King James Version

What Does Psalms 69:12 Mean?

Psalms 69:12 in the King James Version says “They that sit in the gate speak against me; and I was the song of the drunkards . drunkards: Heb. drinkers of strong dri...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 69 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“They that sit in the gate speak against me; and I was the song of the drunkards . drunkards: Heb. drinkers of strong drink”

Psalms 69:12 · KJV

Context

10

When I wept, and chastened my soul with fasting, that was to my reproach.

11

I made sackcloth also my garment; and I became a proverb to them.

12

They that sit in the gate speak against me; and I was the song of the drunkards . drunkards: Heb. drinkers of strong drink

13

But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O LORD, in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation.

14

Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink: let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They that sit in the gate speak against me; and I was the song of the drunkards. This verse depicts mockery spanning the entire social spectrum. "They that sit in the gate" (יֹשְׁבֵי שַׁעַר/yoshvei sha'ar) refers to city elders, judges, and leaders who conducted business and rendered judgments at the city gate—the center of civic life and authority (Ruth 4:1-11, Proverbs 31:23). These respectable, powerful figures gossip and slander David, using their positions to spread contempt.

"The song of the drunkards" (נְגִינוֹת שׁוֹתֵי שֵׁכָר/neginot shotei shekhar) places David at the opposite end of society's mockery. Even those drunk on strong drink, the most degraded members of society, make David the subject of their ribald tavern songs. From city gate to beer hall, from judges to drunkards, all levels of society unite in contempt for God's anointed.

This comprehensive rejection prefigures Christ, mocked by religious leaders (Matthew 26:67-68), political authorities (Luke 23:11), soldiers (Mark 15:16-20), and common criminals (Luke 23:39). The totality of rejection—elite and derelict, religious and secular—demonstrates the depth of human enmity against God and His servants.

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Historical & Cultural Context

City gates in ancient Israel were centers of commerce, justice, and social interaction. To "sit in the gate" meant holding position of authority and respect. These weren't fringe critics but society's leaders—those who should have defended justice and honored God's anointed. Their slander represented official, institutional rejection.

Drunken songs represented lowest form of mockery—crude, shameless ridicule without even pretense of propriety. Ancient Near Eastern drinking songs were often satirical and vulgar. That David became subject of such songs indicates his name had become cultural punchline, repeated by those too drunk to think coherently but sober enough to mock God's servant.

Jesus experienced identical spectrum of contempt. Religious leaders mocked Him (Matthew 26:67-68), political authorities ridiculed Him (Luke 23:11), soldiers made sport of Him (John 19:2-3), and even criminals derided Him (Matthew 27:44). The totality of rejection fulfilled this psalm.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should believers respond when both society's elites and its dregs unite in mocking Christian faith?
  2. What does universal contempt for godliness reveal about sin's comprehensive corruption of human society?
  3. How does Christ's experience of total social rejection from high to low provide comfort in our own experiences of rejection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
יָשִׂ֣יחוּ1 of 7

“speak”

H7878

to ponder, i.e., (by implication) converse (with oneself, and hence, aloud) or (transitively) utter

בִ֭י2 of 7
H0
יֹ֣שְׁבֵי3 of 7

“They that sit in”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

שָׁ֑עַר4 of 7

“the gate”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

וּ֝נְגִינ֗וֹת5 of 7

“against me and I was the song”

H5058

properly, instrumental music; by implication, a stringed instrument; by extension, a poem set to music; specifically, an epigram

שׁוֹתֵ֥י6 of 7

“of the drunkards”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

שֵׁכָֽר׃7 of 7
H7941

an intoxicant, i.e., intensely alcoholic liquor

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 69:12 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 69:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 35:15-16Matthew 27:12-13Acts 4:26-27Matthew 27:62-63Matthew 27:20Luke 23:2

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