Psalm 130:1
ESV
Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord!
NIV
A song of ascents. Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;
NASB
Out of the depths I have cried to You, Lord.
CSB
A song of ascents. Out of the depths I call to you, Lord!
NLT
From the depths of despair, O Lord, I call for your help.
KJV
A Song of degrees. Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord.
NKJV
{A Song of Ascents.} Out of the depths I have cried to You, O Lord;
What does Psalm 130:1 mean?
The psalmist may have experienced personal tragedy. Or, he may have been suffering the consequences of some sin (Psalm 130:3–4). "The depths" is a common metaphor for deep distress and threats (Psalm 42:7; 69:2; 86:13). This typically suggests being far under water: a place dark, cold, crushing, and deadly.Like the psalmist, everyone desperately needs to call on God, because sin deserves death (Romans 6:23). Since everyone has sinned (Romans 3:10), everyone needs salvation, and only the Lord can save. Jesus explained that the only way to receive this forgiveness was through a humble attitude of submission to God (Luke 18:9–14). One of the two men crucified beside Jesus recognized his desperate condition and called out for salvation (Luke 23:42). Jesus answered and accepted this man's plea (Luke 23:43).
