2 Samuel 22:5
2 Samuel 22:5 in Multiple Translations
For the waves of death engulfed me; the torrents of chaos overwhelmed me.
When the waves of death compassed me, the floods of ungodly men made me afraid;
For the waves of death compassed me; The floods of ungodliness made me afraid:
For the waves of death came round me, and the seas of evil put me in fear;
The waves of death swept over me; surging waters of destruction flooded over me;
For the pangs of death haue compassed me: the floods of vngodlinesse haue made mee afrayd.
When the breakers of death compassed me, The streams of the worthless terrify me,
For the waves of death surrounded me. The floods of ungodliness made me afraid.
When the waves of death compassed me, the floods of ungodly-men made me afraid;
For the pangs of death have surrounded me: the floods of Belial have made me afraid.
“ almost died [PRS]; it was like [MET] a huge wave had crashed over me, and almost destroyed me like a flood.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 22:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Samuel 22:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֥י
אֲפָפֻ֖/נִי
מִשְׁבְּרֵי
מָ֑וֶת
נַחֲלֵ֥י
בְלִיַּ֖עַל
יְבַעֲתֻֽ/נִי
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֲפָפֻ֖/נִי
ʼâphaph
H661
to surround
V-Qal-Perf-3cp | Suff
מִשְׁבְּרֵי
mishbâr
H4867
wave
N-mp
מָ֑וֶת
mâveth
H4194
death
N-ms
נַחֲלֵ֥י
nachal
H5158
Brook
N-mp
בְלִיַּ֖עַל
bᵉlîyaʻal
H1100
Belial
N-ms
יְבַעֲתֻֽ/נִי
bâʻath
H1204
to terrify
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 22:5
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אֲפָפֻ֖/נִי
ʼâphaph
H661
"to surround"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp | Suff
To surround or encompass is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe God's protection or the enemy's attack, as in compassing about someone.
Definition: 1) to surround, encompass 1a) (Qal) to encompass
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: compass. See also: 2 Samuel 22:5; Psalms 40:13; Psalms 18:5.
מִשְׁבְּרֵי
mishbâr
H4867
"wave"
N-mp
This Hebrew word means a powerful wave or breaker in the sea, like the ones that crash against the shore. It appears in the Bible to describe the ocean's mighty waves. The KJV translates it as billow or wave.
Definition: breaker, breaking (of sea)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: billow, wave. See also: 2 Samuel 22:5; Psalms 88:8; Psalms 42:8.
מָ֑וֶת
mâveth
H4194
"death"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to death, whether natural or violent, and is used in books like Genesis and Isaiah. It can also mean the place of the dead, or a state of ruin. This concept is seen in the story of Moses, where death is a punishment for disobedience.
Definition: 1) death, dying, Death (personified), realm of the dead 1a) death 1b) death by violence (as a penalty) 1c) state of death, place of death Aramaic equivalent: mot (מוֹת "death" H4193)
Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: (be) dead(-ly), death, die(-d). See also: Genesis 21:16; Job 38:17; Psalms 6:6.
נַחֲלֵ֥י
nachal
H5158
"Brook"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for a brook or stream, often referring to a small river or valley, is used in the Bible to describe natural landscapes, such as the Brook Kidron in 2 Samuel 15:23. It can also refer to a narrow valley or a shaft of a mine, emphasizing the idea of a flowing body of water.
Definition: palm-tree Another name of shi.chor (שִׁיחוֹר "Shihor" H7883G)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: brook, flood, river, stream, valley. See also: Genesis 26:17; 1 Kings 18:5; Psalms 18:5.
בְלִיַּ֖עַל
bᵉlîyaʻal
H1100
"Belial"
N-ms
Belial refers to something or someone worthless or wicked, often translated as evil or ungodly. It describes people or actions that are good for nothing and lead to destruction.
Definition: : worthless 1) worthlessness 1a) worthless, good for nothing, unprofitable, base fellow 1b) wicked 1c) ruin, destruction (construct) Also means: be.liy.ya.al (בְּלִיַּ֫עַל ": destruction" H1100H)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: Belial, evil, naughty, ungodly (men), wicked. See also: Deuteronomy 13:14; 2 Samuel 23:6; Psalms 18:5.
יְבַעֲתֻֽ/נִי
bâʻath
H1204
"to terrify"
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp | Suff
This Hebrew word means to terrify or startle someone, causing them to be overtaken by sudden fear or panic. It is used to describe a strong emotional response to a situation.
Definition: 1) to terrify, startle, fall upon, dismay, be overtaken by sudden terror 1a) (Niphal) to be terrified 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to fall upon, overwhelm 1b2) to terrify
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, terrify, trouble. See also: 1 Samuel 16:14; Job 13:11; Psalms 18:5.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 22:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 2 Samuel 22:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 22:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 22:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 22:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 22:5
- Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 22:5
- Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 22:5
- Sermons on 2 Samuel 22:5
Context — David’s Song of Deliverance
3My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation. My stronghold, my refuge, and my Savior, You save me from violence.
4I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies.
5For the waves of death engulfed me; the torrents of chaos overwhelmed me.
