Psalm 69 12

Psalm 69:12 kjv

They that sit in the gate speak against me; and I was the song of the drunkards.

Psalm 69:12 nkjv

Those who sit in the gate speak against me, And I am the song of the drunkards.

Psalm 69:12 niv

Those who sit at the gate mock me, and I am the song of the drunkards.

Psalm 69:12 esv

I am the talk of those who sit in the gate, and the drunkards make songs about me.

Psalm 69:12 nlt

I am the favorite topic of town gossip,
and all the drunks sing about me.

Psalm 69 verses

Psalm 69 12 Meaning

Psalm 69:12 describes the profound humiliation and public scorn endured by the psalmist, likely David. He lamentsthat he has become the subject of common gossip and mocking by both the esteemed and the outcast. "Those who sit in the gate," representing respectable society and judicial authority, speak derisively about him. Furthermore, the lowest strata of society, the drunkards, even turn him into the theme of their songs and mockery, indicating widespread and debasing ridicule. This verse underscores the immense psychological and social distress caused by such widespread public humiliation from all social spheres.

Psalm 69 12 Context

Psalm 69 is a lament psalm, deeply rooted in the personal suffering and distress of the psalmist, often identified as David. It expresses a fervent prayer for deliverance from powerful enemies and an overwhelming sense of being engulfed by troubles (verse 1-3). The psalmist acknowledges suffering for righteousness' sake and zeal for God's house (verse 9). Throughout the chapter, David details various forms of abuse, betrayal, isolation, and persecution he faces, culminating in appeals for divine vengeance against his oppressors. Verse 12 specifically portrays the public and widespread nature of his humiliation, moving beyond personal enemies to societal scorn. This humiliation comes from all societal levels: those of high social standing and authority ("those who sit in the gate") and the lowest elements ("the drunkards"), highlighting the complete social alienation and abject scorn he experiences due to his dedication to God and perceived failings.

Psalm 69 12 Word analysis

• אֲנִי֙ שִׁיחַ יֹושְׁבֵ֣י שַׁ֔עַר (Anî shiyaḥ yoshvê sha'ar): "I am the talk/subject of those who sit in the gate"

  • אֲנִי (Anî): "I." Simple first-person pronoun. Emphasizes the psalmist's personal experience of suffering.
  • שִּׁיחַ (shiyaḥ): Means "talk," "meditation," "complaint," "subject of conversation," or "gossip." Here, it signifies the content of conversation, indicating that the psalmist himself has become the constant topic of derisive discussion.
  • יֹשְׁבֵי (yoshvê): Participle from יָשַׁב (yashav), "to sit" or "dwell." "Those who sit."
  • שַׁעַר (sha'ar): "Gate." In ancient Israel, city gates were centers of public life, commerce, legal proceedings, and social gatherings. Elders, judges, and prominent citizens would convene there. To be the subject of "talk of those who sit in the gate" means being publicly shamed, discussed negatively by respected community figures, or having one's reputation ridiculed in the place of public discourse and justice. This indicates a high level of public degradation and mockery, from those with perceived authority or respect.

• וּנְגִינֹ֥ת שׁוֹתֵי שֵׁכָֽר (u-neginot shotei shekhar): "and the drunkards' songs" / "and songs of those who drink strong drink"

  • וּ (u-): Conjunction "and." Connects the two aspects of public humiliation.
  • נְגִינוֹת (neginot): From נֶגֶן (negen), meaning "stringed instrument" or "musical piece." Here it implies "songs," "ballads," "taunts," or "mocking tunes." These are not merely spoken words but performed, often with musical accompaniment, making the mockery more elaborate and publicly declared.
  • שׁוֹתֵי (shotei): Participle from שָׁתָה (shatah), "to drink." "Those who drink."
  • שֵׁכָר (shekhar): "Strong drink," often intoxicating liquor. "Drunkards" or "revelers." This group represents the lowest and most disreputable elements of society. Their mockery is particularly humiliating, as it means even the social outcasts and those with no standing deride the psalmist.

• Word-groups Analysis:

  • "I am the subject of the talk of those who sit in the gate": This phrase paints a vivid picture of public degradation. The psalmist is not merely gossiped about privately, but openly discussed and likely ridiculed in the very forum where justice and honor are typically dispensed. This signifies shame among the 'respectable' or elite. The Hebrew term shiyaḥ itself can imply a derogatory, critical form of talk.
  • "and the drunkards' songs" / "and songs of those who drink strong drink": This highlights a parallel, yet distinct, source of humiliation. To be the subject of songs by drunkards indicates complete social debasement. Drunkards, often associated with wild, unrestrained, and impious behavior (Prov 23:29-35), performing mocking ballads about the psalmist emphasizes the extreme depth of his disgrace, reaching the very bottom of society's esteem. This duality underscores that the psalmist is universally scorned, from the esteemed to the lowest classes, amplifying the feeling of absolute rejection and loneliness.

Psalm 69 12 Bonus section

The Hebrew word shiyaḥ (שיח) in "talk of those who sit in the gate" can also carry the nuance of idle chatter or aimless discussion. This makes the psalmist's plight even more demeaning – he is not being debated for profound reasons but simply used as fodder for casual, contemptuous conversation. Furthermore, the neginot (נגינות) of the drunkards could imply more than just songs; it suggests mockery involving physical performance or rhythmic chanting, making the humiliation intensely personal and overtly public, transforming the psalmist into an object of entertainment for the crude. This widespread scorn serves as a crucial element in David's prayer for vindication and God's justice in this penitential and prophetic psalm. The mention of drunkards specifically draws attention to behavior often condemned in biblical wisdom literature, thus heightening the psalmist's dismay that even such individuals feel entitled to mock him.

Psalm 69 12 Commentary

Psalm 69:12 conveys the profound depth of the psalmist's suffering through widespread social humiliation. The imagery of being discussed "in the gate" represents public judgment and gossip by respected figures, implying a loss of social standing and honor. Simultaneously, becoming the "song" of "drunkards" signifies mockery by the most contemptible members of society. This two-pronged attack from both societal poles underscores the comprehensive and inescapable nature of the psalmist's disgrace. It is a humiliation that pierces through every stratum of society, emphasizing the injustice of his suffering as he faces ridicule despite (or perhaps because of) his faithfulness to God (v. 7-9). This verse captures the psychological torment of public scorn, echoing experiences of righteous sufferers throughout Scripture, most notably foreshadowing the extensive public mocking and humiliation faced by Jesus Christ (e.g., Matt 27; Lk 23), who endured disgrace from both religious and civil authorities (like those in the gate) and the common, unthinking crowds (like the drunkards). It speaks to the burden of unjust suffering and being maligned by those who lack discernment or are simply malevolent.