Psalms 69:2

Authorized King James Version

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

Original Language Analysis

טָבַ֤עְתִּי׀ I sink H2883
טָבַ֤עְתִּי׀ I sink
Strong's: H2883
Word #: 1 of 10
to sink
בִּיוֵ֣ן mire H3121
בִּיוֵ֣ן mire
Strong's: H3121
Word #: 2 of 10
properly, dregs (as effervescing); hence, mud
מְ֭צוּלָה in deep H4688
מְ֭צוּלָה in deep
Strong's: H4688
Word #: 3 of 10
a deep place (of water or mud)
וְאֵ֣ין H369
וְאֵ֣ין
Strong's: H369
Word #: 4 of 10
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
מָעֳמָ֑ד where there is no standing H4613
מָעֳמָ֑ד where there is no standing
Strong's: H4613
Word #: 5 of 10
literally a foothold
בָּ֥אתִי I am come H935
בָּ֥אתִי I am come
Strong's: H935
Word #: 6 of 10
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
בְמַעֲמַקֵּי into deep H4615
בְמַעֲמַקֵּי into deep
Strong's: H4615
Word #: 7 of 10
a deep
מַ֝֗יִם waters H4325
מַ֝֗יִם waters
Strong's: H4325
Word #: 8 of 10
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
וְשִׁבֹּ֥לֶת where the floods H7641
וְשִׁבֹּ֥לֶת where the floods
Strong's: H7641
Word #: 9 of 10
a stream (as flowing); also an ear of grain (as growing out); by analogy, a branch
שְׁטָפָֽתְנִי׃ overflow H7857
שְׁטָפָֽתְנִי׃ overflow
Strong's: H7857
Word #: 10 of 10
to gush; by implication, to inundate, cleanse; by analogy, to gallop, conquer

Analysis & 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).

Historical 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.

Questions for Reflection