Psalm 69 14

Psalm 69:14 kjv

Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink: let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters.

Psalm 69:14 nkjv

Deliver me out of the mire, And let me not sink; Let me be delivered from those who hate me, And out of the deep waters.

Psalm 69:14 niv

Rescue me from the mire, do not let me sink; deliver me from those who hate me, from the deep waters.

Psalm 69:14 esv

Deliver me from sinking in the mire; let me be delivered from my enemies and from the deep waters.

Psalm 69:14 nlt

Rescue me from the mud;
don't let me sink any deeper!
Save me from those who hate me,
and pull me from these deep waters.

Psalm 69 verses

Psalm 69 14 Meaning

Psalm 69:14 is a profound declaration of faith and persistent prayer amidst intense suffering. Despite the overwhelming troubles detailed in the preceding verses, the psalmist expresses a resolute confidence that his petition is directed to the LORD, not at an arbitrary moment, but at a divinely appointed "acceptable time." His plea is firmly grounded not in his own merit or desperation, but in the immeasurable "abundance of God's steadfast love," anticipating a response of "faithful help" that aligns with God's truthful and saving character.

Psalm 69 14 Context

Psalm 69 is one of the most prominent laments in the Psalter, expressing deep distress, shame, and isolation. The psalmist (traditionally David) describes himself as sinking in "deep mire," with "floods sweeping over" him, depicting overwhelming troubles and accusations from enemies who hate him without cause. He endures reproach "for your sake, O LORD" (v. 7) and alienation from his own family (v. 8), facing scorn, taunts, and even death threats (vv. 10-12). Amidst this profound anguish and seemingly desperate situation, verse 14 marks a turning point where the psalmist firmly pivots from describing his suffering to articulating his confident reliance on God. It stands as an expression of persistent faith despite the circumstances, emphasizing that his hope for deliverance is fixed solely on God's character and timing. Historically, this psalm is richly messianic, with several verses quoted in the New Testament to describe the suffering of Christ (e.g., His zeal for God's house in John 2:17, His thirst on the cross in John 19:28, and the reproaches He bore in Rom 15:3).

Psalm 69 14 Word analysis

• But as for me (וַאֲנִי֙ – va'ani): This phrase introduces a strong contrast and emphasizes the psalmist's personal resolve. Despite the hostile environment and dire circumstances described previously, "I," the psalmist, remain steadfast in my chosen course of action. It highlights individual determination and allegiance amidst widespread opposition.
• my prayer (תְפִלָּתִ֣י – t'phillati): Refers to a deeply personal and earnest plea, not merely a formal petition. The possessive suffix (-i, "my") underscores the direct and intimate nature of this communion with God, reflecting a soul's desperate cry and trust.
• is to You, O LORD (אֵלֶ֙יךָ֙ יְהֹוָ֔ה – 'eleikha YHVH): "To You" ('eleikha) is a direct, emphatic pointing of the prayer. "O LORD" (YHVH) refers to God's covenant name, signifying His unchanging, self-existent, and faithful character, especially in His relationship with Israel. Appealing to YHVH grounds the prayer in His established promises and unfailing commitment.
• at an acceptable time (עֵ֣ת רָצֹ֑ון – 'et ratzon):
  • Et (עֵת): Time, season, definite point in time.
  • Ratzon (רָצֹון): Favor, good pleasure, acceptance, goodwill, will, desire. This is a crucial theological concept. It's not merely "when I find time," but refers to God's opportune or favorable time, the season of His divine will or pleasure. It implies the psalmist trusts God's timing for intervention, believing there is a moment pre-ordained by divine favor when God chooses to act, not solely a humanly determined convenience. It implies seeking divine appointment, rather than merely demanding immediate gratification.
• O God (אֱלֹהִ֗ים – Elohim): A more general Hebrew term for God, emphasizing His power, creatorship, and sovereignty over all things. Used here in conjunction with YHVH, it rounds out the psalmist's understanding of God as both powerful creator and faithful covenant keeper.
• in the abundance of Your steadfast love (בְּרֹֽב־חַסְדְּךָ֖ – b'rov-chasd'kha):
  • B'rov (בְּרֹב): "In the abundance/multitude of." Signifies the overflowing, limitless quantity of.
  • Chesed (חֶסֶד): "Steadfast love, loving-kindness, mercy, covenant faithfulness, loyalty." This is one of the most significant terms in the Hebrew Bible for God's character. It's more than mere affection; it's a loyal, committed love expressed within a covenant relationship, involving active care and faithfulness. The psalmist appeals to God's intrinsic and limitless nature of chesed, which assures help despite personal unworthiness or dire circumstances.
• answer me (עֲנֵ֑נִי – aneini): "Answer, respond to, attend to, heed." A direct imperative, expressing the urgent plea, yet rooted in the confidence that God does indeed respond to His people.
• with your faithful help (בֶּאֱמֶ֥ת יִשְׁעֶֽךָ – be'emet yish'ekha):
  • Be'emet (בֶּאֱמֶת): "In truth, truthfully, reliably, faithfully." Connects God's action directly to His unchanging nature of truth and dependability. It is not just help, but help that is true and guaranteed by God's character.
  • Yish'ekha (יִשְׁעֶֽךָ): "Your salvation, Your deliverance, Your help." Refers to divine rescue, preservation, and victory. This is not merely an easing of symptoms but a complete, transformative deliverance that stems from God's power and character.

Psalm 69 14 Bonus section

• The profound contrast ("But as for me") serves to highlight the psalmist's isolation and the unique path of faith he chooses, standing apart from his adversaries or despair.
• The phrase "acceptable time" can be understood both as a personal moment of divine favor for the individual and, in a broader sense, as the designated eschatological moment for God's redemptive work, ultimately fulfilled in the advent of Christ, as reflected in 2 Corinthians 6:2.
• The raw imagery of Psalm 69—sinking in mud, waters, deep—makes the pivot to this verse an even stronger testament to unwavering faith. His prayer becomes a lifeline thrown by God Himself.
• The prophetic nature of Psalm 69 means that David's prayer here, driven by his personal anguish, also prefigures Jesus' absolute reliance on the Father in the depths of His suffering on the cross. Jesus' prayers would also be offered "at an acceptable time" for humanity's salvation.

Psalm 69 14 Commentary

Psalm 69:14 offers a poignant portrait of a faithful soul's response to overwhelming adversity. The psalmist, despite being "sinking in deep mire" and abandoned by others, does not abandon God. Instead, he turns decisively with "my prayer" to "You, O LORD," grounding his hope in God's covenant name (YHVH), affirming His unwavering faithfulness. This isn't a plea based on merit but a profound act of trust in the God whose character is steadfast and true.

The reference to "an acceptable time" reveals a mature understanding of divine sovereignty. The psalmist trusts not only that God will answer but also when. This "time of favor" is God's perfect timing, signaling that God’s response is aligned with His wise purposes, not human impatience. This concept often points towards a divinely appointed moment for deliverance or salvation, whether for the individual or, prophetically, for the Messiah.

Crucially, the bedrock of his appeal is "the abundance of Your steadfast love" (chesed). This central theological concept of God's loyal, covenant love provides the unbreakable foundation for hope. It's the assurance that God will act consistently with His promises and His gracious nature. The psalmist believes that God's boundless chesed compels Him to hear and respond. The expected outcome is "faithful help," indicating a salvation that is sure, true, and utterly dependable because it stems from God’s very nature (emet – truth/faithfulness) and power (yesha – salvation). Thus, this verse is a powerful declaration of resilient faith, affirming that God’s unchanging character—His abundant love and faithfulness—is the ultimate guarantee of deliverance, even in the direst circumstances. It stands as a timeless encouragement for all who face deep trials to anchor their prayers in the unfailing nature of God.