Bible Strands
Psalms 141:8
But my eyes are fixed on You, O GOD the Lord. In You I seek refuge; do not leave my soul defenseless.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The psalmist addresses God directly while describing a state of severe distress and impending danger. The speaker looks upward for deliverance amid scattered bones and hidden snares.
The words — The Hebrew עֵינָ֑י ('ei.nai) literally means "my eyes," and חָ֝סִ֗יתִי (cha.si.ti) translates to "I take refuge." These terms anchor the verse in visual focus and active shelter-seeking.
The thread — The motif of fixed eyes toward God appears in Psalms 123:1, while the plea for divine intervention against overwhelming opposition parallels 2 Chronicles 20:12. The psalmist's desperate dependence also echoes the needy seeking water in Isaiah 41:17.
Why it lands — The text commands the reader to direct attention exclusively to God and to actively seek Him as a protective stronghold rather than relying on self-defense.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
But mine eyes are unto thee, O God the Lord: in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute.
Cross-references
- Psalms 123:1 A song of ascents. I lift up my eyes to You, the One enthroned in heaven.
- 2 Chronicles 20:12 Our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast army that comes against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”
- Isaiah 41:17 The poor and needy seek water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. I, the LORD, will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.
- Psalms 102:17 He will turn toward the prayer of the destitute; He will not despise their prayer.
- Psalms 25:15 My eyes are always on the LORD, for He will free my feet from the mesh.
- Psalms 2:12 Kiss the Son, lest He be angry and you perish in your rebellion, when His wrath ignites in an instant. Blessed are all who take refuge in Him.
- John 14:18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.
- Psalms 143:3 For the enemy has pursued my soul, crushing my life to the ground, making me dwell in darkness like those long since dead.
- Psalms 11:1 For the choirmaster. Of David. In the LORD I take refuge. How then can you say to me: “Flee like a bird to your mountain!