Psalms 88:8 Meaning and Explanation
“Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; thou hast made me an abomination unto them: I am shut up, and I cannot come forth.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist is rejected by acquaintances and imprisoned in isolation.
The Context of Psalms 88:8
Social and physical isolation: abandoned by acquaintances and literally confined.
What Does Psalms 88:8 Mean?
God has removed the psalmist's acquaintances—friends and associates—to a distance. More than separation, the psalmist has become 'an abomination unto them,' meaning they find him disgusting or abhorrently changed. Whether by God's action or the natural response to severe illness/disfigurement, social bonds have been severed.
The final phrase shifts to active imprisonment: 'I am shut up, and I cannot come forth.' This combines social rejection with literal confinement. The psalmist cannot escape from the situation and cannot rejoin society even if he wanted to. Double isolation—external and internal—traps him completely.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 88:8
What does Psalms 88:8 mean?
The psalmist is rejected by acquaintances and imprisoned in isolation.
What is the context of Psalms 88:8?
Social and physical isolation: abandoned by acquaintances and literally confined.