Psalms 119:82

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 119:82 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Mine eyes fail for thy word, While I say, When wilt thou comfort me?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Mine eyes fail for thy word, While I say, When wilt thou comfort me?
Psalms 119:82 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 119

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
82Mine eyes fail for thy word, While I say, When wilt thou comfort me?

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Mine eyes fail for thy word, etc.] Either with looking for the Messiah, the essential Word, that was to be, and afterwards was made flesh, and dwelt among men; or for the fulfilment of the word of promise, on which he was made to hope; but that being deferred; and he believing in hope against hope, and looking out continually till it was accomplished, his eyes grew weary, and failed him, and he was just ready to give up all expectation of it; (see <197708>Psalm 77:8); saying, when wilt thou comfort me? The people of God are sometimes very disconsolate, and need comforting, through the prevalence of sin, the power of Satan’s temptations, the hidings of God’s face, and a variety of…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Mine eyes fail for thy word - The same word in Hebrew as in the previous verse and in Psalms 73:26. The idea here is that of looking out for a thing - of “straining the eyes” - so that their power becomes exhausted. The language expresses a longing desire - a waiting - an intense wish - for a thing, as when we look for a ship long expected, or for a friend long absent, or for help when in danger. Such a desire the psalmist had for the word of God, for divine truth. Saying, When wilt thou comfort me? - How long shall I be compelled to wait for comfort? How often in the Psalms do the expressions occur, “When,” and “How long!” How often in the life of the believer now are similar expressions…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“eyes: Psa 119:123, Psa 69:3; Deu 28:32; Pro 13:12; Isa 38:11 When wilt: Psa 86:17, Psa 90:13-15 Psalms 119:83”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification