Psalms 88:17
Psalms 88:17 in Multiple Translations
All day long they engulf me like water; they enclose me on every side.
They came round about me daily like water; they compassed me about together.
They came round about me like water all the day long; They compassed me about together.
They are round me all the day like water; they have made a circle about me.
They surround me all the time like floodwaters, swallowing me up.
They came round about me dayly like water, and compassed me together.
They have surrounded me as waters all the day, They have gone round against me together,
They came around me like water all day long. They completely engulfed me.
They came around me daily like water; they encompassed me together.
And in thy name they shall rejoice all the day, and in thy justice they shall be exalted.
I feel as though they surround me like a flood [SIM]; they are ◄closing in on/crushing► me from all sides.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 88:17
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 88:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עָ֭לַ/י
עָבְר֣וּ
חֲרוֹנֶ֑י/ךָ
בִּ֝עוּתֶ֗י/ךָ
צִמְּתוּתֻֽ/נִי
עָ֭לַ/י
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
עָבְר֣וּ
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
חֲרוֹנֶ֑י/ךָ
chârôwn
H2740
burning anger
N-mp | Suff
בִּ֝עוּתֶ֗י/ךָ
biʻûwthîym
H1161
terror
N-mp | Suff
צִמְּתוּתֻֽ/נִי
tsâmath
H6789
to destroy
V-l-Perf-3cp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 88:17
עָ֭לַ/י
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
עָבְר֣וּ
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
חֲרוֹנֶ֑י/ךָ
chârôwn
H2740
"burning anger"
N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word describes God's burning anger or fierce wrath, often used in the Bible to convey His intense emotions. It is used to describe God's anger towards sin and disobedience, and appears in various translations as sore displeasure or fury. This word emphasizes the seriousness of God's emotions.
Definition: 1) anger, heat, burning (of anger) 1a) always used of God's anger
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: sore displeasure, fierce(-ness), fury, (fierce) wrath(-ful). See also: Exodus 15:7; Psalms 88:17; Psalms 2:5.
בִּ֝עוּתֶ֗י/ךָ
biʻûwthîym
H1161
"terror"
N-mp | Suff
Terror or alarms, often caused by God's power or judgment, like the fears of the Israelites when they saw God's miracles. It refers to a state of fear or anxiety. The KJV translates it as 'terrors'.
Definition: terrors, alarms (occasioned by God)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: terrors. See also: Job 6:4; Psalms 88:17.
צִמְּתוּתֻֽ/נִי
tsâmath
H6789
"to destroy"
V-l-Perf-3cp | Suff
To destroy something means to completely get rid of it, like God destroying evil in Psalm 37:38. This word appears in the Bible to describe total annihilation. It is often used in a literal sense, such as in war, but also figuratively, like in Ezekiel 28:16.
Definition: 1) to put an end to, cut off, destroy, exterminate, extirpate 1a) (Qal) to put an end to, terminate 1b) (Niphal) to be ended, be annihilated, be exterminated 1c) (Piel) to put an end to 1d) (Pilel) to be exterminated, be annihilated 1e) (Hiphil) to exterminate, annihilate
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: consume, cut off, destroy, vanish. See also: 2 Samuel 22:41; Psalms 88:17; Psalms 18:41.
Study Notes — Psalms 88:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 88:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 88:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 88:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 88:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 88:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 88:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 88:17
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 88:17
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 88:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 88:17
- Sermons on Psalms 88:17
Context — I Cry Out before You
15From my youth I was afflicted and near death. I have borne Your terrors; I am in despair.
16Your wrath has swept over me; Your terrors have destroyed me.
17All day long they engulf me like water; they enclose me on every side.
18You have removed my beloved and my friend; darkness is my closest companion.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 22:16 | For dogs surround me; a band of evil men encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet. |
| 2 | Psalms 116:3 | The ropes of death entangled me; the anguish of Sheol overcame me; I was confronted by trouble and sorrow. |
| 3 | Psalms 69:1–2 | Save me, O God, for the waters are up to my neck. I have sunk into the miry depths, where there is no footing; I have drifted into deep waters, where the flood engulfs me. |
| 4 | Psalms 118:10–12 | All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. They swarmed around me like bees, but they were extinguished like burning thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off. |
| 5 | Matthew 27:39–44 | And those who passed by heaped abuse on Him, shaking their heads and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross!” In the same way, the chief priests, scribes, and elders mocked Him, saying, “He saved others, but He cannot save Himself. He is the King of Israel! Let Him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in Him. He trusts in God. Let God deliver Him now if He wants Him. For He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” In the same way, even the robbers who were crucified with Him berated Him. |
| 6 | Psalms 42:7 | Deep calls to deep in the roar of Your waterfalls; all Your breakers and waves have rolled over me. |
| 7 | Psalms 124:4 | then the floods would have engulfed us, then the torrent would have overwhelmed us, |
| 8 | Job 30:14–15 | They advance as through a wide breach; through the ruins they keep rolling in. Terrors are turned loose against me; they drive away my dignity as by the wind, and my prosperity has passed like a cloud. |
| 9 | Lamentations 3:5–7 | He has besieged me and surrounded me with bitterness and hardship. He has made me dwell in darkness like those dead for ages. He has walled me in so I cannot escape; He has weighed me down with chains. |
| 10 | Job 16:12–13 | I was at ease, but He shattered me; He seized me by the neck and crushed me. He has set me up as His target; His archers surround me. He pierces my kidneys without mercy and spills my gall on the ground. |
Psalms 88:17 Summary
[This verse, Psalms 88:17, describes a feeling of being completely surrounded and overwhelmed by troubles, like being engulfed by water. It's a honest expression of the human experience, and the Bible encourages us to trust in God's presence and deliverance, even when we feel like we're drowning. As it says in Psalms 46:1, God is our refuge and strength, and we can find hope in His presence, just like David did when he wrote Psalms 23:4, trusting in God's goodness and mercy.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for troubles to 'engulf me like water'?
