Psalms 123:3 Meaning and Explanation
“Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy upon us: for we are exceedingly filled with contempt.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist urgently pleads for mercy, emphasizing the soul's overwhelming burden of contempt.
The Context of Psalms 123:3
The soul overwhelmed by others' contempt turns to God as the only source of relief.
What Does Psalms 123:3 Mean?
The repetition—'Have mercy upon us' twice—expresses earnest pleading and the intensity of the need. It is not a casual request but a cry from one who feels the weight of scorn pressing down. The phrase 'exceedingly filled' suggests contempt is not a passing insult but has accumulated until it saturates the soul's awareness.
Contempt comes from others—those who look down, despise, or mock. The psalmist does not hide this suffering or spiritualize it away; he names it and brings it to God, trusting that mercy can lighten what shame has made heavy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 123:3
What does Psalms 123:3 mean?
The psalmist urgently pleads for mercy, emphasizing the soul's overwhelming burden of contempt.
What is the context of Psalms 123:3?
The soul overwhelmed by others' contempt turns to God as the only source of relief.