I am the talk of those who sit in the gate, and the drunkards make songs about me.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Even in public spaces where justice should be, those in authority are talking against him, not protecting him. More shamefully, even the lowest and most debauched people are singing songs mocking him, showing how deeply he's been scorned by all levels of society.
I am the talk of those who sit in the gate, and the drunkards make songs about me.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Psalmist is detailing the intense suffering and public humiliation he's enduring, feeling abandoned and scorned. He laments that not only are idle gossips in the public square talking about him, but even the lowest members of society, drunkards, are mocking him with songs. This highlights the depth of his disgrace, where both the influential and the dissolute have turned against him, solidifying his despair as he cries out to God.
Imagine your reputation being dragged through the mud in the most public of places. Who would be talking about you, and where?
The verse mentions "those who sit in the gate." This wasn't just any casual gathering spot; the city gates were centers of public life, commerce, and even justice.
A Place of Authority and Gossip
When the psalmist says "they that sit in the gate speak against me," he’s describing how his enemies used this very public forum to slander him. His reputation was being dissected and attacked in the heart of the community, where opinions mattered and judgments were passed.
What's worse than being gossiped about? Being turned into a joke, a punchline for the lowest of the low.
The second part of the verse, "and the drunkards make songs about me," paints a picture of utter degradation. This isn't just criticism; it's mockery, a debasement of the highest order.
From Public Discourse to Vile Jests
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This highlights the depth of the psalmist's (and ultimately, Christ's) suffering – not only opposed by those in authority but also ridiculed by the dregs of society, reducing his pain to a crude jingle.
Understand the original words
sha'ar · Hebrew Noun
In biblical culture, the city gate was the center of social, legal, and commercial activity, where elders sat to judge and leaders gathered. Being the talk of those here implies public condemnation or gossip from the social elite.
This verse paints a vivid picture of public shame and slander during a time when justice, public life, and social commentary were centered in the city gates. It reflects how even respected figures could be subjected to the cruel gossip of officials and the drunken mockery of the common people.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
David's Reign as King
David, as king of Israel, would have presided over legal and public matters in the city gates, the traditional place for justice and civic life. This period was marked by both his successes and intense personal struggles.
c. 1000-970 BC
David's Court and Public Life
During David's reign, the 'gate' was a bustling center for legal proceedings, commerce, and public discourse. Gossip, judgment, and even mockery could easily arise from those gathered there, affecting public perception of prominent figures.
c. 1000-970 BC
Social and Political Opposition
David faced significant opposition, rebellion, and slander from various groups, including political rivals and disgruntled individuals. This created an environment where he could become the subject of public ridicule.
c. 1000-970 BC
Cultural Importance of Song and Taunt
In ancient Israelite culture, songs and proverbs were common ways to express public opinion, celebrate victories, or mock enemies. Drunken revelry often included singing, which could easily devolve into taunting or slander.
This passage speaks of those who were once honored but are now reduced to singing songs of scorn about the suffering individual, mirroring the themes of public mockery found in Psalms 69.
Lamentations 3:14This verse describes the prophet being made the subject of songs and ridicule by the people, highlighting the shared experience of public shame and mockery during times of distress.
Isaiah 5:11-12Here, woe is pronounced on those who party and drink heavily, ignoring the suffering of others. This connects to Psalms 69 by contrasting the frivolous revelry of mockers with the deep distress of the one being mocked.
Luke 23:35During Jesus' crucifixion, the crowds and rulers mocked Him, making Him the subject of their derision. This passage directly reflects the prophetic suffering described in Psalms 69, showing the fulfillment of ridicule from both authorities ('they that sit in the gate') and the common people.
Matthew 27:27-31The soldiers mocked Jesus after His condemnation, treating Him as a king with scorn and singing songs of derision. This fulfills the imagery of being the 'song of drunkards' and a public spectacle.
jfbPsalms 69:12: "They that sit in the gate speak against me; and I was the song of the drunkards."
- sit in the gate—public place (Pr 31:31).
poolePsalms 69:12: "They that sit in the gate speak against me; and I was the song of the drunkards."
They that sit in the gate; either, 1. Vain and idle persons, that spend their time in the gates and markets, in which there used to be a confluence of people. Or rather, 2. The judges and magistrates, who used to sit (which was their posture, Exodus 18:14 Proverbs 20:8 , &c.) in the gates of cities, the usual places of judicature; for David oft complains of his hard usage from these men, as Psalm 58…
Even in public spaces where justice should be, those in authority are talking against him, not protecting him. More shamefully, even the lowest and most debauched people are singing songs mocking him, showing how deeply he's been scorned by all levels of society.
The Psalmist is detailing the intense suffering and public humiliation he's enduring, feeling abandoned and scorned. He laments that not only are idle gossips in the public square talking about him, but even the lowest members of society, drunkards, are mocking him with songs. This highlights the depth of his disgrace, where both the influential and the dissolute have turned against him, solidifying his despair as he cries out to God.
The Psalmist is detailing the intense suffering and public humiliation he's enduring, feeling abandoned and scorned. He laments that not only are idle gossips in the public square talking about him, but even the lowest members of society, drunkards, are mocking him with songs. This highlights the depth of his disgrace, where both the influential and the dissolute have turned against him, solidifying his despair as he cries out to God.
"I am the talk of those who sit in the gate, and the drunkards make songs about me." — Even in public spaces where justice should be, those in authority are talking against him, not protecting him. More shamefully, even the lowest and most debauched people are singing songs mocking him…
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Last reviewed October 2026