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Psalm 143:4 My spirit grows faint within me; my heart is dismayed inside me.
<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 143:4 My spirit grows faint within me; my heart is dismayed inside me.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/143-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/19_Psa_143_004.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 143:4 - I Stretch Out My Hands to You" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="My spirit grows faint within me; my heart is dismayed inside me." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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my heart within me is dismayed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/143.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />I am losing all hope; I am paralyzed with fear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/143.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Therefore my spirit faints within me; my heart within me is appalled.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/143.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />My spirit grows faint within me; my heart is dismayed inside me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/143.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/143.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me; My heart within me is distressed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/143.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore my spirit feels weak within me; My heart is appalled within me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/143.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me; My heart is appalled within me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/143.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me; My heart is appalled within me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/143.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Therefore my spirit was faint within me; My heart was appalled within me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/143.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed <i>and</i> weak within me [wrapped in darkness]; My heart grows numb within me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/143.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />My spirit is weak within me; my heart is overcome with dismay.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/143.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />My spirit is weak within me; my heart is overcome with dismay. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/143.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; My heart within me is desolate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/143.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I have given up hope, and I feel numb all over. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/143.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/143.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />That is why I begin to lose hope and my heart is in a state of shock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/143.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />So I am ready to give up; I am in deep despair. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/143.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />As a result, my spirit is desolate within me, and my mind within me is appalled.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/143.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />My spirit grows faint within me; my heart is dismayed inside me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/143.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />My strength leaves me; I am absolutely shocked. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/143.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me. My heart within me is desolate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/143.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/143.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me. My heart within me is desolate. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/143.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And my spirit has become feeble in me, "" My heart has become desolate within me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/143.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And my spirit in me is become feeble, Within me is my heart become desolate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/143.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And my spirit will languish upon me, and my heart will be desolate within me.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/143.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />and my spirit is in anguish within me: my heart within me is troubled. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/143.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 142:4>And my spirit has been in anguish over me. My heart within me has been disturbed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/143.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />My spirit is faint within me; my heart despairs. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/143.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Therefore my spirit faints within me; my heart within me is appalled.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/143.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is troubled.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/143.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />My spirit is troubled against me and my heart is moved within me.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/143.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And my spirit fainteth within me; My heart within me is appalled.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/143.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Therefore my spirit was grieved in me; my heart was troubled within me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/143-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=17668" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/143.htm">I Stretch Out My Hands to You</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>For the enemy has pursued my soul, crushing my life to the ground, making me dwell in darkness like those long since dead. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7307.htm" title="7307: rū·ḥî (N-csc:: 1cs) -- Breath, wind, spirit. From ruwach; wind; by resemblance breath.">My spirit</a> <a href="/hebrew/5848.htm" title="5848: wat·tiṯ·‘aṭ·ṭêp̄ (Conj-w:: V-Hitpael-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To shroud, clothe, to languish. A primitive root; to shroud, i.e. Clothe; hence to languish.">grows faint</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ā·lay (Prep:: 1cs) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">within me;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: lib·bî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">my heart</a> <a href="/hebrew/8074.htm" title="8074: yiš·tō·w·mêm (V-Hitpael-Imperf-3ms) -- To be desolated or appalled. A primitive root; to stun, i.e. Devastate or stupefy.">is dismayed</a> <a href="/hebrew/8432.htm" title="8432: bə·ṯō·w·ḵî (Prep-b:: N-msc:: 1cs) -- Midst. From an unused root meaning to sever; a bisection, i.e. the centre.">inside me.