Psalms 69:2

Authorized King James Version

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

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

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection