Psalms 123:3

KJV

Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us: for we are exceedingly filled with contempt.

KJV (with Strong's)

Have mercy {H2603} upon us, O LORD {H3068}, have mercy {H2603} upon us: for we are exceedingly {H7227} filled {H7646} with contempt {H937}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Have mercy on us, ADONAI, have mercy; for we have had our fill of contempt,

Berean Standard Bible

Have mercy on us, O LORD, have mercy, for we have endured much contempt.

American Standard Version

Have mercy upon us, O Jehovah, have mercy upon us; For we are exceedingly filled with contempt.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 123:3 presents a poignant and urgent communal supplication for divine compassion, voiced by a people utterly overwhelmed and saturated with scorn and derision. This verse, embedded within the "Psalms of Ascent," articulates the profound reason for the psalmist's unwavering gaze toward the Lord: a pervasive and deeply felt humiliation that has permeated their very being, leaving them with no recourse but to cry out for God's merciful intervention.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 123 belongs to the unique collection known as the "Psalms of Ascent" (Psalms 120-134), traditionally recited or sung by pilgrims as they journeyed to Jerusalem for the annual feasts. These psalms often reflect themes pertinent to such a spiritual and physical pilgrimage, including longing for God, trust in His protection amidst trials, and the experience of communal suffering. Psalms 123 specifically builds upon the preceding verses, which establish the psalmist's unwavering focus on the Lord (verse 1) and a posture of humble, expectant waiting, comparing the people's dependence on God to that of servants awaiting their master's favor (verse 2). Verse 3 then dramatically introduces the crucial *motivation* for this intense gaze and desperate plea: the profound and persistent contempt they endure, making their need for divine mercy both immediate and overwhelming. The consistent use of the first-person plural ("us," "we") throughout the psalm underscores a shared experience of hardship and a corporate cry for deliverance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "contempt" described in Psalms 123:3 likely reflects the multifaceted pressures faced by ancient Israel. It could refer to the scorn and mockery from surrounding Gentile nations or oppressive empires that held God's people in disdain, particularly during periods of foreign domination, exile, or post-exilic vulnerability. Alternatively, it might represent the internal societal pressures or the derision faced by the righteous from the wicked within their own community, a common theme in the laments of the Psalms (e.g., the reproach described in [Psalm 44:13-16](/psalms/44-13-16 "Psalm 44:13-16 - Reproach and Scorn")). In a culture where honor and shame were paramount, being "filled with contempt" was not merely an inconvenience but a deep assault on one's dignity, social standing, and even one's identity as God's chosen people. Such humiliation made divine vindication and intervention an essential and urgent hope for survival and restoration.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several foundational themes prevalent throughout the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Desperate Dependence on God**, asserting that when human dignity is assaulted and earthly avenues for relief are exhausted, God remains the sole source of hope and intervention. The intense, repeated plea for mercy underscores this absolute reliance. Secondly, it embodies the theme of **Lament and Suffering**, giving voice to the profound pain of humiliation and acknowledging the reality of suffering endured by God's people in a hostile world. This lament is not a sign of weakness but a faithful act of bringing one's deepest distress directly to God, as seen in the heartfelt cries of Job ([Job 19:3](/job/19-3 "Job 19:3 - Job's Anguish")) or the prophet Jeremiah ([Lamentations 3:30](/lamentations/3-30 "Lamentations 3:30 - Enduring Disgrace")). Finally, it emphasizes **God's Character of Mercy and Compassion**, affirming that despite the overwhelming contempt, the people turn to a God whose very nature is to show favor and deliver those who humble themselves before Him, echoing the divine self-revelation in [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6-7 "Exodus 34:6-7 - The LORD's Compassion and Faithfulness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mercy (Hebrew, _chânan'_):** (H2603) This primitive root verb, repeated twice in the verse, signifies a profound act of gracious bending down from a superior to an inferior. It denotes an active demonstration of favor, compassion, or pity, not merely a feeling but a tangible intervention on behalf of those who are weak, vulnerable, or suffering. The doubling of the imperative "have mercy" intensifies the plea, indicating profound desperation and an urgent, fervent desire for God's compassionate and active intervention.
* **Exceedingly (Hebrew, _rab'_):** (H7227) This adjective, derived from a root meaning "to abound," signifies abundance in quantity, size, number, or degree. In this context, it functions as an intensifier, emphasizing the overwhelming and extreme extent to which the people are "filled" with contempt. It paints a picture of a pervasive, inescapable experience, where the scorn is not just present but has reached a saturation point, making their suffering unbearable.
* **Contempt (Hebrew, _bûwz'_):** (H937) This noun, derived from a root meaning "to despise," denotes disdain, scorn, mockery, or being treated as worthless and insignificant. It describes a profound level of disrespect and derision that goes beyond mere insult, aiming to demean, humiliate, and strip away dignity. The experience of _bûz_ is deeply demoralizing and isolating, implying a pervasive atmosphere of being despised and rejected by others, leaving the recipient feeling utterly devalued.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us":** This opening clause is a fervent, doubled supplication directly addressed to Yahweh (H3068), the covenant God of Israel. The repetition underscores the urgency, intensity, and deep-seated need of the petitioners. It is a communal cry ("us"), indicating a shared burden and a collective turning to God as their sole source of hope and deliverance. This plea acknowledges God's sovereign power and His compassionate nature as the only one truly capable of alleviating their profound distress.
* **"for we are exceedingly filled with contempt":** This second clause provides the crucial justification and context for the preceding plea. The conjunction "for" (כִּי, _kî_) introduces the reason: their current state of being utterly overwhelmed and saturated with scorn, mockery, and disdain. This is not a fleeting insult but a pervasive and deeply felt humiliation (H937) that has permeated their existence, filling them (H7646) to an extreme (H7227) degree. It explains the desperate nature of their cry for mercy, as they are at their breaking point, with no human solution to their profound indignity and suffering.

