King James Version

What Does Psalms 69:21 Mean?

Psalms 69:21 in the King James Version says “They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 69 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.”

Psalms 69:21 · KJV

Context

19

Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonour: mine adversaries are all before thee.

20

Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none. to take: Heb. to lament with me

21

They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.

22

Let their table become a snare before them: and that which should have been for their welfare, let it become a trap.

23

Let their eyes be darkened, that they see not; and make their loins continually to shake.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink. This verse describes cruel mockery disguised as mercy—enemies offer the sufferer bitter poison instead of food and sour wine instead of water. 'Gall' (rosh, רֹאשׁ) can mean poison or a bitter herb (possibly wormwood or hemlock). The Hebrew parallelism emphasizes the perversity: instead of satisfying hunger and thirst, enemies increase suffering under pretense of help.

The gospels record this verse's literal fulfillment at Christ's crucifixion. Matthew 27:34 says soldiers offered Jesus wine mixed with gall, which He refused. Later, when Jesus said 'I thirst,' they gave Him vinegar on a sponge (John 19:28-29). What appeared as mercy—giving a drink to a dying man—was actually mockery. The sour wine was posca, cheap wine drunk by Roman soldiers, given to extend suffering rather than ease it. This prophecy-fulfillment demonstrates Scripture's detailed foretelling of Messiah's passion.

Spiritually, this verse represents the world's false comfort—what appears as satisfaction actually poisons. Sin promises pleasure but delivers death (Romans 6:23). The world offers 'living water' that leaves us thirsty (John 4:13). Only Christ provides true satisfaction: 'whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst' (John 4:14). Jesus, who was given gall and vinegar, now offers His own body and blood as true food and drink (John 6:55). What the world gave Him—poison and mockery—He transforms into salvation for us.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Crucifixion was designed for maximum suffering, and Roman executioners developed methods to prolong agony. The sour wine (oxos) served multiple purposes: it was cheap, so freely given to criminals; it was mildly anesthetic, which could prolong life and therefore suffering; and offering it mocked the victim's helplessness. The soldiers' actions fulfilled prophecy while serving Roman cruelty.

The 'gall' offered initially (Matthew 27:34) was likely myrrh mixed with wine, a mild narcotic that Jewish women customarily offered to crucifixion victims to dull pain (based on Proverbs 31:6, 'Give strong drink to him who is perishing'). Jesus refused this, choosing to face death's full agony conscious and aware. His refusal demonstrated His voluntary sacrifice—He would drink the cup of God's wrath fully, with no numbing agent.

The final offer of vinegar (John 19:29-30) preceded Jesus' death. John's gospel emphasizes that Jesus spoke 'I thirst' to fulfill Scripture, then after receiving the vinegar said, 'It is finished.' This wasn't random detail but theological point: even in death's throes, Jesus fulfilled every prophecy, completing salvation's work. The early church saw profound typology here—Jesus refused the gall but accepted the vinegar, maintaining consciousness to complete His mission. Where Adam and Eve grasped forbidden fruit, Jesus refused even legitimate pain relief to accomplish redemption.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'gall' and 'vinegar' does the world offer as satisfaction that actually leaves you empty or poisoned?
  2. How does Jesus' refusal of numbing agents challenge modern culture's avoidance of suffering?
  3. In what ways has Christ satisfied your deepest hunger and thirst that the world cannot?
  4. How can you discern between false comfort (the world's offerings) and true comfort (Christ)?
  5. What does it mean to you that Jesus experienced mockery while thirsting so you can have living water?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
וַיִּתְּנ֣וּ1 of 6

“They gave”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

בְּבָרוּתִ֣י2 of 6

“for my meat”

H1267

food

רֹ֑אשׁ3 of 6

“me also gall”

H7219

a poisonous plant, probably the poppy (from its conspicuous head); generally poison (even of serpents)

וְ֝לִצְמָאִ֗י4 of 6

“and in my thirst”

H6772

thirst (literally or figuratively)

יַשְׁק֥וּנִי5 of 6

“to drink”

H8248

to quaff, i.e., (causatively) to irrigate or furnish a potion to

חֹֽמֶץ׃6 of 6

“they gave me vinegar”

H2558

vinegar

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 69:21 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 69:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 27:34Mark 15:23Luke 23:36Matthew 27:48Mark 15:36John 19:28-30

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