Psalm 142
The full text of Psalm 142 in the Trinity Bible Version — clear modern English, translated from the original Hebrew. Free to read.
A Maskil of David, when he was in the cave. A Prayer.
1 With my voice I cry out to the LORD;
with my voice I plead for mercy to the LORD.
2 I pour out my complaint before him;
I tell my trouble before him.
3 When my spirit faints within me,
you know my way!
In the path where I walk
they have hidden a trap for me.
4 Look to the right and see:
there is none who takes notice of me;
no refuge remains to me;
no one cares for my soul.
5 I cry to you, O LORD;
I say, "You are my refuge,
my portion in the land of the living."
6 Attend to my cry,
for I am brought very low!
Deliver me from my persecutors,
for they are too strong for me!
7 Bring me out of prison,
that I may give thanks to your name!
The righteous will surround me,
for you will deal bountifully with me.
Translation notes (1)
- Psalm 142:7a Masger (מַסְגֵּר), 'prison', derives from a verb meaning 'to shut in' and need not denote a literal jail. Since the superscription places this psalm in the cave where David hid from Saul, the word may describe that confinement, or figuratively the psalmist's distress. The imagery of the righteous surrounding him anticipates restored fellowship after isolation.
About this translation
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