Psalms 39:13
O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more.
Psalms 39:13 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse "O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more" is a plea for mercy and renewal. In this verse, the speaker is acknowledging their mortality and the fragility of life. They are asking to be given the opportunity to regain their strength and health before passing away. This verse reflects the universal human desire for more time to live, to heal, and to be whole again. It is a reminder of the importance of cherishing every moment we have and not taking our health and well-being for granted. By expressing this request for mercy and healing, the speaker is acknowledging their vulnerability and relying on divine intervention to grant them the strength to continue on their journey. It is a poignant reminder of the transient nature of life and the importance of seeking restoration and renewal before it is too late.
Theological Overview
Psalm 39 is a prayer of David, reflecting on the brevity of life and the inevitability of death. In verse 13, David cries out to God to spare him, asking for strength so he can recover before he passes away. This verse conveys a sense of urgency and desperation as David requests more time to strengthen himself before facing death. The word "spare" in this context conveys a plea for mercy and compassion from God, acknowledging human frailty and the need for divine intervention to prolong life. The phrase "before I go hence, and be no more" emphasizes the fleeting nature of existence and the reality of mortality. This verse serves as a reminder of the transient nature of life and the importance of seeking God's help and grace in times of need.
Psalms 39:13 in other translations
American Standard Version
Oh spare me, that I may recover strength, Before I go hence, and be no more.
World English Bible
Oh spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go away, and exist no more.”
Douay-Rheims
For evils without number have surrounded me; my iniquities have overtaken me, and I was not able to see. They are multiplied above the hairs of my head: and my heart hath forsaken me.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Stay thine anger from me, that I may recouer my strength, before I go hence and be not.