#### Literary Devices
The psalmist employs several potent **literary devices** to convey the depth of their suffering and the urgency of their plea. **Repetition** is prominently featured with the doubling of "Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us," which powerfully amplifies the intensity and desperation of the prayer, emphasizing the profound and immediate need for divine intervention. This rhetorical device ensures the reader grasps the overwhelming nature of their distress. Furthermore, the phrase "exceedingly filled with contempt" functions as a striking **hyperbole** or **metaphor**. It is not a literal filling but a vivid image conveying a state of being completely saturated and overwhelmed by scorn, suggesting that the contempt has permeated every aspect of their lives, leaving no room for relief. This metaphorical language effectively communicates the pervasive and suffocating nature of their humiliation. Finally, the consistent use of the first-person plural "us" and "we" establishes a powerful **corporate voice**, indicating that this is a communal lament and prayer, reflecting a shared experience of suffering among God's people and fostering solidarity in their cry for mercy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 123:3 profoundly connects to the biblical understanding of God's character as merciful and responsive to the cries of His people, especially when they are afflicted and humiliated. It highlights the theological truth that human suffering, particularly from scorn and injustice, is seen and acknowledged by God. The repeated cry for mercy taps into the very essence of God's covenant faithfulness, where He is depicted as slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and compassion ([Exodus 34:6](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6 - The LORD's Compassion")). The experience of being "filled with contempt" resonates with the suffering of the righteous throughout Scripture, who often face opposition and derision for their faithfulness. This psalm teaches that the appropriate response to such overwhelming humiliation is not despair or retaliation, but a humble, persistent turning to the Lord, trusting in His unique ability to deliver and vindicate.

