Psalms 123:3
Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us: for we are exceedingly filled with contempt.
Original Language Analysis
חָנֵּ֑נוּ
Have mercy
H2603
חָנֵּ֑נוּ
Have mercy
Strong's:
H2603
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)
יְהוָ֣ה
upon us O LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
upon us O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
חָנֵּ֑נוּ
Have mercy
H2603
חָנֵּ֑נוּ
Have mercy
Strong's:
H2603
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
רַ֝֗ב
upon us for we are exceedingly
H7227
רַ֝֗ב
upon us for we are exceedingly
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
5 of 7
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
Historical Context
Israelites faced contempt from surrounding nations, particularly during periods of weakness, exile, or subjugation. Mockery attacked not just individual dignity but covenant identity - enemies scorned both Israel and Israel's God. Contempt from the proud (v. 4) was especially painful because it came from those who should have been humbled.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does the psalmist cry for mercy twice rather than once?
- How does contempt from others create spiritual crisis requiring divine intervention?
- What does it mean to be 'filled' with contempt, and how does this affect faith?
- How did Jesus experience contempt, and how does His experience comfort those who face mockery?
- What is the proper response to contempt - human vindication or appeal to divine mercy?
Analysis & Commentary
The cry for mercy intensifies: 'Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us: for we are exceedingly filled with contempt.' The double plea 'have mercy...have mercy' expresses desperation. Hebrew 'chanan' (have mercy) denotes gracious favor undeserved by the recipient. The reason follows: 'we are exceedingly filled with contempt.' The word 'exceedingly' (Hebrew 'rav') means abundant, great, much - contempt has reached intolerable levels. 'Contempt' involves scorn, mockery, and disdain - being treated as worthless or despicable. To be 'filled' with contempt suggests saturation; the psalmist can endure no more. This verse reveals that the need for mercy stems from social oppression and mockery. The appeal to God acknowledges that human vindication is impossible - only divine mercy can relieve the burden of contempt.