Psalms 88:6
Psalms 88:6 in Multiple Translations
You have laid me in the lowest Pit, in the darkest of the depths.
Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps.
Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, In dark places, in the deeps.
You have put me in the lowest deep, even in dark places.
You have placed me in a deep pit, in the depths of darkness.
Thou hast layde me in the lowest pit, in darkenes, and in the deepe.
Thou hast put me in the lowest pit, In dark places, in depths.
You have laid me in the lowest pit, in the darkest depths.
Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps.
The heavens shall confess thy wonders, O Lord: and thy truth in the church of the saints.
It is as though you have thrown me into a deep, dark pit, into a place where they throw corpses.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 88:6
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 88:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בַּ/מֵּתִ֗ים
חָ֫פְשִׁ֥י
כְּמ֤וֹ
חֲלָלִ֨ים
שֹׁ֥כְבֵי
קֶ֗בֶר
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
לֹ֣א
זְכַרְתָּ֣/ם
ע֑וֹד
וְ֝/הֵ֗מָּה
מִ/יָּדְ/ךָ֥
נִגְזָֽרוּ
בַּ/מֵּתִ֗ים
mûwth
H4191
to die
Prep | V-Qal
חָ֫פְשִׁ֥י
chophshîy
H2670
free
Adj
כְּמ֤וֹ
kᵉmôw
H3644
like
Prep
חֲלָלִ֨ים
châlâl
H2491
slain
Adj
שֹׁ֥כְבֵי
shâkab
H7901
to lie down
V-Qal
קֶ֗בֶר
qeber
H6913
grave
N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
זְכַרְתָּ֣/ם
zâkar
H2142
to remember
V-Qal-Perf-2ms | Suff
ע֑וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Adv
וְ֝/הֵ֗מָּה
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Conj | Pron
מִ/יָּדְ/ךָ֥
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs | Suff
נִגְזָֽרוּ
gâzar
H1504
to cut
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
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 88:6
בַּ/מֵּתִ֗ים
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Prep | V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
חָ֫פְשִׁ֥י
chophshîy
H2670
"free"
Adj
In the Bible, being free means being exempt from slavery, taxes, or other obligations, as seen in the book of Exodus. This concept is central to the Israelites' journey. Freedom is a gift from God.
Definition: 1) free 1a) free (from slavery) 1b) free (from taxes or obligations)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: free, liberty. See also: Exodus 21:2; Job 3:19; Psalms 88:6.
כְּמ֤וֹ
kᵉmôw
H3644
"like"
Prep
This word means like or as, used to compare things. It appears in the Bible to describe similarities or to make comparisons, such as in the book of Psalms.
Definition: adv 1) like, as, the like of which conj 2) when, according as, as it were
Usage: Occurs in 126 OT verses. KJV: according to, (such) as (it were, well as), in comparison of, like (as, to, unto), thus, when, worth. See also: Genesis 19:15; Job 40:17; Psalms 29:6.
חֲלָלִ֨ים
châlâl
H2491
"slain"
Adj
This word describes something or someone that has been profaned or hurt, like in Numbers 35:33. It can also mean to be pierced or wounded, as in physically harmed.
Definition: : killed 1) slain, fatally wounded, pierced 1a) pierced, fatally wounded 1b) slain Also means: cha.lal (חָלָל ": wounded" H2491H)
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: kill, profane, slain (man), [idiom] slew, (deadly) wounded. See also: Genesis 34:27; Isaiah 66:16; Psalms 69:27.
שֹׁ֥כְבֵי
shâkab
H7901
"to lie down"
V-Qal
To lie down can mean to rest, sleep, or have sexual relations, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. It can also mean to relax or be at rest.
Definition: : lay_down/lie_with 1) to lie down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie, lie down, lie on 1a2) to lodge 1a3) to lie (of sexual relations) 1a4) to lie down (in death) 1a5) to rest, relax (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be lain with (sexually) 1c) (Pual) to be lain with (sexually) 1d) (Hiphil) to make to lie down 1e) (Hophal) to be laid
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cast down, (lover-)lay (self) (down), (make to) lie (down, down to sleep, still with), lodge, ravish, take rest, sleep, stay. See also: Genesis 19:4; 1 Kings 11:43; Psalms 3:6.
קֶ֗בֶר
qeber
H6913
"grave"
N-ms
A grave or sepulchre is a place where the dead are buried, often a tomb or burial site. This word is used in the Bible to describe the final resting place of individuals, and is translated as burying place or sepulchre in the KJV.
