Old Testament
Psalms 69:14
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
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.
Compare translations
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.
What Psalms 69:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the psalmist is crying out for help, expressing a deep sense of desperation. The imagery of being stuck in mire and deep waters symbolizes feeling overwhelmed by troubles and enemies. The psalmist seeks deliverance from both physical and emotional distress, indicating a desire for rescue from those who oppose him. This plea reflects a universal human experience of feeling trapped and needing support. The mention of 'mire' suggests a situation that is difficult to escape, while 'deep waters' represents the dangers that threaten to engulf him. The psalmist's faith in God is evident as he turns to Him for salvation, highlighting the importance of seeking divine intervention in times of crisis. This verse serves as a reminder that, even in our darkest moments, we can call upon God for help and trust in His ability to save us from our struggles.
How to apply Psalms 69:14 to your life
When facing overwhelming challenges or feeling attacked by others, remember to seek help through prayer. Just as the psalmist cried out for deliverance, we too can turn to God for support and strength in difficult times, trusting in His ability to rescue us.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Psalms 69:14
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Psalms 69:14
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Psalms
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 69:14 mean in simple terms?
Psalms 69:14 expresses a heartfelt plea for help from God. The psalmist feels trapped in difficult circumstances, symbolized by 'mire' and 'deep waters,' which represent overwhelming troubles and adversaries. This verse highlights the importance of seeking divine assistance during times of distress and reflects a deep faith in God's ability to provide rescue and support.
How can I apply Psalms 69:14 to my life?
You can apply Psalms 69:14 by turning to God in prayer when you feel overwhelmed or attacked by challenges. Just as the psalmist sought deliverance, you can express your feelings of desperation and ask for God's help. This verse encourages you to trust in God's power to save you from your struggles, reminding you that you are not alone in your battles.
What imagery is used in Psalms 69:14 and why is it significant?
The imagery in Psalms 69:14 includes 'mire' and 'deep waters,' which symbolize feeling stuck and overwhelmed by life's challenges. This imagery is significant because it conveys the depth of the psalmist's despair and the urgency of his need for help. It illustrates the emotional and physical struggles people face, making the plea relatable to anyone experiencing hardship.
Who is the psalmist referring to when mentioning 'those who hate me'?
In Psalms 69:14, the psalmist refers to his enemies or those who oppose him. This could represent literal adversaries or metaphorical challenges in life that cause distress. The mention of hatred emphasizes the emotional pain and isolation that can accompany such struggles, highlighting the need for divine intervention and support.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.