Psalm 141 8

Psalm 141:8 kjv

But mine eyes are unto thee, O GOD the Lord: in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute.

Psalm 141:8 nkjv

But my eyes are upon You, O GOD the Lord; In You I take refuge; Do not leave my soul destitute.

Psalm 141:8 niv

But my eyes are fixed on you, Sovereign LORD; in you I take refuge?do not give me over to death.

Psalm 141:8 esv

But my eyes are toward you, O GOD, my Lord; in you I seek refuge; leave me not defenseless!

Psalm 141:8 nlt

I look to you for help, O Sovereign LORD.
You are my refuge; don't let them kill me.

Psalm 141 verses

Psalm 141 8 Meaning

Psalm 141:8 is a profound declaration of unwavering faith and desperate plea for divine preservation amidst life-threatening danger. The psalmist, David, explicitly states his absolute dependence on God, redirecting his entire being—represented by his "eyes"—from worldly concerns and enemies to the sovereign Lord. He articulates his established trust, finding shelter and protection "in God alone," and fervently prays that God would not abandon him or leave his soul utterly stripped, empty, and helpless in the face of his adversaries. It is a petition for steadfast companionship and divine sustenance for his very being, emphasizing that his hope for salvation rests entirely upon the Lord.

Psalm 141 8 Context

Psalm 141 is a personal lament by David, a desperate cry for God's protection and guidance during a period of intense persecution and temptation. David finds himself in a dangerous situation, likely surrounded by wicked individuals who lay snares for him and actively seek his harm, possibly during his flight from King Saul or Absalom.

The verses leading up to verse 8 reveal David's conscious struggle and profound prayer. He asks God (v. 3) to set a guard over his mouth, lest he speak rashly or wickedly, and (v. 4) to keep his heart from turning to evil and participating in the deeds of the wicked. He even expresses a preference (v. 5) for the rebuke of a righteous friend over the deceptive flattery of an enemy. He notes (v. 6-7) that the leaders of his enemies would be overthrown, leaving their bones scattered, emphasizing their ultimate downfall while contrasting with his present predicament.

Verse 8 marks a decisive turn from detailing his request for moral purity and observing his enemies' fate to directly declaring his sole hope and trust in God alone. It pivots the focus from the external dangers and internal temptations back to the foundational reliance on divine aid. This verse forms the theological anchor of his prayer, demonstrating where his true expectation for deliverance and preservation lies, affirming his relationship with God amidst profound distress.

Psalm 141 8 Word analysis

• But (כִּי, kî): While often meaning "for" or "because," here it functions as a strong adversative, signaling a decisive shift in focus and thought. It introduces a powerful contrast between the dire circumstances and David's unwavering personal devotion and hope in God.
• my eyes (עֵינַי, ‘ênay): Beyond mere physical sight, this refers to intense attentiveness, expectation, and focus of one's entire being. It's a metaphor for fixing one's hope, longing, and seeking help. It indicates a spiritual gaze, directed away from distractions and threats, solely towards the Lord.
• are toward You (אֵלֶיךָ, ’ēleyḵā): Emphasizes directness and unwavering concentration. The preposition implies a clear direction, indicating where David's complete trust and dependence are placed. It is a posture of seeking and waiting.
• O GOD the Lord (יְהוָה אֲדֹנָי, Yahweh Adonai): This significant compound divine name highlights both God's covenant faithfulness (Yahweh, the personal name revealed to Israel, indicating His unchanging nature and redemptive action) and His sovereign mastership (Adonai, emphasizing His supreme authority, control, and absolute ownership). The combination assures David that the faithful covenant God is also the all-powerful sovereign Lord, perfectly capable and trustworthy.
• in You (בְּךָ, bəḵā): The preposition "in" (בְּ, bə) here indicates the sphere or place of safety and trust. It denotes identification with, reliance on, and being enveloped by God. It is more than just "towards You"; it is "within Your being, protected by You."
• I take refuge (חָסִיתִי, ḥāsîtî): This verb is in the Qal Perfect tense, conveying a completed action with continuing results. It signifies a settled state of trusting, fleeing for shelter, finding a safe haven. It implies total reliance and surrender, acknowledging God as the only secure protection. This word is commonly used in Psalms to describe God as the ultimate protector from danger.
• do not leave (אַל־תַּעַר, ’al-ta‘ar): This is a negative imperative, expressing an urgent and fervent plea. The verb (עָרָה, ‘ārâh) fundamentally means "to make bare," "empty out," "uncover," or "strip." In this context, it is an appeal for God not to render his soul empty or unprotected.
• my soul (נַפְשִׁי, nap̄šî): In Hebrew thought, "nephesh" refers not just to a spiritual entity, but the entire being—the life, the person, the seat of emotions, will, and vital essence. David's plea is for the preservation of his very existence, his inner and outer life, his whole self.
• bereft / destitute (related to תַּעַר, ta‘ar): The implication of "ta‘ar" is being utterly emptied, exposed, or stripped bare, devoid of protection, resources, or hope. It's the opposite of being sheltered and nourished, depicting a state of extreme vulnerability, abandonment, and desolation.