Definition: grave, sepulchre, tomb
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: burying place, grave, sepulchre. See also: Genesis 23:4; 2 Chronicles 32:33; Psalms 5:10.
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
זְכַרְתָּ֣/ם
zâkar
H2142
"to remember"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms | Suff
To remember means to recall or mark something, like God remembering his covenant with Abraham in Genesis 9:1 and Exodus 2:24.
Definition: 1) to remember, recall, call to mind 1a) (Qal) to remember, recall 1b) (Niphal) to be brought to remembrance, be remembered, be thought of, be brought to mind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to remember, remind 1c2) to cause to be remembered, keep in remembrance 1c3) to mention 1c4) to record 1c5) to make a memorial, make remembrance
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] burn (incense), [idiom] earnestly, be male, (make) mention (of), be mindful, recount, record(-er), remember, make to be remembered, bring (call, come, keep, put) to (in) remembrance, [idiom] still, think on, [idiom] well. See also: Genesis 8:1; Psalms 74:2; Psalms 8:5.
ע֑וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
"still"
Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
וְ֝/הֵ֗מָּה
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
מִ/יָּדְ/ךָ֥
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
נִגְזָֽרוּ
gâzar
H1504
"to cut"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to cut or divide something, like cutting down a tree or deciding a matter. It is used in various ways, such as cutting off or destroying something. This word appears in books like Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: 1) to cut, divide, cut down, cut off, cut in two, snatch, decree 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut in two, divide 1a2) to cut down 1a3) to cut off, destroy, exterminate 1a4) to decree 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be cut off, separated, excluded 1b2) to be destroyed, cut off 1b3) to be decreed
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: cut down (off), decree, divide, snatch. See also: 1 Kings 3:25; Psalms 88:6; Psalms 136:13.
Study Notes — Psalms 88:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 88:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 88:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 88:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 88:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 88:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 88:6
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 88:6
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 88:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 88:6
- Sermons on Psalms 88:6
Context — I Cry Out before You
4I am counted among those descending to the Pit. I am like a man without strength.
5I am forsaken among the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave, whom You remember no more, who are cut off from Your care.
6You have laid me in the lowest Pit, in the darkest of the depths.
7Your wrath weighs heavily upon me; all Your waves have submerged me. Selah 8You have removed my friends from me; You have made me repulsive to them; I am confined and cannot escape.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 69:15 | Do not let the floods engulf me or the depths swallow me up; let not the Pit close its mouth over me. |
| 2 | Psalms 86:13 | For great is Your loving devotion to me; You have delivered me from the depths of Sheol. |
| 3 | Psalms 143:3 | For the enemy has pursued my soul, crushing my life to the ground, making me dwell in darkness like those long since dead. |
| 4 | Lamentations 3:2 | He has driven me away and made me walk in darkness instead of light. |
| 5 | John 12:46 | I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should remain in darkness. |
| 6 | Psalms 40:2 | He lifted me up from the pit of despair, out of the miry clay; He set my feet upon a rock, and made my footsteps firm. |
| 7 | Jude 1:13 | They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever. |
| 8 | Jude 1:6 | And the angels who did not stay within their own domain but abandoned their proper dwelling—these He has kept in eternal chains under darkness, bound for judgment on that great day. |
| 9 | Psalms 130:1 | Out of the depths I cry to You, O LORD! |
| 10 | Lamentations 3:55 | I called on Your name, O LORD, out of the depths of the Pit. |
Psalms 88:6 Summary
Psalms 88:6 describes a feeling of being in a very dark and hopeless place, where it's hard to feel God's presence. The 'lowest Pit' is like a deep hole that you can't climb out of on your own, but God is always with you, even when you can't feel Him, as promised in Psalms 139:7-10. This verse reminds us that even in the darkest times, God is still in control and cares about our pain, as seen in Romans 8:28. We can trust that He will bring us through those times and into a brighter future, just like He did for the psalmist and many others in the Bible, such as in Psalms 30:1-5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the 'lowest Pit' represent in Psalms 88:6?
The 'lowest Pit' is a metaphor for a place of deep despair, darkness, and hopelessness, similar to what is described in Psalms 130:1, where the psalmist cries out to God from the depths of his sorrow.
Is the experience described in Psalms 88:6 unique to the psalmist?
