Psalms 69:2

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

I sink {H2883}{H8804)} in deep {H4688} mire {H3121}, where there is no standing {H4613}: I am come {H935}{H8804)} into deep {H4615} waters {H4325}, where the floods {H7641} overflow {H7857}{H8804)} me.

Complete Jewish Bible

I am sinking down in the mud, and there is no foothold; I have come into deep water; the flood is sweeping over me.

Berean Standard Bible

I have sunk into the miry depths, where there is no footing; I have drifted into deep waters, where the flood engulfs me.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 69:2 is a profound expression of overwhelming distress, using vivid aquatic metaphors to convey a sense of utter helplessness and impending doom. The psalmist describes sinking into an inescapable quagmire and being submerged by torrents of water, symbolizing a crisis so severe that all stability and hope of self-rescue are lost. This verse not only articulates the deep suffering of the psalmist, traditionally David, but also carries significant prophetic weight, foreshadowing the profound agony and rejection experienced by Jesus Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 69 is a deeply moving individual lament, one of the most prominent in the Psalter, often categorized as a psalm of imprecation due to its later calls for divine judgment against enemies. Verse 2 immediately plunges the reader into the psalmist's desperate state, setting the tone for the entire composition. The imagery of sinking and being overwhelmed by waters is a common motif in biblical laments, signifying extreme peril and a profound sense of being beyond human aid. This opening establishes the psalmist's dire need for divine intervention, which becomes the central plea throughout the psalm, culminating in expressions of hope for God's salvation and ultimate vindication, even amidst intense suffering and rejection. The psalmist's lament continues to build, detailing the scorn and opposition he faces, leading to a desperate plea for God to act on his behalf, as seen in [the psalmist's prayer for deliverance](/psalms/69-13 "Psalm 69:13 - A Prayer for Deliverance").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Traditionally attributed to King David, Psalm 69 reflects experiences of intense persecution, betrayal, and unjust suffering that align with various periods of David's life, such as his flight from Saul, as recounted in [1 Samuel 23:14](/1_samuel/23-14 "1 Samuel 23:14 - David's Refuge in the Wilderness"), or the rebellion of Absalom, detailed in [2 Samuel 15:13-14](/2_samuel/15-13 "2 Samuel 15:13-14 - Absalom's Rebellion Begins"). In the ancient Near East, "deep waters" and "mire" were potent symbols of chaos, danger, and the forces of death or the underworld. To be submerged or sinking in such elements represented a state of utter powerlessness, a loss of control, and a threat to life itself. This imagery would have resonated deeply with an audience familiar with the dangers of floods, marshes, and the precariousness of life in a harsh environment, emphasizing the psalmist's complete vulnerability.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several key themes that permeate Psalm 69 and resonate throughout biblical literature. First, it powerfully conveys **Overwhelming Distress**, depicting a situation of all-consuming crisis where the psalmist is not merely troubled but utterly submerged, unable to find any foothold. Second, it highlights **Helplessness and Despair**, as the phrase "no standing" underscores a complete inability to extricate oneself from the dire circumstances, emphasizing human frailty in the face of immense trials. This deep despair naturally leads to the third theme, an implicit **Cry for Deliverance**, which becomes the explicit plea in subsequent verses of the psalm, such as in [Psalm 69:13](/psalms/69-13 "Psalm 69:13 - A Prayer for Deliverance"). Furthermore, the psalm explores themes of **Unjust Suffering** and **Rejection**, as the psalmist laments being hated without cause and suffering reproach for God's sake, which are themes that find profound echo in the New Testament's portrayal of Christ's passion, as when [Jesus states that He was hated without cause](/john/15-25 "John 15:25 - Hated Without Cause").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sink (Hebrew, _ṭâbaʻ'_):** This primitive root signifies the act of going down into something, to submerge, or to be overwhelmed. It conveys a sense of being pulled down irresistibly, leading to drowning or being stuck. In the context of the psalmist, it emphasizes an active, inescapable descent into a state of profound distress and peril, where one's own efforts to resist are futile.
* **mire (Hebrew, _yâvên'_):** Derived from a word related to dregs or effervescence, this term refers to thick, sticky mud or slime. It evokes an image of something foul, entangling, and difficult to escape. When one sinks in "mire," it suggests not only being stuck but also being defiled or degraded by the circumstances, highlighting the unpleasant and inescapable nature of the psalmist's predicament.
* **floods (Hebrew, _shibbôl'_):** This word can refer to a stream, an ear of grain, or, as here, a torrent or rushing water. In the context of "overflow me," it powerfully describes an overwhelming, violent surge of water that completely engulfs and sweeps away. It emphasizes the active, aggressive, and irresistible force of the affliction that is not merely present but actively consuming the psalmist, leaving no room for escape or even breath.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I sink in deep mire, where [there is] no standing:"** The psalmist describes an active, continuous process of sinking, not merely being stuck. The "deep mire" signifies a profound and inescapable entanglement in trouble, a situation that is both suffocating and degrading. The crucial phrase "no standing" emphasizes a complete loss of footing, stability, and control, signifying utter helplessness and the inability to extricate oneself from the situation through personal strength or resources. This paints a picture of being utterly consumed by one's circumstances.
* **"I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me."** This second clause parallels and intensifies the first, moving from the static entrapment of mire to the dynamic, engulfing nature of water. The psalmist has not merely approached but has "come into" (or "entered") a state of "deep waters," implying a complete immersion in overwhelming danger. The "floods overflow me" powerfully conveys the sense of being completely submerged and engulfed by torrents of trouble, signifying a near-drowning experience in a sea of affliction, leaving no room for escape or even breath. The imagery suggests an active, aggressive force of suffering that has completely taken over.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 69:2 is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of a soul in extreme peril through the use of natural elements. The primary literary device is **Metaphor**, where "deep mire," "deep waters," and "floods" serve as powerful representations of the psalmist's overwhelming suffering, opposition, and despair. This is further intensified by **Hyperbole**, as the language exaggerates the extent of the distress to convey its all-consuming nature, suggesting a situation beyond normal human endurance. The verse also employs **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the two clauses ("I sink in deep mire, where [there is] no standing" and "I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me") express similar ideas of being overwhelmed, but the second clause intensifies the imagery, moving from sinking in mud to being engulfed by torrents of water. This creates a cumulative effect, emphasizing the escalating and inescapable nature of the psalmist's crisis. The repetition of the idea of being overwhelmed reinforces the psalmist's desperate state.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 69:2 powerfully articulates the human experience of profound suffering and helplessness, a theme deeply woven throughout Scripture. It reminds us that even the righteous can face circumstances so overwhelming that they feel entirely beyond their control, mirroring the experiences of many biblical figures who cried out to God from the depths of despair. The verse underscores the theological truth that human strength and self-reliance are utterly insufficient when confronted with such trials, thereby highlighting the absolute necessity of divine intervention. It validates the raw, honest expression of lament before God, acknowledging that true faith does not deny pain but brings it transparently to the only One capable of delivering. This deep distress, paradoxically, serves to magnify God's power and faithfulness when He ultimately brings deliverance, proving His sovereignty even in the midst of chaos.

