Psalm 69:1

Translations

Modern

For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Lilies.” Of David. Save me, O God, for the waters are up to my neck.

Traditional

To the chief Musician upon Shoshannim, A Psalm of David. Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul.

Literal

For the one directing. According to “The Lilies.” Of David. Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to the soul.

Latin

In finem, pro iis qui commutabuntur. David. Salvum me fac, Deus, quoniam intraverunt aquæ usque ad animam meam.

Original

Hebrew

English

For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Lilies.” Of David. Save me, O God, for the waters are up to my neck.

Notes

Psalms 69:1

Psalm 45 also mentions this tune, but Psalm 45 praises the glory of kingship. In contrast, Psalm 69 is the cry of a tired king who feels abandoned by the Lord.

Psalms 69:1–2

The psalmist sees himself as almost drowning but still surviving chaotic forces and his sense of separation from God (see Psalm 42:7; 69:14, 15; Isaiah 8:8).

Psalms 69:1–36

In this personal lament, the poet shares his vulnerability, humiliation, and deep pain. He asks God to defend him for the sake of the righteous.

Psalms 69:1–72:20

These last four psalms of Book Two contrast with the earlier psalms that describe God’s mighty acts in creation and redemption, ending with God’s march to Zion (Psalms 65–68). Psalms 69–71 describe the king's suffering, and Psalm 72 responds with a prayer for God to bless the king.

Theme notes and profiles

David Psalms of Suffering

Related verses

Psalm 69:14–15
Rescue me from the mire and do not let me sink; deliver me from my foes and out of the deep waters.
Isaiah 43:2
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze.
Lamentations 3:54
The waters flowed over my head, and I thought I was going to die.
Psalm 42:7
Deep calls to deep in the roar of Your waterfalls; all Your breakers and waves have rolled over me.
Psalm 69:2
I have sunk into the miry depths, where there is no footing; I have drifted into deep waters, where the flood engulfs me.
Jonah 2:3–5
For You cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the current swirled about me; all Your breakers and waves swept over me.
Revelation 17:15
Then the angel said to me, “The waters you saw, where the prostitute was seated, are peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues.
Revelation 12:15–16
Then from his mouth the serpent spewed water like a river to overtake the woman and sweep her away in the torrent.
Psalm 32:6
Therefore let all the godly pray to You while You may be found. Surely when great waters rise, they will not come near.
Psalm 18:4
The cords of death encompassed me; the torrents of chaos overwhelmed me.
Psalm 45:1
For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Lilies.” A Maskil of the sons of Korah. A love song. My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses to the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.
Job 22:11
…it is so dark you cannot see, and a flood of water covers you.

People

David: Anointed king of Israel, ancestor of Jesus Christ

Glossary

Book of Jonah David Music Persecution Psalms, Book of Shoshannim, Shoshannim-Eduth

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Prayer In Afflictions and Adversities: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To David: King of Israel is Chastised with Grievous Affliction on Account of his Crime David: King of Israel: He Probably Writes, at This Time Jesus, the Christ: Messiah: Messianic Psalms Music: Shoshannim and Shushan-Eduth in the Titles To Persecution of Jesus Psalms: Afflictions Psalms: Prophetic Shoshannim: A Wind Instrument, Mentioned in the Titles of Water: (Deep) of Severe Affliction Water: Water of Affliction

Psalm 69:1

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Related verses?