King James Version

What Does Psalms 88:17 Mean?

Psalms 88:17 in the King James Version says “They came round about me daily like water; they compassed me about together. daily: or, all the day” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 88 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“They came round about me daily like water; they compassed me about together. daily: or, all the day”

Psalms 88:17 · KJV

Context

15

I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up: while I suffer thy terrors I am distracted.

16

Thy fierce wrath goeth over me; thy terrors have cut me off.

17

They came round about me daily like water; they compassed me about together. daily: or, all the day

18

Lover and friend hast thou put far from me, and mine acquaintance into darkness.

Read Psalms 88 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They came round about me daily like water (סַבּוּנִי כַמַּיִם כָּל־הַיּוֹם, sabuni chamayim kol-hayom)—"They" refers to the terrors mentioned in verse 16, now personified as assailants surrounding the victim. "Like water" suggests overwhelming, inescapable encirclement—not just a single wave but constant immersion. "Daily" (kol-hayom, literally "all the day") emphasizes the relentless, unceasing nature of the assault. They compassed me about together (הִקִּיפוּ עָלַי יָחַד, hikifu alay yachad)—"Together" suggests coordinated attack from all sides simultaneously, leaving no escape route.

Psalm 88 ends at verse 18 with the haunting word "darkness"—no resolution, no deliverance, no praise. The psalmist remains surrounded, overwhelmed, and alone. Yet this unresolved ending points forward to the darkest moment in history: Christ on the cross, surrounded by mockers, engulfed by divine wrath, crying out in abandonment. But that darkness gave way to resurrection light, transforming every experience of unresolved suffering into a temporary prelude to eternal glory.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This psalm's placement in Book III of the Psalter (Psalms 73-89) is significant. Book III deals with national suffering and the apparent failure of the Davidic covenant, ending with Psalm 89's lament over rejected kingship. Psalm 88 personalizes that national crisis—what does it feel like when God's promises seem to fail? Yet the Psalter continues to Books IV-V, which emphasize God's eternal reign and ultimate faithfulness, providing the hope that Psalm 88 itself lacks.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you maintain hope when suffering feels relentless—coming at you "daily" with no reprieve?
  2. What does it mean that Scripture includes a psalm that ends without resolution, validating your own unresolved struggles?
  3. How does the three-day gap between Christ's unresolved death and resurrection morning speak to seasons when you are still waiting for deliverance?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
סַבּ֣וּנִי1 of 7

“They came round about”

H5437

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

כַ֭מַּיִם2 of 7

“like water”

H4325

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

כָּל3 of 7
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַיּ֑וֹם4 of 7

“me daily”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הִקִּ֖יפוּ5 of 7

“they compassed”

H5362

to strike with more or less violence (beat, fell, corrode); by implication (of attack) to knock together, i.e., surround or circulate

עָלַ֣י6 of 7
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יָֽחַד׃7 of 7

“me about together”

H3162

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

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 88:17 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 88:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 22:16Psalms 69:1-2Psalms 116:3Job 30:14-15Job 16:12-13Matthew 27:39-44

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