Psalms 69:14 (KJV)

What does Psalms 69:14 mean?

Psalms 69:14 is a cry for rescue, where the speaker asks God to save him from overwhelming trouble, comparing his distress to sinking in deep mud and being surrounded by deep waters. The verse uses vivid images to express a desperate need for deliverance from enemies and overwhelming circumstances.

In this psalm, David is speaking to God during a time of intense hardship and opposition. He feels trapped and in danger, using the picture of mire and deep waters to show how helpless and threatened he feels. The verse highlights both the seriousness of his situation and his trust that God can pull him out of it.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 69:14

• "Deliver" (נָצַל, natsal, H5337) means to snatch away or rescue. This word emphasizes a strong, active rescue, not just a gentle helping hand.
• "Mire" (טִיט, tit, H2916) refers to sticky, thick mud. The image is of someone stuck and unable to move, showing how trapped David feels.
• "Sink" (טָבַע, tava‘, H2883) means to go down or be submerged. David fears being completely overwhelmed, not just struggling but actually going under.
• "Hate" (שָׂנֵא, sane’, H8130) points to those who are actively hostile toward David, not just indifferent or mildly opposed.
• "Deep" (מְצוּלָה, metsulah, H4615) and "waters" (מַיִם, mayim, H4325) together paint a picture of dangerous, engulfing floodwaters, a common biblical image for chaos and threat.

Why Psalms 69:14 matters

• The verse clarifies just how desperate and helpless David feels, using strong images that go beyond ordinary trouble to real danger and fear of being overwhelmed.
• Understanding the original words helps readers see that David is not just asking for help with minor problems, but for rescue from situations that feel life-threatening and hopeless.
• This verse connects to the wider psalm, where David repeatedly describes his suffering and appeals to God’s power to save, making it a central example of honest prayer in distress.