* [Jonah 2:3](/jonah/2-3 "Jonah's Prayer from the Deep")
* [Psalm 40:2](/psalms/40-2 "Lifted from the Miry Pit")
* [Lamentations 3:54](/lamentations/3-54 "Waters Closed Over My Head")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 69:2 offers profound resonance for anyone navigating periods of overwhelming crisis, whether emotional, spiritual, or physical. It provides a biblical language for expressing the deepest forms of despair, validating the feeling of being utterly submerged by life's difficulties with "no standing" to be found. In a world that often pressures individuals to maintain a facade of strength, this verse grants permission to be vulnerable and honest about our struggles. It reminds us that even the most faithful servants of God, like David, experienced moments of extreme anguish and helplessness. For believers, it serves as a crucial reminder that when we are truly "in over our heads," our only true recourse is to cry out to God, who alone can pull us from the "deep mire" and lift us above the "overflowing floods." It encourages us to bring our unfiltered pain, fear, and helplessness before our compassionate God, trusting that He hears and will ultimately deliver, often in ways we cannot foresee, demonstrating His unwavering love and power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you currently feel like you are "sinking in deep mire" with "no standing"?**
* **How does the psalmist's raw honesty in expressing distress encourage you to be more transparent with God about your own struggles?**
* **What does this verse teach you about the limits of human strength and the absolute necessity of divine intervention in times of overwhelming crisis?**
* **How might acknowledging your helplessness, as the psalmist does, actually be a powerful step toward experiencing God's deliverance?**