This phrase, found in Psalms 88:17, is a metaphor that describes being completely overwhelmed by difficulties, much like the way water can surround and engulf a person, as seen in the story of Jonah 1:15 where Jonah was thrown into the sea.
How can I cope with feeling enclosed on every side by my problems?
The Bible encourages us to cast our anxieties on God, as stated in 1 Peter 5:7, and to trust in His presence and deliverance, as expressed in Psalms 23:4, even when we feel surrounded by troubles.
Is it normal to feel like I'm drowning in my troubles?
Yes, it's normal to feel overwhelmed, and the Psalmist's expression of being engulfed like water is a honest and raw expression of the human experience, as also seen in the life of David when he wrote Psalms 51:17, acknowledging his brokenness before God.
Where can I find hope when everything seems to be against me?
The Bible offers hope in the midst of troubles, reminding us that God is our refuge and strength, as stated in Psalms 46:1, and that He will never leave or forsake us, as promised in Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5.
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'waters' that are engulfing me in my own life, and how can I trust God to deliver me from them?
- In what ways do I feel enclosed or trapped by my circumstances, and how can I apply the truth of God's presence to those areas?
- How does the feeling of being overwhelmed affect my relationship with God, and what steps can I take to deepen my trust in Him?
- What are some practical ways I can 'cast my anxieties' on God, as encouraged in 1 Peter 5:7, when I feel like I'm drowning in troubles?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 88:17
They came round about me daily like water,.... That is, the terrors of the Lord, the sorrows of death and hell, Psalms 18:4, this was the Messiah's case, when it was with him as is expressed Psalms
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 88:17
They came round about me daily like water; they compassed me about together. They came round about me daily like water. "They," i:e., "thy terrors" (Psalms 88:16). They compassed me about together - all at one time.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 88:17
As the waters of the sea encompass him which is in the midst and bottom of it.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 88:17
Psalms 88:17 They came round about me daily like water; they compassed me about together.Ver. 17. They compassed me about] As the water compasseth the earth like a girdle.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 88:17
(17) They—i.e., the terrors or horrors, now likened to a flood, a figure of frequent occurrence. (See Psalms 18:16, &c.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 88:17
Verse 17. They came round about me daily like water] Besides his spiritual conflicts, he had many enemies to grapple with. The waves of God's displeasure broke over him, and his enemies came around him like water, increasing more and more, rising higher and higher, till he was at last on the point of being submerged in the flood.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 88:17
17. They have surrounded me like water all the day long; They have encompassed me about together. The figure of Psa 88:16 is continued. The flood of calamity threatens to engulf him, and there is none (Psalms 88:18) to stretch out a helping hand to the drowning man.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 88:17
They came round about me daily like water - Margin, “as in” Hebrew, all the day. That is, his troubles seemed to be like the waves of the sea cohnstantly breaking on the shore. See Psalms 42:7.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 88:17
17. They came round… like water—The figure again changes. The psalmist is enclosed in a flood, and whelmed, as in Psalms 88:6-7
Sermons on Psalms 88:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Behold the Lamb by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the testimony of Jesus and his experience on the cross. Jesus expresses his feelings of abandonment by God and questions why he has been for |
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Israel on the Road to Calvary by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the coming together of the remnant of Israel and the remnant of the church in the last days. He highlights the stages set for Israel's collaps |
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Psalms - Part 1 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of filling one's heart with the Word of God rather than simply avoiding evil. He references the story of a demon being cast ou |
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The Tomb of Jesus by C.H. Spurgeon | The sermon transcript discusses the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the significance it holds for Christians. It emphasizes that Jesus conquered death and rose from the grave, bri |
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Tokens of His Compassion - Part 7 by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon reflects on the deep love of Jesus, contrasting it with the harsh language towards those who misrepresented God. It emphasizes the unique love Jesus had for sinners and |
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The Three Prayers (Part 5) by Ron Bailey | In this sermon, the focus is on Jesus' words and actions during his crucifixion. The speaker highlights how Jesus' attention was on others, even in his own suffering. Jesus asks Go |
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Son of God or Son of Man by Chuck Smith | This sermon delves into the identity of Jesus Christ as the Son of God, drawing from prophecies in the Old Testament that were precisely fulfilled in his life, death, and resurrect |