King James Version

What Does Psalms 69:3 Mean?

Psalms 69:3 in the King James Version says “I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 69 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 69:3 · 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.

5

O God, thou knowest my foolishness; and my sins are not hid from thee. sins: Heb. guiltiness

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Physical exhaustion from crying and parched throat from waiting depict prolonged suffering without relief. 'Mine eyes fail while I wait for my God' shows persistent hope despite unanswered prayer. This tension—crying out while waiting, exhaustion while hoping—characterizes genuine faith that perseveres through darkness. Christ experienced this in Gethsemane, praying repeatedly while awaiting God's will (Luke 22:44). Faith doesn't exempt from suffering but sustains through it.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient laments often expressed raw emotion honestly before God. This psalm validates bringing desperate pleas to God rather than stoic resignation or pretended strength.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you maintain hope when prayers seem unanswered and waiting becomes exhausting?
  2. What does it mean that your 'eyes fail' while waiting for God—what sustains you when sight fails?
  3. How can honest lament before God deepen rather than damage your relationship with Him?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
יָגַ֣עְתִּי1 of 8

“I am weary”

H3021

properly, to gasp; hence, to be exhausted, to tire, to toil

בְקָרְאִי֮2 of 8

“of my crying”

H7121

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

נִחַ֪ר3 of 8

“is dried”

H2787

to glow, i.e., literally (to melt, burn, dry up) or figuratively (to show or incite passion)

גְּר֫וֹנִ֥י4 of 8

“my throat”

H1627

the throat (as roughened by swallowing)

כָּל֥וּ5 of 8

“fail”

H3615

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

עֵינַ֑י6 of 8

“mine eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

מְ֝יַחֵ֗ל7 of 8

“while I wait”

H3176

to wait; by implication, to be patient, hope

לֵאלֹהָֽי׃8 of 8

“for my God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

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 69:3 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 69:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 6:6Isaiah 38:14Psalms 119:123Deuteronomy 28:32Psalms 119:82Psalms 25:21

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