King James Version

What Does Psalms 130:1 Mean?

Psalms 130:1 in the King James Version says “A Song of degrees. Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 130 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“A Song of degrees. Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD.”

Psalms 130:1 · KJV

Context

1

A Song of degrees. Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD.

2

Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.

3

If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This penitential psalm opens with a cry from desperate depths: 'Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD.' The phrase 'out of the depths' (Hebrew 'ma'amaqqim') describes profound distress - not surface difficulty but overwhelming trouble. Depths suggest drowning, being in over one's head, engulfed by circumstances. The word can refer to deep waters (Psalm 69:2, 14), pit/grave (Psalm 88:6), or metaphorical extremity. The perfect tense 'have I cried' indicates completed action with ongoing effect - the cry has been made and continues. The address 'unto thee, O LORD' shows that extremity drives the psalmist Godward, not away from God. The divine name 'LORD' (YHWH) invokes covenant relationship - appealing to God's character and promises. This opening models appropriate response to depths: honest acknowledgment of distress combined with faith-filled appeal to covenant God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This psalm is one of seven penitential psalms (6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, 143) used liturgically to express repentance. The 'depths' likely refer primarily to spiritual/moral distress (guilt, sin, separation from God) rather than merely circumstantial difficulty. The psalm's use in liturgy provided vocabulary for confession across generations.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'depths' drive people to cry out to God, and why is extremity sometimes necessary for genuine prayer?
  2. How does crying 'unto thee, O LORD' differ from general religious sentiment or despair?
  3. What does it mean that the psalmist cries 'out of' the depths rather than 'in' them - does this suggest hope of deliverance?
  4. How do modern believers experience 'depths' that require desperate prayer?
  5. Why is honest acknowledgment of being in depths important rather than pretending all is well?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 3 words
מִמַּעֲמַקִּ֖ים1 of 3

“Out of the depths”

H4615

a deep

קְרָאתִ֣יךָ2 of 3

“have I cried”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

יְהוָֽה׃3 of 3

“unto thee O LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 130:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 130:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 42:7Hebrews 5:7Jonah 2:2-4Psalms 69:14-15Psalms 25:16-18Lamentations 3:53-55

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Psalms 130 →

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