Psalms 142:3 Meaning and Explanation
“When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God knows the psalmist's overwhelming struggle and the hidden traps set by enemies.
The Context of Psalms 142:3
The psalmist faces hidden dangers while God remains aware.
What Does Psalms 142:3 Mean?
When the psalmist's spirit is overwhelmed—crushed by pressure and despair—the psalm affirms that God knew the path all along. 'Thou knewest my path' is not about God discovering something new; it speaks of God's constant awareness and intimate knowledge of the believer's journey through suffering.
The psalmist then reveals the cause of overwhelm: enemies have 'privily laid a snare'—secretly set a trap to catch them. In the midst of these hidden dangers, God's knowledge offers comfort. Though the psalmist walks unknowingly toward peril, God sees what is concealed.
Psalms 142:3 in the Original Language
overwhelmed (שָׁחַח, sach) — overwhelmed, sinking; conveys a sense of being submerged or pressed down by weight.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 142:3
What does Psalms 142:3 mean?
God knows the psalmist's overwhelming struggle and the hidden traps set by enemies.
What is the context of Psalms 142:3?
The psalmist faces hidden dangers while God remains aware.