King James Bible
"The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me."
The psalmist describes being surrounded by overwhelming anguish, using 'hell' (Sheol) to convey the depths of his distress. This metaphor depicts a situation so dire it feels like being encircled by the realm of the dead itself, emphasizing complete entrapment and despair. 'Prevented' in older English means 'confronted' or 'came before'—death's traps have already sprung, blocking every escape route. The imagery shifts from emotional torment to physical danger, painting David's enemies as hunters who have successfully cornered their prey.