No, many believers throughout the Bible have experienced similar feelings of abandonment and despair, such as Job in Job 19:6-8 and Jeremiah in Lamentations 3:1-20, but God's presence and care are always available, as seen in Psalms 23:4.
How can I apply Psalms 88:6 to my own life when I'm feeling overwhelmed?
When you're feeling overwhelmed, remember that you're not alone, and God is always with you, even in the darkest times, as promised in Psalms 34:18 and Matthew 28:20.
What does it mean to be in the 'darkest of the depths'?
Being in the 'darkest of the depths' means being in a place of spiritual darkness, where it's hard to sense God's presence or feel His comfort, but even in those times, God's Word reminds us that He is always near, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I've felt like I was in the 'lowest Pit', and how did God bring me through those experiences?
- How can I trust God's goodness and love when I'm surrounded by darkness and despair, like the psalmist in Psalms 88:6?
- What are some ways I can reach out to God when I'm feeling overwhelmed and alone, and what promises from His Word can I cling to?
- How can I use my experiences of darkness and despair to minister to others who may be going through similar struggles, as seen in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 88:6
Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit,.... The Targum interprets it of "captivity which was like unto the lowest pit;'' and so Jarchi and Kimchi.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 88:6
Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps. Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness - rather, "in dark places," as in Psalms 74:20; Psalms 143:3; Lamentations 3:6.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 88:6
Either, first, in the grave; the same thing being expressed in divers words; or, secondly, in hopeless and remediless calamities.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 88:6
Psalms 88:6 Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps.Ver. 6. Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit] In cisterna infimorum, in the deepest dungeon, in lutoso lacu, such as Jeremiah was cast into, Jeremiah 37:15-16 In the deeps] In voraginibus, out of which none escapes, nothing can be buoyed up, as they call it.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 88:6
(6) Lowest pit.—See Note, Psalms 86:13.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 88:6
6. Thou hast laid me] God is treating him as though he were actually dead. The same word is used in the same connexion in Psalms 49:14. in the lowest pit] The nether world in the depths of the earth. Cp. Psalms 86:13; Psalms 63:9; Lamentations 3:55. The Targum explains it allegorically of the Exile. “Thou hast placed me in exile which is like the nether pit.” in darkness] R.V. in dark places. So Sheol is described in Psalms 143:3; Lamentations 3:6. Cp. Job 10:21-22. in the deeps] A word generally used of the depths of the sea: here metaphorically of the depths of misery (Psalms 69:15; cp. Lamentations 3:54), or as another synonym for Sheol, which was supposed to be situated below the sea.
Cp. Psalms 71:20; Job 26:5. The LXX and Syr. however read ‘shadow of death’ or ‘deep gloom’ (Psalms 44:19, note). This reading only implies a transposition of the consonants in the Heb. text, and is supported by the parallel passage in Job 10:21-22, which seems to be in the Psalmist’s mind.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 88:6
Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit - That is, I am as if I were thus laid; the deep grave seems now to lie so certainly before me, that it may be spoken of as if it were already my abode.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 88:6
6. Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit—In Psalms 88:4-5, he was already in the pit and in sheol. Here, in the “lowest” or deepest pit. In darkness— The pit is so deep that the daylight is shut out.
Sermons on Psalms 88:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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He Destroyed the Grave by Michael Koulianos | Michael Koulianos passionately preaches about the resurrection of Christ, emphasizing its profound significance and the mystery of God becoming man. He connects the resurrection to |
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Don't Die in Your Wilderness by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of holding onto God's promises in times of trouble. He reminds the congregation that God has commanded them not to fear or be |
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The Forgiving Nature of God by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the forgiving nature of God, illustrating how even in deep despair, like that experienced by David, one can find hope and restoration through God's mercy |
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The Foundation of Faith by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of the foundation of faith, questioning what it is built upon. He explains that faith is often tested through wilderness experiences, wher |
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Prayer - 1 Peter 1:3-5, Part 2 by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the abundant mercy of God as the foundation of our regeneration and lively hope in Christ, highlighting that this mercy is both general and special. He explain |
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Letter 65. by James Bourne | James Bourne preaches about the necessity of going through trials and sufferings as a means of spiritual refinement and growth. He reflects on his own struggles with sin, pride, an |
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Testimony by Corrie Ten Boom | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of visiting Russia and speaking to Christians there. He emphasizes the importance of sharing the gospel and the joy of spea |