Book of Psalms - Chapter 41 - Verse 8

This verse is a lament about someone who is afflicted with a severe and incurable disease, causing those around them to believe that they will never recover. The phrase "an evil disease" highlights the gravity and seriousness of the illness that has befallen this individual. The use of the word "evil" may suggest that the disease is not only physically debilitating but also spiritually or morally corrupting. The phrase "cleaveth fast unto him" indicates that the disease has a strong grip on the person and is not easily shaken off. The second part of the verse indicates a sense of finality and hopelessness, as it states that the person will not rise up again. This suggests that the individual's condition is terminal, and there is little hope for a recovery or resurrection. Overall, this verse conveys a sense of despair and resignation in the face of a seemingly insurmountable illness that has taken hold of the afflicted person.

Many theological interpretations of this verse focus on the concept of sin and its consequences. The phrase "an evil disease" is often seen as symbolic of the spiritual sickness that can come from turning away from God. This can manifest as a separation from God, leading to a state of spiritual death. Some scholars also view this verse as a reflection of the consequences of a life lived in disobedience to God's will. The idea that the individual in question will "rise up no more" can be understood as a metaphor for the finality of this separation from God. The verse serves as a somber reminder of the importance of maintaining a strong spiritual foundation and living a life in alignment with God's teachings to avoid the spiritual death that comes from turning away from Him.