Old Testament
Psalms 88:18
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Lover and friend you have put far from me, and my acquaintance into darkness.
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Lover and friend hast thou put far from me, and mine acquaintance into darkness.
What Psalms 88:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the psalmist expresses deep sorrow and isolation. He feels abandoned by those he loves and trusts, indicating a profound sense of loneliness. The mention of 'lover and friend' suggests that these relationships were once close and meaningful, but now they are distant. The phrase 'into darkness' symbolizes not just physical absence but also emotional and spiritual desolation. This reflects a common human experience of feeling forsaken during difficult times. The psalmist's lament highlights the pain of losing connection with loved ones, which can lead to feelings of despair and hopelessness. It serves as a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we can express our feelings to God, who understands our suffering. This verse encapsulates the struggle between faith and despair, illustrating the importance of acknowledging our feelings of abandonment while seeking solace in God.
How to apply Psalms 88:18 to your life
When feeling abandoned or isolated, it's important to acknowledge those feelings and bring them to God in prayer. Sharing our struggles with trusted friends or family can also help alleviate loneliness. Remember that even in dark times, we are not truly alone, as God is always present.
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At a Glance — the Book of Psalms
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 88:18 mean?
Psalms 88:18 expresses the psalmist's feelings of deep sorrow and isolation, indicating that he feels abandoned by loved ones. The verse highlights the emotional pain of losing close relationships and the sense of despair that can accompany such loneliness.
What is the meaning of 'lover and friend' in Psalms 88:18?
In Psalms 88:18, 'lover and friend' refers to the close relationships that the psalmist once had but now feels are distant. This phrase emphasizes the depth of his loneliness and the emotional impact of feeling forsaken by those he cared for.
How does Psalms 88:18 relate to feelings of despair?
Psalms 88:18 relates to feelings of despair by illustrating the profound loneliness that can arise when we feel cut off from those we love. It serves as a reminder that such feelings are a common human experience, especially during difficult times.
What can we learn from Psalms 88:18?
From Psalms 88:18, we learn the importance of acknowledging our feelings of abandonment and reaching out to God in our pain. It encourages us to express our struggles and seek support from others during times of isolation.
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