My eyes fail from grief;This phrase reflects the deep emotional and physical toll that sorrow can have on a person. In biblical times, expressions of grief were often intense and public, involving weeping and lamentation. The psalmist's mention of failing eyes suggests a profound level of distress, possibly indicating both physical exhaustion and spiritual despondency. This imagery is consistent with other biblical passages where eyes are described as failing due to overwhelming sorrow or divine judgment (e.g.,
Lamentations 2:11). The eyes, often seen as the windows to the soul, reflect the inner turmoil and anguish experienced by the psalmist.
they grow dim because of all my foes.
The dimming of the eyes due to adversaries highlights the external pressures and threats faced by the psalmist. In the historical context of ancient Israel, enemies could be both foreign nations and internal adversaries. The psalmist's foes may represent literal enemies or symbolize spiritual and moral challenges. This phrase underscores the persistent and pervasive nature of opposition, which can lead to a sense of hopelessness and vulnerability. The theme of enemies is prevalent throughout the Psalms, often serving as a backdrop for the psalmist's plea for divine intervention and justice (e.g.,Psalm 3:1,Psalm 18:3). This struggle against foes can also be seen as a type of Christ, who faced opposition and betrayal yet remained steadfast in His mission.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of
Psalm 6, David is expressing deep personal anguish and distress, likely during a time of intense persecution or personal trial.
2.
Enemies/FoesThe adversaries causing David's grief. These could be literal enemies or symbolic of spiritual or emotional struggles.
3.
GodThe ultimate source of comfort and deliverance whom David is addressing in his lament.
Teaching Points
The Reality of GriefGrief is a natural and profound human experience. David's expression of his eyes failing from grief acknowledges the deep emotional and physical toll that sorrow can take on a person.
The Impact of AdversariesThe presence of foes, whether physical or spiritual, can exacerbate our grief. Recognizing the source of our distress can help us address it more effectively.
Turning to God in DistressDavid's lament is directed towards God, showing that in our deepest sorrow, we should turn to God for comfort and strength.
The Hope of DeliveranceWhile the psalm expresses deep sorrow, it is also a prayer for deliverance, reminding us that God is our refuge and strength in times of trouble.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Psalm 6:7?
2.How does Psalm 6:7 illustrate the impact of prolonged grief on the soul?
3.What steps can we take to seek God's comfort during times of deep sorrow?
4.How does Psalm 6:7 connect with Jesus' teachings on mourning in Matthew 5:4?
5.In what ways can we support others experiencing the "grief" described in Psalm 6:7?
6.How can Psalm 6:7 encourage us to bring our burdens to the Lord?
7.How does Psalm 6:7 reflect the emotional struggles of believers?
8.What historical context influenced the writing of Psalm 6:7?
9.How does Psalm 6:7 relate to the theme of human suffering in the Bible?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 6?
11.Psalm 6 - Is there any historical or archaeological evidence confirming the circumstances or authorship of this lament, or does it solely rely on faith tradition?
12.Do you trust in chariots or the Lord?
13.Does Psalm 117 conflict with other biblical passages that imply exclusivity or a chosen people, such as Deuteronomy 7:6, and if so, how?
14.How do we reconcile Psalm 54:7's claim that God delivered the psalmist from all trouble with the ongoing struggles David faced elsewhere in Scripture?What Does Psalm 6:7 Mean
My eyes fail from grief- David describes a real physical response to sorrow. The phrase is not poetic exaggeration; it conveys literal exhaustion that reaches even the eyes.Psalm 31:9 echoes the same cry: “My eye wastes away with grief, my soul and my body as well”.
- Tears blur sight, but grief also drains hope.Lamentations 2:11 reports, “My eyes fail from weeping… my heart is poured out on the ground”.
- This level of affliction reminds us that believers can experience devastating anguish while still clinging to God.Job 16:16 shows the same mixture of misery and faith: “My face is red with weeping, and deep darkness covers my eyes”.
- Because Scripture records these honest confessions, we are invited to bring our own grief directly to the Lord without pretending it does not hurt.
they grow dim because of all my foes- The dimness deepens as enemies press in. David is not only grieving; he is surrounded.Psalm 69:3 says, “I am weary with my crying; my throat is parched; my eyes fail while I wait for my God”, linking dim vision to prolonged opposition.
- “Foes” here are personal and persistent.Psalm 143:3 describes the same assault: “The enemy pursues my soul; he crushes my life to the ground”.
- Darkness of sight mirrors spiritual discouragement. When wickedness seems to have the upper hand, vision of God’s deliverance can cloud. YetPsalm 27:2–3 reminds us that hostile forces never have the final word: “When my enemies advanced against me… though an army encamp against me, my heart will not fear”.
- David’s dimming eyes signal his limit, not God’s. With the next verses (Psalm 6:8-10) he pivots from despair to assurance—proof that the Lord hears before eyesight clears.
summaryPsalm 6:7 paints a literal picture of eyes swollen, blurred, and darkened by relentless tears and relentless foes. Scripture validates the heaviness believers can feel, yet also points beyond it: God listens when grief blinds us and rescues when enemies encircle us. The verse invites honesty about pain while anchoring hope in the sure character of the Lord, who turns failing eyes back toward His unfailing salvation.
(7)
Consumed--
i.e., sunken;literally,
fallen away.The LXX. use the same word employed to render
vexedin
Psalm 6:2. Grief has brought the signs of premature age (
Job 17:7;
Psalm 31:9, and Note there). (See Homer's
Odyssey,xix. 360, "Quickly do mortals grow old from trouble.")
Verse 7. -
Mine eye is consumed because of grief; or,
mine eye is wasted away because of provocation. The eye falls in, becomes dull, and, as it were, "wastes away" through long-continued grief (comp.
Psalm 31:9). The kind of grief expressed by the word
ka'as (
כַעַס) is "that which arises from provocation or spiteful treatment" (Kay).
It waxeth old because of all mine enemies. It becomes dull and heavy and sunken, like the eye of an old man. How often has it not been noted that nothing so much ages a man as grief!
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
My eyesעֵינִ֑י(‘ê·nî)Noun - common singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5869:An eye, a fountainfailעָֽשְׁשָׁ֣ה(‘ā·šə·šāh)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 6244:To shrink, failfrom grief;מִכַּ֣עַס(mik·ka·‘as)Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3708:Vexation, angerthey grow dimעָֽ֝תְקָ֗ה(‘ā·ṯə·qāh)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 6275:To remove, to grow old, to transcribebecause of allבְּכָל־(bə·ḵāl)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everymy foes.צוֹרְרָֽי׃(ṣō·wr·rāy)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6887:To bind, tie up, be restricted, narrow, scant, or cramped
Links
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OT Poetry: Psalm 6:7 My eye wastes away because of grief (Psalm Ps Psa.)