My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me.

PSALMS 38:10KJV
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Psalms 38:10 (KJV)

What does Psalms 38:10 mean?

Psalms 38:10 describes a person who feels completely overwhelmed and exhausted, saying that their heart is racing, their strength is gone, and even the brightness in their eyes has faded away. The verse paints a picture of deep physical and emotional distress, where the speaker feels drained of all energy and hope.

In this psalm, David is speaking directly to God about his suffering. He is likely facing illness or trouble that leaves him feeling weak and lifeless. The verse uses vivid language to show just how low he feels, emphasizing that his pain affects not just his body but also his spirit and outlook on life.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 38:10

  • The word for "heart" (לֵבָב, levav) here points to the inner self, not just emotions but the very center of a person's being. David is saying his whole inner life is in turmoil.
  • "Panteth" (שָׁאַף, sha'af) often means to gasp or long for air, showing just how desperate and overwhelmed David feels—almost as if he cannot catch his breath.
  • "Strength" (כֹּחַ, koach) refers to physical power or ability. By saying his strength "faileth" (עָזַב, azav), David is expressing that he feels abandoned by his own energy—he simply cannot go on.
  • "Light" (אוֹר, or) of "mine eyes" (עַיִן, ayin) is a Hebrew way of describing vitality or liveliness. When David says it is "gone" (אַיִן, ayin), he means that even the spark that keeps him going has disappeared.

Why Psalms 38:10 matters

  • This verse helps readers understand the depth of David's suffering, showing that his pain is not just physical but affects every part of him, including his spirit and hope.
  • The language about the "light of my eyes" being gone is a Hebrew expression for losing all sense of life or joy, which might be missed in a quick reading.
  • Psalms 38:10 connects to the larger theme of the psalm, where David is honest with God about his weakness and need, setting an example of bringing even our lowest moments to God in prayer.

Where else these words appear

“panteth” Hebrew H5503 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 23:16 And Abraham hearkened unto Ephron; and Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver, which he had named in the audience of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, current money with the merchant.
  • 2 Chronicles 1:16 And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn: the king's merchants received the linen yarn at a price.
  • Jeremiah 14:18 If I go forth into the field, then behold the slain with the sword! and if I enter into the city, then behold them that are sick with famine! yea, both the prophet and the priest go about into a land that they know not.

“gone” Hebrew H369 · used in 29 verses

  • Genesis 2:5 And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground.
  • 1 Chronicles 22:4 Also cedar trees in abundance: for the Zidonians and they of Tyre brought much cedar wood to David.
  • Isaiah 41:24 Behold, ye are of nothing, and your work of nought: an abomination is he that chooseth you.

“it” Hebrew H1992 · used in 44 verses

  • Genesis 3:7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.
  • Numbers 13:3 And Moses by the commandment of the LORD sent them from the wilderness of Paran: all those men were heads of the children of Israel.
  • Psalms 16:3 But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.

“light” Hebrew H216 · used in 112 verses

  • Genesis 1:3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
  • Job 36:30 Behold, he spreadeth his light upon it, and covereth the bottom of the sea.
  • Isaiah 9:2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.