Biblical Verses Biblical Verses & Resources

Book of Psalms - Chapter 143 - Verse 6

143:6
I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah.

Meaning

In this verse from the book of Psalms, the speaker expresses a deep longing for spiritual fulfillment and connection with a higher power. By stretching forth their hands unto the divine, they are symbolically reaching out for guidance, comfort, and strength. The image of a thirsty soul is used to convey the intensity of this longing, likening it to a parched land in desperate need of water. The word "Selah" at the end of the verse serves as a musical notation, indicating a pause for reflection and contemplation. Overall, this verse conveys a profound sense of yearning for a deeper relationship with God and a desire for spiritual nourishment to quench the soul's thirst for meaning and purpose.

Theological Overview

The theological interpretation of the verse "I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah." highlights the deep yearning and desire for God's presence and communion. The imagery of stretching forth hands and a soul thirsting like a parched land portrays a profound longing for spiritual nourishment and connection with the divine. The act of stretching forth hands symbolizes reaching out to God in prayer and supplication, demonstrating a posture of humility, dependence, and openness to receive from Him. The comparison of the soul to a thirsty land underscores the intense need for God's refreshing and life-giving presence to quench the spiritual thirst within. The use of the term "Selah" at the end of the verse calls for reflection on the significance of the words spoken and invites contemplation on the depths of the soul's yearning for God. This verse serves as a poignant reminder of the believer's continual pursuit of intimacy with God and the recognition of His essential role in providing sustenance for the soul.

American Standard Version

I spread forth my hands unto thee: My soul [thirsteth] after thee, as a weary land. {{Selah
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