Psalm 116:3
ESV
The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish.
NIV
The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came over me; I was overcome by distress and sorrow.
NASB
The snares of death encompassed me And the terrors of Sheol came upon me; I found distress and sorrow.
CSB
The ropes of death were wrapped around me, and the torments of Sheol overcame me; I encountered trouble and sorrow.
NLT
Death wrapped its ropes around me; the terrors of the grave overtook me. I saw only trouble and sorrow.
KJV
The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.
NKJV
The pains of death surrounded me, And the pangs of Sheol laid hold of me; I found trouble and sorrow.
What does Psalm 116:3 mean?
Please see our chapter commentary on Psalm 116; verse-level content coming soon!Psalm 116:1–4 expresses the psalmist's love for God, who has granted a prayer for rescue. The writer was near death, suffering distress and anguish, but he called on the Lord, and the Lord answered. This inspires a promise to honor God for a lifetime.
The psalmist thanks God for rescue from a fatal threat. During some intense crisis, the writer cried out to God and was spared. For this reason, the psalmist promises to praise God forever. The danger made this writer question the reasons for his situation, but did not erase his faith. He recognizes that the Lord values all of His people, and vows to publicly honor the One who has saved him.