Psalms 69:15

KJV

Let not the waterflood overflow me, neither let the deep swallow me up, and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let not the waterflood {H4325}{H7641} overflow {H7857}{H8799)} me, neither let the deep {H4688} swallow me up {H1104}{H8799)}, and let not the pit {H875} shut {H332}{H8799)} her mouth {H6310} upon me.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't let the floodwaters overwhelm me, don't let the deep swallow me up, don't let the pit close its mouth over me.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not let the floods engulf me or the depths swallow me up; let not the Pit close its mouth over me.

American Standard Version

Let not the waterflood overwhelm me, Neither let the deep swallow me up; And let not the pit shut its mouth upon me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 69:15 is a fervent and desperate plea from the psalmist for divine deliverance from overwhelming and life-threatening dangers. Through vivid and escalating imagery of "waterflood," "deep," and "pit," the verse articulates a profound sense of being on the brink of complete annihilation, whether from external enemies, internal despair, or the very jaws of death. It is a cry for God's immediate intervention to prevent utter consumption and preserve the psalmist's life and hope.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 69 is a profound lament, deeply steeped in the suffering of a righteous individual who feels unjustly persecuted and abandoned, even by friends and family. The preceding verses establish the overwhelming nature of the psalmist's distress, using powerful water imagery: "I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me" ([Psalms 69:2](/psalms/69-2 "Psalm 69:2 - Sinking in Deep Mire")). This sets the stage for the desperate prayer in verse 15, which escalates the plea from merely being overwhelmed to being swallowed and trapped. The psalm moves from a cry for help to a detailed description of suffering, followed by imprecations against enemies, and ultimately, a vow of praise and confidence in God's future deliverance. Verse 15 is a pivotal moment of intense vulnerability, expressing the psalmist's profound fear of being utterly consumed by the forces arrayed against him.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of overwhelming waters and the "deep" (Hebrew: *tehom*) draws upon ancient Near Eastern cosmological concepts where primordial waters represented chaos and the forces of destruction, often associated with the underworld or the realm of death (Sheol). To be swallowed by the deep or trapped in a pit was a common metaphor for succumbing to death, despair, or the power of enemies. Pits (*beer* or *shachat*) were often used as dungeons or cisterns, and falling into one could mean certain death or inescapable imprisonment. The psalmist's experience reflects the precariousness of life in ancient Israel, where individuals were vulnerable to natural disasters, the schemes of adversaries, and the ever-present reality of mortality. The lament tradition itself was a culturally accepted and divinely sanctioned means for individuals to express their deepest anguish and appeal directly to God for justice and rescue.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Psalm 69 and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Desperate Plea for Deliverance**, highlighting the psalmist's complete reliance on God in the face of insurmountable odds. Secondly, the vivid imagery of "waterflood," "deep," and "pit" emphasizes the theme of **Overwhelming Adversity**, portraying the magnitude of the troubles as life-threatening and soul-consuming. This adversity is often linked to the unjust suffering of the righteous, a recurring motif in the Psalms. Thirdly, the very act of crying out for deliverance implies an underlying faith in **Divine Protection and Sovereignty**, acknowledging God's power to intervene even against the forces of chaos and death. Finally, Psalm 69 is widely recognized as a **Messianic Psalm**, with many of its verses prophetically pointing to the suffering of Christ. For instance, the zeal for God's house mentioned in [Psalms 69:9](/psalms/69-9 "Psalm 69:9 - Zeal for God's House") is quoted in [John 2:17](/john/2-17 "John 2:17 - Jesus' Zeal for the Temple"), and the reproach endured by the psalmist is applied to Christ in [Romans 15:3](/romans/15-3 "Romans 15:3 - Christ Did Not Please Himself"). The deep anguish and sense of abandonment expressed here resonate with Christ's own suffering, particularly His cry on the cross, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" ([Psalms 22:1](/psalms/22-1 "Psalm 22:1 - My God, My God, Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me?")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **waterflood (Hebrew, _mayim shoteph'_):** This phrase literally translates to "rushing waters" or "overflowing waters." It denotes a violent, uncontrollable deluge, emphasizing the destructive and overwhelming force of the danger the psalmist faces. Unlike a gentle stream, a *mayim shoteph* is a torrent that sweeps everything away, symbolizing an adversary or circumstance that threatens to obliterate the psalmist's very existence.
* **deep (Hebrew, _tehom'_):** This term refers to the primordial abyss, the vast, chaotic waters of creation (as seen in [Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - The Spirit Hovering Over the Deep")). In a metaphorical sense, *tehom* represents the depths of the sea, the underworld, or the realm of death (Sheol). Here, it signifies being swallowed by an inescapable, all-consuming force, akin to being engulfed by the grave or the chaos of non-existence. The imagery is one of being submerged beyond rescue, echoing the prophet Jonah's cry from the belly of the fish, "the floods compassed me about, all thy billows and thy waves passed over me" ([Jonah 2:3](/jonah/2-3 "Jonah 2:3 - Jonah's Prayer from the Deep")).
* **pit (Hebrew, _shachat'_):** While *beer* can refer to a well or cistern, *shachat* more strongly conveys the sense of a pit of destruction, corruption, or the grave itself. The phrase "shut her mouth upon me" personifies the pit, transforming it into a monstrous, living entity that threatens to trap and annihilate the psalmist. This evokes the profound dread of being buried alive or utterly extinguished, highlighting the finality and inescapability of death.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let not the waterflood overflow me":** This initial plea expresses the psalmist's fear of being completely inundated and swept away by an overwhelming force. It speaks to a loss of control and the imminent danger of being submerged beyond survival, whether by enemies, suffering, or despair.
* **"neither let the deep swallow me up":** This clause intensifies the previous one, moving from being merely "overflowed" to being actively "swallowed" by the abyss. The imagery of the "deep" (tehom) suggests a more profound and inescapable consumption, hinting at the realm of death or Sheol, from which there is no return without divine intervention.
* **"and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me":** This final clause provides a climactic and chilling image. The "pit" (shachat), representing the grave or a dungeon, is personified as a ravenous entity with a mouth that threatens to close upon the psalmist, sealing his fate. This signifies the ultimate fear of being trapped, annihilated, and forgotten in the realm of death, with no hope of escape.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 69:15 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey the psalmist's profound distress and desperate plea. **Metaphor** is central, as the "waterflood," "deep," and "pit" are not literal physical threats but powerful symbolic representations of overwhelming adversity, despair, and the imminent threat of death or destruction. These metaphors create a vivid mental picture of being consumed by forces beyond human control. **Personification** is strikingly used with the "pit," which is given the human-like action of "shutting her mouth upon me." This makes the threat of the grave feel more immediate, active, and menacing, transforming an inanimate object into a living, devouring entity. Furthermore, the verse exhibits a form of **Climactic Parallelism**, where each successive clause intensifies the threat. From being "overflowed" to being "swallowed" to being "shut in" by the pit, the danger escalates, building a sense of increasing urgency and finality in the psalmist's cry for deliverance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a profound expression of human vulnerability in the face of overwhelming forces and an unwavering testament to the power of lament as a form of prayer. The psalmist's cry is not merely a complaint but a desperate appeal to God, implicitly acknowledging His sovereignty over all creation, including the chaos of the "deep" and the finality of the "pit." Theologically, it affirms that even in the most dire circumstances, when life feels like it is being consumed by forces beyond control, God remains the ultimate source of rescue. It underscores the biblical truth that God hears the cries of His suffering people and has the power to deliver them from what seems inescapable, even from the jaws of death itself. This psalm, therefore, provides a template for believers to bring their rawest fears and deepest anxieties before a God who is both mighty to save and intimately acquainted with suffering.