### FAQ
**Is Psalms 69:2 solely about David's personal suffering, or does it have a broader meaning?**

Answer: While Psalms 69:2, and indeed the entire [Psalm 69](/psalms/69 "Psalm 69 - A Psalm of Lament and Prophecy"), is deeply rooted in the personal experiences of the psalmist, traditionally David, it carries a profound dual meaning. Historically, it reflects the intense persecution, betrayal, and unjust suffering that David endured, whether from King Saul, his own son Absalom, or other adversaries. The vivid imagery of sinking in mire and being overwhelmed by floods certainly captures the emotional and physical distress of a person facing such overwhelming opposition. However, the New Testament extensively applies passages from [Psalm 69](/psalms/69 "Psalm 69 - A Psalm of Lament and Prophecy") to the life and suffering of Jesus Christ, indicating its significant prophetic dimension. Verses from Psalm 69 are quoted or alluded to multiple times in relation to Christ's rejection, His zeal for God's house, His thirst on the cross, and the unjust hatred He experienced. For example, [John 15:25](/john/15-25 "John 15:25 - Hated Without Cause") directly quotes a phrase from [Psalm 69:4](/psalms/69-4 "Psalm 69:4 - Hated Without Cause") to describe the world's hatred for Jesus. Therefore, while it speaks to David's personal lament, it also serves as a prophetic foreshadowing of the ultimate suffering of the Messiah, making its meaning far broader than just an individual's experience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 69:2 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the psalmist laments sinking in "deep mire" and being overwhelmed by "deep waters" and "floods," these metaphors powerfully prefigure the unparalleled suffering and rejection experienced by the Messiah. Jesus, the sinless Son of God, truly "sank" into the deepest mire of human sin and suffering, bearing the weight of the world's iniquity on the cross. He was "come into deep waters" of abandonment, not only by His disciples but even feeling the temporary withdrawal of His Father's presence as He became sin for us, as described in [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us"). The "floods" of human hostility, false accusation, and divine wrath truly "overflowed" Him, culminating in His agonizing cry from the cross, recorded in [Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction"). The psalmist's experience of being hated without cause, as expressed in [Psalm 69:4](/psalms/69-4 "Psalm 69:4 - Hated Without Cause"), is directly applied to Christ in [John 15:25](/john/15-25 "John 15:25 - They Hated Me Without Cause"). Even the specific detail of His thirst on the cross, leading to the offering of sour wine, is seen as a fulfillment of [Psalm 69:21](/psalms/69-21 "Psalm 69:21 - Gall and Vinegar"), as recorded in [John 19:28-29](/john/19-28-29 "John 19:28-29 - Jesus Thirsts and is Given Sour Wine"). Thus, Psalms 69:2 is not merely a historical lament but a divinely inspired prophecy that paints a vivid picture of the depth of suffering Christ endured to secure our salvation, demonstrating that He truly entered our deepest mire to lift us out and offer us a firm standing in Him, as [He is the rock upon which we build](/matthew/7-24-27 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders").

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 40:2

He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, [and] established my goings.

Jeremiah 38:6

Then took they Jeremiah, and cast him into the dungeon of Malchiah the son of Hammelech, that [was] in the court of the prison: and they let down Jeremiah with cords. And in the dungeon [there was] no water, but mire: so Jeremiah sunk in the mire.

Matthew 7:25

And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

Psalms 88:6

Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps.

Psalms 88:7

Thy wrath lieth hard upon me, and thou hast afflicted [me] with all thy waves. Selah.

Psalms 32:6

For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.

Jeremiah 38:22

And, behold, all the women that are left in the king of Judah's house [shall be] brought forth to the king of Babylon's princes, and those [women] shall say, Thy friends have set thee on, and have prevailed against thee: thy feet are sunk in the mire, [and] they are turned away back.