King James Version

What Does Psalms 69:14 Mean?

Psalms 69:14 in the King James Version says “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.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 69 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Psalms 69:14 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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.

15

Let not the waterflood overflow me, neither let the deep swallow me up, and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me.

16

Hear me, O LORD; for thy lovingkindness is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies.

Read Psalms 69 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. David returns to the drowning imagery from verse 2, intensifying the plea with "mire" (טִיט/tit)—thick mud or clay that entraps and suffocates. "Let me not sink" (אַל־אֶטְבָּעָה/al-etba'ah) uses the verb for sinking beneath water's surface, drowning. The double petition—"deliver me" and "let me be delivered"—emphasizes urgency and desperation.

"From them that hate me" (מִשֹּׂנְאַי/misonai) identifies enemies not as mere opponents but as those who bear active hatred. "Deep waters" (מִמַּעֲמַקֵּי מָיִם/mi-ma'amaqqei mayim) continues the drowning metaphor—not shallow, manageable troubles but overwhelming, life-threatening floods beyond human ability to navigate.

The language anticipates Jonah (Jonah 2:3-5) and prefigures Christ's descent into death. Jesus spoke of His coming death as a "baptism" He must undergo (Luke 12:50), an overwhelming flood.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Mire and deep waters functioned as common biblical metaphors for mortal danger and overwhelming trouble (Psalm 40:2, 69:2, Lamentations 3:54). Ancient Israel's geography included treacherous wadis (dry riverbeds) that could flash flood suddenly, and marshes near water sources where one could become fatally stuck.

The plea for deliverance from enemies echoes throughout Davidic psalms, reflecting his historical experience fleeing Saul, battling hostile nations, and facing Absalom's rebellion.

In Christian interpretation, this became paradigmatic of Christ's passion. He sank into death's waters, descended into the mire of sin and judgment (though personally sinless, bearing sin's penalty), and emerged victorious.

Reflection Questions

  1. What "mire" in your life feels like it's pulling you under, and how do you cry out to God from that place?
  2. How does recognizing that enemies may truly hate us (not merely misunderstand us) affect our prayers and expectations?
  3. In what ways does Christ's descent into death's waters and emergence in resurrection provide hope for our present drowning experiences?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
אִנָּצְלָ֥ה1 of 8

“Deliver”

H5337

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

מִ֭טִּיט2 of 8

“me out of the mire”

H2916

mud or clay; figuratively, calamity

וְאַל3 of 8
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

אֶטְבָּ֑עָה4 of 8

“and let me not sink”

H2883

to sink

אִנָּצְלָ֥ה5 of 8

“Deliver”

H5337

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

מִ֝שֹּֽׂנְאַ֗י6 of 8

“from them that hate”

H8130

to hate (personally)

וּמִמַּ֖עֲמַקֵּי7 of 8

“me and out of the deep”

H4615

a deep

מָֽיִם׃8 of 8

“waters”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

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 69:14 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 69:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 144:7Psalms 109:21Jeremiah 38:6-13Psalms 69:1-2Psalms 69:15Luke 19:14

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 69 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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