The Tanakh · JPS 1917 Translation

Psalms 88

Jewish Publication Society 1917 · Ketuvim — the Writings

Psalms chapter 88 — part of the Ketuvim — the Writings in the Jewish Bible. In the classic JPS 1917 translation it opens: “A Song, a Psalm of the sons of Korah; for the Leader; upon Mahalath Leannoth. Maschil of Heman the Ezrahite.” — the complete text of all 19 verses is below, free to read online.

1A Song, a Psalm of the sons of Korah; for the Leader; upon Mahalath Leannoth. Maschil of Heman the Ezrahite.

2O HaShem, G-d of my salvation, what time I cry in the night before Thee,

3Let my prayer come before Thee, incline Thine ear unto my cry.

4For my soul is sated with troubles, and my life draweth nigh unto the grave.

5I am counted with them that go down into the pit; I am become as a man that hath no help;

6Set apart among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave, whom Thou rememberest no more; and they are cut off from Thy hand.

7Thou hast laid me in the nether-most pit, in dark places, in the deeps.

8Thy wrath lieth hard upon me, and all Thy waves Thou pressest down. Selah

9Thou hast put mine acquaintance far from me; Thou hast made me an abomination unto them; I am shut up, and I cannot come forth.

10Mine eye languisheth by reason of affliction; I have called upon Thee, O HaShem, every day, I have spread forth my hands unto Thee.

11Wilt Thou work wonders for the dead? Or shall the shades arise and give Thee thanks? Selah

12Shall Thy mercy be declared in the grave? or Thy faithfulness in destruction?

13Shall Thy wonders be known in the dark? and Thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?

14But as for me, unto Thee, O HaShem, do I cry, and in the morning doth my prayer come to meet Thee.

15HaShem, why castest Thou off my soul? Why hidest Thou Thy face from me?

16I am afflicted and at the point of death from my youth up; I have borne Thy terrors, I am distracted.

17Thy fierce wrath is gone over me; Thy terrors have cut me off.

18They came round about me like water all the day; they compassed me about together.

19Friend and companion hast Thou put far from me, and mine acquaintance into darkness.

19 verses · JPS 1917 (public domain)

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