* [Jonah 2:3](/jonah/2-3 "Jonah 2:3-6 - Jonah's Prayer from the Deep")
* [Psalm 18:4](/psalms/18-4 "Psalm 18:4-5 - The Cords of Death Encompassed Me")
* [Lamentations 3:54](/lamentations/3-54 "Lamentations 3:54 - Waters Flowed Over My Head")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 69:15 offers a powerful and enduring message for believers navigating the complexities and challenges of life. It validates the human experience of feeling overwhelmed, whether by personal crises, societal pressures, spiritual battles, or the sheer weight of despair. The psalmist's raw honesty in expressing his fear of annihilation provides permission for us to bring our own unvarnished anxieties and deepest vulnerabilities before God. This verse reminds us that true faith does not deny the reality of suffering or the terror of being consumed by life's "waterfloods" and "pits," but rather directs that fear and desperation towards the only One who can truly deliver. It encourages a posture of humble reliance on divine intervention, fostering hope even when all human solutions seem exhausted. In our own moments of feeling submerged by grief, trapped by addiction, or swallowed by anxiety, this psalm calls us to cry out to God, trusting in His sovereign power to rescue us from the brink, just as He did for the psalmist. It is a profound invitation to find refuge and deliverance in the Lord, who alone can command the chaos and open the mouth of the grave.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you currently feel "overflowed" by a waterflood or "swallowed up" by a deep?**
* **How does the psalmist's raw honesty in prayer encourage you to approach God with your own fears and anxieties?**
* **What "pits" or seemingly inescapable situations are you facing, and how does this verse prompt you to seek God's deliverance?**
* **How does acknowledging God's sovereignty over chaos and death strengthen your faith in moments of despair?**

