Psalms 13:2 Meaning and Explanation
“How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist describes his daily internal struggle, surrounded by enemies who triumph over him.
The Context of Psalms 13:2
The second lament movement, moving from God's hiddenness to the psalmist's personal anguish and enemies' success.
What Does Psalms 13:2 Mean?
Taking counsel in his soul means wrestling internally with his grief and uncertainty—endlessly turning things over in his mind without resolution. The sorrow is described as daily and persistent, not a passing trial. His enemy's exaltation adds public shame to private pain; defeat is visible to those who wish him harm.
This verse expands the complaint beyond God's absence to the psalmist's own internal torment and external opposition. The repetition of 'how long' intensifies the plea, each question a fresh jab of anguish. The combination of internal despair and external opposition paints a portrait of total distress.
Psalms 13:2 in the Original Language
ya'atz (יַעַץ), 'take counsel' — to plan, advise, or determine; here used reflexively, suggesting the soul advising itself in confusion.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 13:2
What does Psalms 13:2 mean?
The psalmist describes his daily internal struggle, surrounded by enemies who triumph over him.
What is the context of Psalms 13:2?
The second lament movement, moving from God's hiddenness to the psalmist's personal anguish and enemies' success.