Translations
Modern
For I am poor and needy; my heart is wounded within me.
Traditional
For I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me.
Literal
For I am poor and needy, and my heart is pierced within me.
Latin
Libera me, quia egenus et pauper ego sum, et cor meum conturbatum est intra me.
Original
Hebrew
English
For I am poor and needy; my heart is wounded within me.
Notes
Feeling vulnerable and miserable, the psalmist asks his Lord for help. The accusations have crushed his spirit and drained his physical strength.
The psalmist starts this lament by accusing his accusers of repaying good with evil (Psalm 109:1–5). At the end of the psalm, he prays to the Lord, seeking protection (Psalm 109:21–25) and vengeance (109:26–31).
Theme notes and profiles
David Psalms of Suffering The Heart in the Psalms The Poor and Needy in the Psalms
Glossary
Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Curse, Cursed Imprecatory Psalms Music Psalms, Book of
Topics
Afflictions and Adversities: Prayer In Afflictions and Adversities: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Prayer: Pleas offered In