### FAQ
**Is Psalm 69 primarily about David or someone else?**

Answer: While traditionally attributed to David and reflecting experiences common to him (such as persecution and betrayal), Psalm 69 is also profoundly prophetic. Many New Testament passages apply its themes and specific verses directly to Jesus Christ, making it a significant messianic psalm. Therefore, it speaks to the suffering of a righteous individual (likely David) but ultimately finds its fullest and deepest fulfillment in the unparalleled suffering of the Messiah.

**How does the "pit" relate to the concept of Sheol in the Old Testament?**

Answer: In the Old Testament, the "pit" (*shachat* or *beer*) is often used synonymously or in close conjunction with Sheol, the realm of the dead. Sheol is depicted as a dark, dusty, silent place where all the dead go, regardless of their moral standing. The imagery of the pit "shutting its mouth" upon someone powerfully conveys the finality and inescapable nature of death, signifying being sealed away in the underworld. The psalmist's prayer is thus a plea for preservation from death itself, or from a situation so dire it is akin to being consigned to the grave.

**Why is water imagery so prevalent in psalms of lament and distress?**

Answer: Water, particularly uncontrolled floods, deep waters, or chaotic seas, was a powerful and universal symbol in the ancient world for overwhelming danger, chaos, judgment, and death. In the biblical worldview, the deep (*tehom*) often recalled the primordial chaos before creation ([Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - The Spirit Hovering Over the Deep")) or the destructive power of the flood ([Genesis 7:17-20](/genesis/7-17 "Genesis 7:17-20 - The Waters Increased")). For the psalmist, being "overflowed" or "swallowed" by such waters vividly communicates a feeling of being consumed by forces beyond human control, whether they are enemies, despair, or the threat of physical demise. It represents a state of being utterly helpless and on the brink of annihilation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 69:15 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the life, suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The psalmist's desperate cry to be spared from the "waterflood," "deep," and "pit" foreshadows the ultimate suffering of the Son of God, who truly descended into the depths of human pain and the abyss of death. Jesus, the righteous sufferer par excellence, experienced the overwhelming "waterflood" of divine wrath and human rejection, enduring reproach and shame that were not His own ([Romans 15:3](/romans/15-3 "Romans 15:3 - Christ Did Not Please Himself")). He was truly "swallowed up" by the "deep" of the grave, experiencing the separation from God and the full weight of sin on the cross, crying out, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")). The "pit" did indeed attempt to "shut her mouth upon Him," as He was laid in the tomb. However, unlike the psalmist's plea for prevention, Christ's experience was one of full immersion into death, from which He emerged victorious. The power of the grave could not hold Him; God "raised him up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it" ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Jesus from the Dead")). Thus, Christ's resurrection is the ultimate answer to the psalmist's prayer, demonstrating God's supreme power to deliver from the deepest pit and the most overwhelming flood, offering eternal life to all who believe in Him. His prayers "with strong crying and tears" ([Hebrews 5:7](/hebrews/5-7 "Hebrews 5:7 - Christ's Prayers and Supplications")) echo the psalmist's desperate plea, yet His triumph ensures that for His followers, the waterflood of judgment will not overflow them, nor will the deep swallow them up, nor the pit shut its mouth upon them eternally.

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

Psalms 16:10

For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

Revelation 12:15

And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.

Revelation 12:16

And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.

Jonah 2:2

And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, [and] thou heardest my voice.

Jonah 2:7

When my soul fainted within me I remembered the LORD: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple.

Acts 2:24

Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

Psalms 88:4

I am counted with them that go down into the pit: I am as a man [that hath] no strength: