Old Testament
Psalms 69:3
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
I am weary of my crying. My throat is dried. My eyes fail while I wait for my God.
Compare translations
I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God.
What Psalms 69:3 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the psalmist expresses deep emotional and physical exhaustion from crying out to God. The imagery of a dried throat and failing eyes illustrates the intensity of their distress and longing for divine intervention. The psalmist feels overwhelmed and is waiting for God to respond to their pleas. This reflects a common human experience of feeling abandoned or unheard during times of trouble. The repetition of crying emphasizes the depth of their sorrow and the urgency of their situation. The verse captures the struggle between faith and despair, highlighting the importance of patience and perseverance in prayer, even when it feels like God is silent. It serves as a reminder that waiting on God can be challenging, but it is a vital part of the faith journey, where hope and trust are tested.
How to apply Psalms 69:3 to your life
When facing difficult times, it’s easy to feel weary and discouraged. This verse encourages us to be honest about our struggles and to continue seeking God, even when we feel exhausted. We should remember that waiting on God is part of our faith journey, and He hears our cries.
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 69:3
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 69:3
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 69:3 mean?
Psalms 69:3 expresses the psalmist's deep emotional and physical exhaustion from crying out to God. It illustrates their distress and longing for divine help, highlighting the struggle of waiting for God to respond.
What is the meaning of 'my throat is dried' in Psalms 69:3?
The phrase 'my throat is dried' in Psalms 69:3 symbolizes the psalmist's intense sorrow and desperation. It conveys a sense of physical weariness from prolonged crying and a feeling of being unheard in their suffering.
How can I apply Psalms 69:3 to my life?
You can apply Psalms 69:3 by being honest about your struggles and continuing to seek God, even when you feel weary. It reminds you that waiting on God is a part of faith, and He hears your cries, even in silence.
What themes are present in Psalms 69:3?
Themes in Psalms 69:3 include despair, longing for God, emotional exhaustion, and the importance of faith while waiting. It reflects the human experience of seeking divine help during times of distress.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.