* [Psalm 51:1](/psalms/51-1 "Psalm 51:1 - Plea for Mercy")
* [Psalm 44:13-16](/psalms/44-13-16 "Psalm 44:13-16 - Reproach and Scorn")
* [Lamentations 3:30](/lamentations/3-30 "Lamentations 3:30 - Enduring Disgrace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 123:3 offers a timeless and deeply resonant message for believers navigating a world that often expresses disdain for faith and righteousness. In an age of instant communication and social media, "contempt" can manifest as online mockery, cancel culture, professional discrimination, or subtle societal pressures that marginalize Christian values. When we feel dismissed, ridiculed, or overwhelmed by the scorn of others for our convictions, this verse provides a profound model for response. It calls us not to retaliate or despair, but to lift our eyes to the Lord, just as the psalmist did, recognizing Him as the ultimate source of vindication and solace. It reminds us that our dignity is not defined by human approval but by our identity in Christ, and that God hears the cries of His children who are suffering unjustly. Our humble dependence on His mercy is not a sign of weakness, but an act of profound faith, aligning our hearts with His compassionate will and trusting that He will ultimately deliver us from all forms of contempt, whether in this life or the next.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways do you experience "contempt" or scorn in your daily life, your workplace, or your faith community today?**
* **How does the psalmist's repeated and urgent cry for mercy resonate with your own prayers when you feel overwhelmed by external pressures or humiliation?**
* **What practical steps can you take to "look to the Lord" (as in Psalms 123:1-2) when you are "exceedingly filled with contempt" from others?**

### FAQ
**Why is the plea for mercy repeated twice in the verse?**

Answer: The repetition of "Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us" is a powerful rhetorical device employed by the psalmist to emphasize the intensity, urgency, and profound depth of their need. It signifies that this is not a casual request but a fervent, desperate cry from a people who feel utterly overwhelmed and have exhausted all other avenues of relief. The doubling underscores the dire nature of their situation, highlighting how completely they are "exceedingly filled with contempt" and how utterly dependent they are on God's immediate and compassionate intervention. This literary technique serves to impress upon the reader the severity of the suffering and the earnestness of the prayer, much like Jesus' teaching on persistent prayer in [Luke 18:1-8](/luke/18-1-8 "Luke 18:1-8 - The Parable of the Persistent Widow").

**What kind of "contempt" is the psalmist referring to, and how might it apply today?**

Answer: The "contempt" (Hebrew _bûwz_) refers to disdain, scorn, mockery, and being treated as worthless or insignificant. In the psalmist's context, this could have been the derision of surrounding hostile nations, the humiliation from oppressors, or the scorn of the ungodly within their own society who mocked their faith or their suffering. It's not merely a minor insult but a pervasive, deeply felt humiliation that undermines one's dignity and standing. Today, this "contempt" can manifest in various forms: social media bullying, professional discrimination against believers, cultural marginalization of Christian values, intellectual scorn from secular society, or even subtle forms of disrespect within families or communities. The psalm reminds us that such experiences are not new and that God understands and responds to the pain of being despised.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 123:3 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the psalmist cries out from being "exceedingly filled with contempt," Jesus, the Son of God, truly became the one "despised and rejected by men" ([Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - The Suffering Servant")), enduring the ultimate scorn and mockery for the sake of humanity. From His humble birth to His public ministry, where He was called a glutton, a drunkard, and demon-possessed ([Matthew 11:19](/matthew/11-19 "Matthew 11:19 - Jesus Accused")), Jesus consistently faced the contempt of religious and political authorities. His passion culminated in the cross, where He was publicly humiliated, stripped, mocked, and reviled ([Matthew 27:27-44](/matthew/27-27-44 "Matthew 27:27-44 - The Mocking of Jesus")). Yet, in this ultimate act of suffering and divine mercy, God poured out His grace upon a contemptuous world. Jesus' cry on the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry on the Cross")), echoes the psalmist's desperate plea for mercy, demonstrating that He fully entered into the human experience of abandonment and scorn. Through His suffering and resurrection, Christ not only experienced the depths of contempt but also conquered it, offering believers the ultimate vindication and the promise that one day, all tears will be wiped away, and there will be no more pain or shame ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears or Pain")). Thus, the psalmist's plea for mercy is ultimately answered in the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), transforming human contempt into divine grace.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 18:11

The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men [are], extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

Luke 18:13

And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as [his] eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

Nehemiah 4:2

And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned?

Nehemiah 4:4

Hear, O our God; for we are despised: and turn their reproach upon their own head, and give them for a prey in the land of captivity:

Psalms 57:1

¶ To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave. Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until [these] calamities be overpast.

Psalms 89:50

Remember, Lord, the reproach of thy servants; [how] I do bear in my bosom [the reproach of] all the mighty people;

Psalms 89:51

Wherewith thine enemies have reproached, O LORD; wherewith they have reproached the footsteps of thine anointed.