Words-group analysis:

• "But my eyes are toward You, O GOD the Lord": This phrase functions as a profound declaration of intent and a statement of spiritual orientation. Amidst chaos and threat, David decisively directs his hope and attention, not to his own strength or human alliances, but singularly towards the all-sufficient and covenant-keeping God. It’s a turning point of absolute trust.
• "in You I take refuge": This phrase clarifies the nature of his directed gaze. His eyes are towards God because God is his established, unfailing sanctuary. It's a statement of active trust, affirming God as the one place of impregnable security where he has confidently settled himself for protection against all dangers.
• "do not leave my soul bereft": This concluding petition expresses the desperate consequence should God not act. To be "bereft" or "stripped" implies utter desolation, abandonment, and complete vulnerability. It’s a plea for God to prevent his entire being from being emptied of life, hope, and divine protection, recognizing that without God, he is nothing and helpless.

Psalm 141 8 Bonus section

• The phrasing "O GOD the Lord" (Yahweh Adonai) is particularly emphatic. In Hebrew, when Adonai (meaning "my Lord," signifying absolute mastership) is paired with Yahweh (the divine, covenant name often rendered "the LORD"), it creates a profound declaration of reverence and submission to the One who is both intimately present in covenant and supremely sovereign over all things. This pairing enhances the sense of complete reliance on a powerful yet personal God.
• The Hebrew verb for "take refuge" (chasah) implies an act of seeking shelter by physically running to a protective place. This metaphor vividly portrays the believer's active seeking of safety in God, contrasting with a passive waiting for help. It denotes an inner movement of trust that directly impacts outward behavior and posture before God.
• The prayer "do not leave my soul bereft" suggests that abandonment by God would be the ultimate calamity for David, worse than any physical threat or enemy. It highlights the profound understanding that true life and sustenance for the soul come solely from its connection with the divine, and to be separated or 'emptied' of that connection is to be truly destitute.
• This verse represents a turning point found in many laments where, after expressing distress and requesting deliverance, the psalmist expresses a deep and resolute confidence in God. This shift moves the psalm from merely stating problems to affirming foundational faith, setting an example for believers to intentionally pivot towards God in crisis.

Psalm 141 8 Commentary

Psalm 141:8 stands as the powerful core of David's prayer, anchoring his trust entirely in God amidst profound trials. It epitomizes the ancient covenant belief that hope and safety reside solely in Yahweh Adonai, the personal and sovereign God. David’s redirection of his "eyes" from the perilous world to the Lord signifies an active, deliberate choice to center his expectation, not on human efforts or the cessation of his troubles, but on the divine character. He doesn't merely hope for God but seeks refuge in God, expressing an experiential, established trust that finds shelter within the very being and power of God.

The final plea, "do not leave my soul bereft," is not an expression of doubt in God's faithfulness but a fervent, urgent prayer against utter destitution. "Bereft" suggests being stripped bare, emptied, or left unprotected and desolate, vulnerable to spiritual and physical annihilation. This deep cry underscores the depth of his reliance on God's constant, vital presence. It is a petition for ongoing preservation, ensuring that his entire person (his nephesh) remains full, vital, and secured by the unwavering attention and protective hand of God. Ultimately, this verse serves as a model of faith that, even when confronted by overwhelming threats and the prospect of utter loss, finds its strength, refuge, and life's very essence in God alone.

• Practical Example: A believer facing a daunting health diagnosis, instead of dwelling on the negative reports and potential outcomes, deliberately turns their focus and hope to God, declaring, "My eyes are toward You, O God; in You I take refuge. Do not leave my soul without hope." This redirecting of focus is an act of spiritual discipline.