Psalms 102:5 Meaning and Explanation
“By reason of the voice of my groaning my bones cleave to my skin.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Anguish has wasted the psalmist away until skin clings to bone.
The Context of Psalms 102:5
Depicting extreme physical wasting from intense grief and suffering.
What Does Psalms 102:5 Mean?
The repeated mention of bones emphasizes severe physical wasting. 'Bones cleave to my skin' describes a body so emaciated from suffering that the skeletal frame shows through. The psalmist's groaning is not silent or restrained—its force is so great it shapes his physical form.
This image conveys extreme suffering and possibly illness or famine. The mention of groaning echoes the opening where the psalmist's cry rises to God. The voice gives physical evidence of the inner torment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 102:5
What does Psalms 102:5 mean?
Anguish has wasted the psalmist away until skin clings to bone.
What is the context of Psalms 102:5?
Depicting extreme physical wasting from intense grief and suffering.