</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I consider the work of Your hands.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/42-6.htm">Psalm 42:6</a></span><br />O my God, my soul despairs within me. Therefore I remember You from the land of Jordan and the peaks of Hermon—even from Mount Mizar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/77-3.htm">Psalm 77:3</a></span><br />I remembered You, O God, and I groaned; I mused and my spirit grew faint. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/142-3.htm">Psalm 142:3</a></span><br />Although my spirit grows faint within me, You know my way. Along the path I travel they have hidden a snare for me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/3-20.htm">Lamentations 3:20</a></span><br />Surely my soul remembers and is humbled within me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/17-1.htm">Job 17:1</a></span><br />“My spirit is broken; my days are extinguished; the grave awaits me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/57-16.htm">Isaiah 57:16</a></span><br />For I will not accuse you forever, nor will I always be angry; for then the spirit of man would grow weak before Me—the breath of life I have made.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/1-8.htm">2 Corinthians 1:8</a></span><br />We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the hardships we encountered in the province of Asia. We were under a burden far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/38-8.htm">Psalm 38:8</a></span><br />I am numb and badly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/55-4.htm">Psalm 55:4-5</a></span><br />My heart pounds within me, and the terrors of death assail me. / Fear and trembling grip me, and horror has overwhelmed me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/88-3.htm">Psalm 88:3-4</a></span><br />For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to Sheol. / I am counted among those descending to the Pit. I am like a man without strength.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-8.htm">2 Corinthians 4:8-9</a></span><br />We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; / persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-38.htm">Matthew 26:38</a></span><br />Then He said to them, “My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/102-4.htm">Psalm 102:4</a></span><br />My heart is afflicted, and withered like grass; I even forget to eat my bread.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/31-9.htm">Psalm 31:9-10</a></span><br />Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes fail from sorrow, my soul and body as well. / For my life is consumed with grief and my years with groaning; my iniquity has drained my strength, and my bones are wasting away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/69-20.htm">Psalm 69:20</a></span><br />Insults have broken my heart, and I am in despair. I looked for sympathy, but there was none, for comforters, but I found no one.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate.</p><p class="hdg">is my spirit</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/55-5.htm">Psalm 55:5</a></b></br> Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/61-2.htm">Psalm 61:2</a></b></br> From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock <i>that</i> is higher than I.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/77-3.htm">Psalm 77:3</a></b></br> I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah.</p><p class="hdg">my heart</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/25-16.htm">Psalm 25:16</a></b></br> Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I <i>am</i> desolate and afflicted.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/102-3.htm">Psalm 102:3,4</a></b></br> For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as an hearth… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/119-81.htm">Psalm 119:81-83</a></b></br> CAPH. My soul fainteth for thy salvation: <i>but</i> I hope in thy word… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/70-3.htm">Appalled</a> <a href="/psalms/109-10.htm">Desolate</a> <a href="/psalms/104-29.htm">Dismayed</a> <a href="/psalms/142-3.htm">Faint</a> <a href="/psalms/142-3.htm">Fainteth</a> <a href="/psalms/119-81.htm">Faints</a> <a href="/psalms/135-20.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/psalms/142-3.htm">Feeble</a> <a href="/psalms/142-7.htm">Full</a> <a href="/psalms/142-3.htm">Grows</a> <a href="/psalms/141-4.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/psalms/142-3.htm">Overcome</a> <a href="/psalms/142-3.htm">Overwhelmed</a> <a href="/psalms/142-3.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/psalms/142-3.htm">Within</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/52-14.htm">Appalled</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-8.htm">Desolate</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-2.htm">Dismayed</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-10.htm">Faint</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-18.htm">Fainteth</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-18.htm">Faints</a> <a href="/psalms/145-6.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-18.htm">Feeble</a> <a href="/psalms/144-8.htm">Full</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-24.htm">Grows</a> <a href="/psalms/147-3.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-12.htm">Overcome</a> <a href="/isaiah/21-4.htm">Overwhelmed</a> <a href="/psalms/143-7.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/psalms/147-13.htm">Within</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 143</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/143-1.htm">David prays for favor in judgment</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/143-3.htm">He complains of his grief</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/143-5.htm">He strengthens his faith by meditation and prayer</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/143-7.htm">He prays for grace</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/143-9.htm">For deliverance</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/143-10.htm">For sanctification</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/143-12.htm">For destruction of his enemies</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/143.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/143.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>My spirit grows faint within me;</b><br>This phrase reflects a deep sense of personal weakness and exhaustion. In the biblical context, the spirit often represents the inner life or the seat of emotions and will. The psalmist, traditionally understood to be David, expresses a profound weariness that can be linked to his many trials, such as fleeing from Saul or dealing with family strife. This sentiment is echoed in other scriptures, such as <a href="/psalms/42-6.htm">Psalm 42:6</a>, where the psalmist's soul is downcast. The fainting spirit can also be seen as a type of Christ's suffering, as Jesus experienced deep anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane (<a href="/matthew/26-38.htm">Matthew 26:38</a>). The phrase invites believers to identify with the psalmist's vulnerability and to seek God's strength in times of personal weakness.