Psalm 13:2

Modern

How long must I wrestle in my soul, with sorrow in my heart each day? How long will my enemy dominate me?

Traditional

How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?

Literal

Until when shall I set counsel in my soul, and sorrow in my heart daily? Until when will my enemy be raised high over me?

Latin

…usquequo exaltabitur inimicus meus super me?

Hebrew

English

How long must I wrestle in my soul, with sorrow in my heart each day? How long will my enemy dominate me?

A feeling of deep sadness and pain can make it hard to see any hope (Psalm 6:3). Without God’s answer to his prayers (Psalm 22:1), death seems unavoidable, painful, and slow (Psalms 6:6; 32:3; 55:4; 61:2; 102:5; 116:3). The psalmist struggles to pray and longs for God's redemption (Psalms 25:17–18; 31:10; 38:8; 39:2).

How long?: Repeating the question four times shows intense worry and deep pain (Psalm 79:5).

The psalmist’s loud cry for help becomes a confident song of hope.

Theme notes and profiles

Micah 7:8–10
Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will arise; though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light.
Jeremiah 8:18
My sorrow is beyond healing; my heart is faint within me.
Jeremiah 15:18
Why is my pain unending, and my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? You have indeed become like a mirage to me—water that is not there.
Psalm 143:3–4
For the enemy has pursued my soul, crushing my life to the ground, making me dwell in darkness like those long since dead.
Proverbs 15:13
A joyful heart makes a cheerful countenance, but sorrow of the heart crushes the spirit.
Lamentations 1:5
Her foes have become her masters; her enemies are at ease. For the LORD has brought her grief because of her many transgressions. Her children have gone away as captives before the enemy.
Job 10:15
If I am guilty, woe to me! And even if I am righteous, I cannot lift my head. I am full of shame and aware of my affliction.
Psalm 142:4–7
Look to my right and see; no one attends to me. There is no refuge for me; no one cares for my soul.
Job 23:8–10
If I go east, He is not there, and if I go west, I cannot find Him.
Ecclesiastes 5:17
Moreover, all his days he eats in darkness, with much sorrow, sickness, and anger.
Psalm 123:3–4
Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy, for we have endured much contempt.
Psalm 22:7–8
All who see me mock me; they sneer and shake their heads: