Psalms 107:18Their soul abhors all kinds of food. They draw near to the gates of death.
The setting
Ancient Israel. The psalmist describes the physical manifestation of spiritual and emotional despair - when life becomes so unbearable that even basic survival instincts fail...
The emotion here: witnessing human despair with deep compassion
The original word
ta'ab (תָּעַב) — to loathe utterly, complete revulsion, beyond normal dislike
Why it matters
Ancient Hebrews understood that soul-sickness manifested physically, especially in loss of appetite
Read with care
What most readers miss in Psalms 107:18
This isn't about being picky with food - it's describing the complete shutdown that happens in deep despair
Common misconceptionPeople think this is just about being sad or having a bad day. This describes clinical-level despair where basic life functions shut down.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Psalms 107:18
Bible Genome reading
Psalms 107:18 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Psalms 107:18 comes from the book of Psalms, written during the United Kingdom period. These words are attributed to David. The dominant emotion in this verse is grieving, with a comfort power of 30% and a tone that is lamenting. It belongs to the psalm genre of biblical literature. Key themes include despair, mortality. Notable phrases: soul abhors all kinds of food; gates of death.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same grieving
“By the sweat of your face will you eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken. For you are dust, and to dust you…”
— Genesis 3:19
“Jesus wept.”
— John 11:35
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, and from the words of my groaning?”
— Psalms 22:1
“They divide my garments among them. They cast lots for my clothing.”
— Psalms 22:18
“for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;”
— Romans 3:23
Your reflection
What does Psalms 107:18 mean to you, today?
A short note. A question. A prayer. Saved privately to your Soul Garden, dated, and tied to this verse forever.
Speak your heart →Get 3 verses for "grieving"
Delivered to your inbox right now. Free.