Psalms 88:7 Meaning and Explanation
“Thy wrath lieth hard upon me, and thou hast afflicted me with all thy waves. Selah.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God's wrath presses down on the psalmist like relentless waves of affliction.
The Context of Psalms 88:7
Attribution of suffering to God's wrath, expressed in overwhelming natural imagery.
What Does Psalms 88:7 Mean?
God's wrath is described as lying 'hard' upon the psalmist—not a distant judgment but an immediate, crushing weight. The image of waves, drawn from the sea, suggests overwhelming force that comes repeatedly and inescapably. Each wave represents another wave of affliction; they come one after another without relief.
This verse directly names the cause of suffering: divine wrath. Unlike previous verses that described the condition, this states that God's anger and discipline (whether actual punishment or felt abandonment) is the source. The word Selah suggests pause for reflection on this terrible reality.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 88:7
What does Psalms 88:7 mean?
God's wrath presses down on the psalmist like relentless waves of affliction.
What is the context of Psalms 88:7?
Attribution of suffering to God's wrath, expressed in overwhelming natural imagery.