Psalm 39:2

Modern

I was speechless and still; I remained silent, even from speaking good, and my sorrow was stirred.

Traditional

I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; and my sorrow was stirred.

Literal

I was mute in silence, I kept silent from good, and my sorrow was stirred up.

Latin

Obmutui, et humiliatus sum, et silui a bonis; et dolor meus renovatus est.

Hebrew

English

I was speechless and still; I remained silent, even from speaking good, and my sorrow was stirred.

Suffering in silence makes the psalmist's anguish, pain, and inner distress worse.

This prayer for rescue shows the psalmist's discouragement, which comes from not fully understanding his situation.

Theme notes and profiles

Acts 4:20
For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
Matthew 27:12–14
And when He was accused by the chief priests and elders, He gave no answer.
Psalm 38:13–14
But like a deaf man, I do not hear; and like a mute man, I do not open my mouth.
Isaiah 53:7
He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth.
Job 32:19–20
Behold, my belly is like unvented wine; it is about to burst like a new wineskin.
Matthew 7:6
Do not give dogs what is holy; do not throw your pearls before swine. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.