King James Version

What Does Psalms 69:2 Mean?

Psalms 69:2 in the King James Version says “I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me. deep mire: He...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 69 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me. deep mire: Heb. the mire of depth deep waters: Heb. depth of waters”

Psalms 69:2 · KJV

Context

1

To the chief Musician upon Shoshannim, A Psalm of David. Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul.

2

I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me. deep mire: Heb. the mire of depth deep waters: Heb. depth of waters

3

I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.

4

They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The psalmist's desperate cry 'I sink in deep mire' uses drowning imagery for overwhelming affliction. 'No standing' indicates total helplessness—unable to save himself. 'Deep waters' and 'floods overflow me' depict waves of trouble beyond human endurance. This language anticipates Christ's agony in Gethsemane and on the cross (Matthew 26:38, John 12:27), where He experienced the depths of God's wrath for sin. Believers unite with Christ in His sufferings (Philippians 3:10).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 69 is messianic, quoted multiple times in the New Testament regarding Christ's passion. David's intense suffering foreshadowed the Messiah's greater affliction for sin's atonement.

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you felt like you're 'sinking in deep mire' with no way to help yourself?
  2. How does Christ's experience of overwhelming affliction provide comfort and hope in your darkest moments?
  3. What does it mean to share in Christ's sufferings as part of Christian discipleship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
טָבַ֤עְתִּי׀1 of 10

“I sink”

H2883

to sink

בִּיוֵ֣ן2 of 10

“mire”

H3121

properly, dregs (as effervescing); hence, mud

מְ֭צוּלָה3 of 10

“in deep”

H4688

a deep place (of water or mud)

וְאֵ֣ין4 of 10
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

מָעֳמָ֑ד5 of 10

“where there is no standing”

H4613

literally a foothold

בָּ֥אתִי6 of 10

“I am come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בְמַעֲמַקֵּי7 of 10

“into deep”

H4615

a deep

מַ֝֗יִם8 of 10

“waters”

H4325

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

וְשִׁבֹּ֥לֶת9 of 10

“where the floods”

H7641

a stream (as flowing); also an ear of grain (as growing out); by analogy, a branch

שְׁטָפָֽתְנִי׃10 of 10

“overflow”

H7857

to gush; by implication, to inundate, cleanse; by analogy, to gallop, conquer

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 69:2 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 69:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 40:2Matthew 7:25Jeremiah 38:6Psalms 88:6-7Psalms 32:6Jeremiah 38:22

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