6The cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me. 7In my distress I called upon the LORD; I cried out to my God. And from His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for help reached His ears.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jonah 2:3 | For You cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the current swirled about me; all Your breakers and waves swept over me. |
| 2 | Psalms 69:14–15 | Rescue me from the mire and do not let me sink; deliver me from my foes and out of the deep waters. Do not let the floods engulf me or the depths swallow me up; let not the Pit close its mouth over me. |
| 3 | Revelation 17:15 | Then the angel said to me, “The waters you saw, where the prostitute was seated, are peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 46:7–8 | Who is this, rising like the Nile, like rivers whose waters churn? Egypt rises like the Nile, and its waters churn like rivers, boasting, ‘I will rise and cover the earth; I will destroy the cities and their people.’ |
| 5 | 1 Thessalonians 5:3 | While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. |
| 6 | Isaiah 59:19 | So shall they fear the name of the LORD where the sun sets, and His glory where it rises. For He will come like a raging flood, driven by the breath of the LORD. |
| 7 | Revelation 17:1 | Then one of the seven angels with the seven bowls came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute, who sits on many waters. |
| 8 | Psalms 93:3–4 | The floodwaters have risen, O LORD; the rivers have raised their voice; the seas lift up their pounding waves. Above the roar of many waters— the mighty breakers of the sea— the LORD on high is majestic. |
| 9 | Psalms 18:4 | The cords of death encompassed me; the torrents of chaos overwhelmed me. |
| 10 | Revelation 12:15–16 | Then from the mouth of the serpent spewed water like a river to overtake the woman and sweep her away in the torrent. But the earth helped the woman and opened its mouth to swallow up the river that had poured from the dragon’s mouth. |
2 Samuel 22:5 Summary
This verse is saying that the psalmist felt like he was drowning in his problems and that everything was out of control, like a big wave was crashing over him. He felt like he was going to die, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually, as described in Psalm 38:4. But even in the midst of all this chaos, he knew that God was his rock and his salvation, as stated in 2 Samuel 22:3. We can learn from this verse that even when things seem hopeless, we can call upon the Lord and trust Him to save us, just like the psalmist did, as seen in Psalm 34:17-20.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the waves of death to engulf someone?
This phrase is a metaphor for the overwhelming feeling of being in a life-threatening situation, as described in 2 Samuel 22:5, where the psalmist feels engulfed by the waves of death, similar to the feelings of desperation expressed in Psalm 42:7.
How can someone be overwhelmed by torrents of chaos?
The torrents of chaos refer to the intense and uncontrollable circumstances that can overwhelm a person, as seen in 2 Samuel 22:5, and can only be calmed by calling upon the Lord, as stated in Psalm 107:28-30.
Is this verse talking about a physical or spiritual death?
While the verse does mention death, the context of 2 Samuel 22 suggests that the psalmist is talking about a spiritual or emotional death, where the feelings of desperation and hopelessness are so strong that they feel like they are drowning, as expressed in Jonah 2:5.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse is part of a larger song of praise and thanksgiving, where the psalmist is reflecting on the times when God has saved him from danger, as seen in 2 Samuel 22:1-7, and is similar to the sentiments expressed in Psalm 18:1-3.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I felt like I was being engulfed by the waves of death, and how did I respond?
- How can I apply the principle of calling upon the Lord in times of distress, as seen in 2 Samuel 22:7, to my own life?
- What are some 'torrents of chaos' that I am currently facing, and how can I trust God to calm them, as stated in Matthew 8:23-27?
- In what ways can I use this verse to encourage someone who is feeling overwhelmed and desperate, as instructed in Galatians 6:2?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 22:5
When the waves of death compassed me, the floods of ungodly men made me afraid. [See comments on Psalms 18:4].
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 22:5
When the waves of death compassed me, the floods of ungodly men made me afraid; When (for) the waves of death compassed me , [ mishbªreey (H4867)] - breakers, furious billows (Psalms 42:8; Psalms
Ellicott's Commentary on 2 Samuel 22:5
(5) The waves of death.—In Psalms 18, “the sorrows of death,” in the Authorised Version, but literally, the bands of death. The word is entirely different, and the variation can hardly have been accidental. The form here accords better with the parallelism of the next clause.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 2 Samuel 22:5
Verse 5. When the waves of death compassed me] Though in a primary sense many of these things belong to David, yet generally and fully they belong to the Messiah alone.
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 22:5
5–7. The Psalmist’s perils. His cry for help 5, 6. For breakers of death had compassed me,torrents of destruction were affrighting me,cords of Sheol had surrounded me,snares of death had encountered me.The perils to which he had been exposed are described as waves and floods which threatened to engulf him: Sheol and death are represented as laying wait for his life like hunters with nets and snares.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 22:5
5. Breakers of death — Death stared him in the face, like an angry sea whose billows rolled around and broke close upon him.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 22:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
He Destroyed the Grave by Michael Koulianos | Michael Koulianos passionately preaches about the resurrection of Christ, emphasizing its profound significance and the mystery of God becoming man. He connects the resurrection to |
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Jonah Gave Thanks and Was Delivered by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes Jonah's journey from despair to deliverance, illustrating how Jonah, trapped in the belly of a whale, turned to God in thanksgiving despite his dire circ |
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Jonah 2:3 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses the concept of 'lying vanities' that lead people away from God's call, using Jonah's attempt to flee from his divine mission as a primary example. He emphasiz |
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The Flood by Bill Randles | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the world, despite its glitter and glamour, is under judgment and wrath. He warns against getting too excited about worldly things, suc |
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Sunday Night Meditations 02 Message and Song - 1950's by Welcome Detweiler | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the parable of the lost sheep from Luke's Gospel Chapter 15. The sermon begins by setting the context, where the religious leaders are criti |
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Epistle 100 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about dwelling in the power of the Lord God to stand firm in the world, handling the word of God correctly as a hammer, sword, and fire to discern the precious |
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Epistle 229 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about the importance of living in the spirit rather than the flesh, emphasizing the need to set our affections on heavenly things and subject our souls to the h |