your enemy? |
| 2 | Psalms 13:1 | How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? |
| 3 | Psalms 44:24 | Why do You hide Your face and forget our affliction and oppression? |
| 4 | Psalms 43:2 | For You are the God of my refuge. Why have You rejected me? Why must I walk in sorrow because of the enemy’s oppression? |
| 5 | Matthew 27:46 | About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” |
| 6 | Psalms 77:7–9 | “Will the Lord spurn us forever and never show His favor again? Is His loving devotion gone forever? Has His promise failed for all time? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has His anger shut off His compassion?” Selah |
| 7 | Psalms 69:17 | Hide not Your face from Your servant, for I am in distress. Answer me quickly! |
| 8 | Psalms 44:9 | But You have rejected and humbled us; You no longer go forth with our armies. |
Psalms 88:14 Summary
In Psalms 88:14, the psalmist is feeling rejected by God and is asking Him why He is hiding His face. This is a honest and heartfelt cry to God, and it shows that the psalmist is struggling to understand what God is doing. We can all relate to feeling this way at times, and it's okay to ask God questions and express our feelings to Him (as seen in Psalms 13:1-2). However, we must also remember that God's ways are not our ways, and we must trust in His sovereignty and goodness, as seen in Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the psalmist feel rejected by God in Psalms 88:14?
The psalmist feels rejected by God because he is experiencing intense suffering and darkness, and he does not understand why God is allowing it, as seen in Psalms 88:15 and Psalms 88:16. This feeling of rejection is a common theme in the Psalms, as seen in Psalms 22:1-2.
Is it okay to ask God why He is hiding His face from us?
Yes, it is okay to ask God questions and express our feelings to Him, as seen in Psalms 13:1-2 and Psalms 42:9. However, we must also be willing to trust in His sovereignty and goodness, as seen in Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11.
How can we reconcile God's love with the feeling of being rejected by Him?
We can reconcile God's love with the feeling of being rejected by Him by remembering that His ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts, as seen in Isaiah 55:8-9. We must also trust in His promise to never leave us or forsake us, as seen in Hebrews 13:5-6.
What can we learn from the psalmist's honesty with God in Psalms 88:14?
We can learn the importance of honesty and transparency in our relationship with God, as seen in Psalms 51:17 and Proverbs 28:13. By being honest with God, we can deepen our intimacy with Him and experience His grace and mercy, as seen in 1 John 1:9.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in your life when you have felt rejected or hidden from by God, and how did you respond to those feelings?
- How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when you do not understand what He is doing?
- What are some ways you can express your feelings and questions to God, and how can you balance honesty with faith and trust?
- How can you remember God's promises to you, such as His promise to never leave you or forsake you, when you are feeling rejected or alone?
- What can you learn from the psalmist's example of crying out to God in his distress, and how can you apply that to your own life?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 88:14
Lord, why castest thou off my soul?.... Here begins his prayer, which he determined to present early in the morning, and consists of expostulations, and a representation of his distressed case: this
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 88:14
LORD, why castest thou off my soul? why hidest thou thy face from me? Lord, why castest thou off my soul? why hidest thou thy face from me? - Messiah's cry on the cross (Psalms 22:1).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 88:14
This proceeding seems not to agree with the benignity of thy nature, nor with the manner of thy dealing with thy people.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 88:14
Psalms 88:14 LORD, why castest thou off my soul? [why] hidest thou thy face from me?Ver. 14. Lord, why castest thou off, &c.] Luther saith of himself, that after his conversion he lay three days in desperation. And afterwards, he sometimes suffered such desertions, ut nec calor, nec sanguis, nec sensus, nec vex, superesset, saith an eyewitness (Just. Jon. Ep. ad Melan.).
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 88:14
(14) Castest thou off.—The idea is that of throwing away something with loathing. (Comp. Psalms 43:2.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 88:14
Verse 14. Why castest thou off my soul?] Instead of my soul, several of the ancient Versions have my prayer. Why dost thou refuse to hear me, and thus abandon me to death?
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 88:14
14. Questions of surprise and expostulation. Cp. Psalms 74:1; Psalms 77:7. For the second line cp. Job 13:24; Psalms 13:1. God “shuts out his prayer,” Lamentations 3:8.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 88:14
Lord, why castest thou off my soul? - Why dost thou forsake or abandon me? Why is it that thou dost not interpose, since thou hast all power, and since thou art a God of mercy? Why dost thou not deliver me from my troubles?
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 88:14
14. Lord, why—Still the mystery returns to perplex. Why should God thus, by delay, seem to choose his destruction rather than his salvation?
Sermons on Psalms 88:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Letter 7 by James Bourne | James Bourne, in a letter to W. J. Brook in London, 1808, expresses deep struggles with feeling separated from God's people, walking in darkness, and being held in perpetual contem |
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God's Truth About Responsibility by Russell Kelfer | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the controversial topic of responsibility and who is to blame for our problems. He discusses the common belief that Satan is responsible for |
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The Question by Warren Wiersbe | Warren Wiersbe delves into Psalms 10:1-13, exploring the profound question of 'Why?' that David raises three times in this psalm. He contrasts the atheist, rationalist, and legalis |
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Introducing Lament in Psalm 13 by Michael Flowers | Michael Flowers introduces the concept of lament as expressed in Psalm 13, emphasizing its significance in the Psalter as a heartfelt response to grief and sorrow. He explains that |
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The Final Victory - Matter Matters by Michael Flowers | In this sermon, Paul emphasizes that victory is a gift from God and not something that can be achieved through our own efforts. He highlights the importance of recognizing the grac |
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How Long Can You Wait? by Warren Wiersbe | Warren Wiersbe emphasizes the danger of impatience with God, using examples of everyday frustrations to illustrate the impatience we often feel. He delves into Psalm 13:1-6, where |
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Psalm 13 by Andrew Bonar | Andrew Bonar reflects on Psalm 13, expressing David's deep anguish and longing for God's presence during times of despair. He emphasizes the feelings of abandonment and sorrow that |