<p><b>my heart is dismayed inside me.</b><br>The heart, in biblical terms, often signifies the center of one's being, encompassing mind, emotions, and will. The dismay described here suggests a state of confusion, fear, or overwhelming distress. Historically, David faced numerous situations that could lead to such dismay, including betrayal and the threat of death. This internal turmoil is a common theme in the Psalms, where the psalmist frequently turns to God for solace and guidance (<a href="/psalms/61-2.htm">Psalm 61:2</a>). The dismayed heart can also be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ's own troubled heart, as He faced the cross (<a href="/john/12-27.htm">John 12:27</a>). This phrase encourages believers to bring their own fears and uncertainties before God, trusting in His ability to provide peace and clarity.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/143.htm">Psalm 143</a>, David is expressing a deep sense of distress and seeking God's deliverance.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The central figure to whom David directs his plea for help and strength.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/enemies.htm">Enemies</a></b><br>Though not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the context of the psalm suggests that David is surrounded by adversaries, contributing to his sense of despair.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_spiritual_faintness.htm">Understanding Spiritual Faintness</a></b><br>Recognize that feeling spiritually faint or dismayed is a common human experience, even for those with strong faith like David.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/turning_to_god_in_distress.htm">Turning to God in Distress</a></b><br>David's response to his faintness is to turn to God, highlighting the importance of seeking divine help in times of trouble.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_prayer.htm">The Role of Prayer</a></b><br>This psalm underscores the power of prayer as a means to express our deepest fears and anxieties to God, trusting in His ability to provide comfort and strength.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hope_in_god's_faithfulness.htm">Hope in God's Faithfulness</a></b><br>Despite feelings of dismay, believers are encouraged to remember God's past faithfulness and trust in His continued presence and support.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_support.htm">Community Support</a></b><br>While the psalm is a personal lament, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of community in supporting one another through prayer and encouragement.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_143.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 143</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/message_to_sardis_church.htm">What does it mean to contemplate purity?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_daily_prayer_important.htm">Why is daily prayer important?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_'long_and_faint'_for_non-physical_courts.htm">In Psalm 84:2, how can one physically 'long and faint' for God's courts if they are non-physical spaces?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_the_bible_guide_emotions.htm">How does the Bible guide emotional management?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/143.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) See <a href="/psalms/142-3.htm" title="When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then you knew my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privately laid a snare for me.">Psalm 142:3</a>, and Notes.<p><span class= "bld">Is desolate.</span>--Or, more literally, as in <a href="/isaiah/59-16.htm" title="And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation to him; and his righteousness, it sustained him.">Isaiah 59:16</a>; <a href="/isaiah/63-5.htm" title="And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore my own arm brought salvation to me; and my fury, it upheld me.">Isaiah 63:5</a>, &c, <span class= "ital">wondered; </span>literally, <span class= "ital">fills itself with astonishment.</span><p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/143.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me</span>; or, "faint within me" (see <a href="/psalms/42-3.htm">Psalm 42:3</a>). <span class="cmt_word">My heart within me is desolate</span> (comp. <a href="/psalms/40-15.htm">Psalm 40:15</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/143-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">My spirit</span><br /><span class="heb">רוּחִ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(rū·ḥî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7307.htm">Strong's 7307: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">grows faint</span><br /><span class="heb">וַתִּתְעַטֵּ֣ף</span> <span class="translit">(wat·tiṯ·‘aṭ·ṭêp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5848.htm">Strong's 5848: </a> </span><span class="str2">To shroud, clothe, to languish</span><br /><br /><span class="word">within me;</span><br /><span class="heb">עָלַ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·lay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my heart</span><br /><span class="heb">לִבִּֽי׃</span> <span class="translit">(lib·bî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> </span><span class="str2">The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is dismayed</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׁתּוֹמֵ֥ם</span> <span class="translit">(yiš·tō·w·mêm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8074.htm">Strong's 8074: </a> </span><span class="str2">To stun, devastate, stupefy</span><br /><br /><span class="word">inside me.</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּ֝תוֹכִ֗י</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ṯō·w·ḵî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8432.htm">Strong's 8432: </a> </span><span class="str2">A bisection, the centre</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/143-4.htm">Psalm 143:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/143-4.htm">Psalm 143:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/143-4.htm">Psalm 143:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/143-4.htm">Psalm 143:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/143-4.htm">Psalm 143:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/143-4.htm">Psalm 143:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/143-4.htm">Psalm 143:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/143-4.htm">Psalm 143:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/143-4.htm">Psalm 143:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/143-4.htm">Psalm 143:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/143-4.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 143:4 Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/143-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 143:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 143:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/143-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 143:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 143:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>