Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Psalm 142:3 together. It’s a really beautiful and poignant description of feeling lost and desperate. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, the verse is saying: “When I felt like I was completely overwhelmed with sadness or fear, you knew exactly where I was going.” Let’s unpack it further: “When my spirit was overwhelmed within me…” – This means when we were feeling very distressed, upset, or hopeless. It's a state of intense emotion. “…then thou knewest my path.” – This is the key part. “Thou” (you) refers to God. The verse says that you understood where I was going – my path in life. “In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.” – This is the most dramatic part. "Privately laid a snare" means someone set a trap or created a difficult situation for me. It’s like a clever, hidden danger. It suggests that there was something malicious or deceptive happening to me. Putting it all together: The verse paints a picture of deep despair and fear. The speaker feels so overwhelmed by their sadness that they feel like someone is deliberately trying to mislead them. They believe that someone knows exactly where they are going, but this person is cleverly setting a trap for them. It’s a feeling of being trapped and vulnerable. Overall Meaning: It's a powerful expression of profound sorrow and a sense of being manipulated or deceived. The verse emphasizes the speaker's vulnerability and the feeling that someone is actively trying to cause them harm. Context: This verse is often interpreted as a lament about the prophet Jeremiah’s imprisonment and trial, where he felt betrayed and isolated. It speaks to the human experience of feeling lost and vulnerable to outside influences. --- Would you like me to explain any of these points further? For example, would you like me to: Discuss the symbolism behind the "snare"? Explain the historical context a bit more?