Definition: For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Psalm 40:12. It's a really powerful and emotional passage about feeling overwhelmed by sadness and despair. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying the writer (likely David) felt like they were surrounded by terrible problems – lots of bad things happening to them – that made it impossible for them to find comfort or hope. It's a deep sense of hopelessness and sadness. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “For innumerable evils have compassed me about…” - This means "for countless troubles and problems have surrounded me." It suggests there’s a huge amount of negativity impacting the person’s life. “Compasses” is a strong word – it implies being constantly targeted or burdened. “…my iniquities have taken hold upon me…” - “Iniquities” refers to wrongdoings, sins, or betrayals. The writer felt like they were constantly guilty and tainted by their actions. It’s not just about doing something bad, but feeling the weight of it. “so that I am not able to look up…” - This is a crucial part. The person feels trapped – unable to look upward towards God, or anything good, because everything seems dark and hopeless. It’s like they're blinded by sadness. “…they are more than the hairs of mine head…” - This is a very vivid image. "Hairs of my head" is an idiom that means a lot – it’s a huge amount. It emphasizes how overwhelming these problems feel. “therefore my heart faileth me.” - This means “my heart falters” or “I become weak.” It signifies the emotional pain and despair are so intense they weaken the person's spirit. Overall Meaning: The verse describes a state of profound sadness, hopelessness, and fear. The writer feels like they’re drowning in problems and can't find any peace or hope. It expresses deep vulnerability and a desperate plea for help. What does this mean practically? This isn’t just about feeling sad; it's a sign that something is seriously wrong. It might be pointing to a difficult situation, a broken relationship, guilt, or some other source of suffering. It's a reminder to seek support and guidance from God (or any higher power) to help overcome these challenges. Important Note: Verse 40 is often interpreted as a moment of intense suffering and a plea for divine intervention. It’s a classic example of biblical poetry, using figurative language to express deep emotional turmoil. --- Would you like me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss the context of the Psalm it's from (the situation David was facing)? Connect it to other Bible stories or themes?