The Bible verse Psalms 69:21 in the King James Version (KJV) reads, "They gave me also gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink." This verse is part of a larger passage in Psalm 69, which is attributed to David. In this psalm, David is going through a period of distress and persecution, and he is crying out to God for deliverance and salvation.

The imagery in this particular verse is striking and evocative. The wording "gall for my meat" and "vinegar to drink" carries a sense of bitterness and suffering. Gall, in biblical times, was often associated with a bitter substance, and vinegar, while a common beverage in ancient times, was also used to portray bitterness and sorrow. The verse depicts a scene of extreme suffering and cruelty, with David being given bitter and unpalatable things to consume while he is in a state of thirst and desperation.

The broader context of Psalm 69 provides insight into the meaning and significance of this verse. Throughout the psalm, David laments his afflictions and the injustices he has faced at the hands of his enemies. He expresses his anguish and sorrow, and he calls upon God to deliver him from his adversaries. In verses 4 and 5, David describes his situation, saying, "They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away. O God, thou knowest my foolishness; and my sins are not hid from thee."

In this context, Psalm 69:21 takes on a deeper meaning. It becomes a vivid portrayal of the suffering and maltreatment that David has endured. The bitterness and cruelty of his experiences are encapsulated in the symbolism of gall and vinegar. This verse serves as a poignant expression of the hardships and trials that David is facing, as well as a plea for God's intervention and deliverance.

Furthermore, the imagery in this verse can be seen as a foreshadowing of the suffering of Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, the Gospel of Matthew (27:34) records that when Jesus was on the cross, "They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink." This parallel underscores the connection between David's experiences and the suffering of Christ, as both endured bitterness and hardship in the face of persecution and betrayal.

The themes of suffering, persecution, and divine deliverance are central to the message of Psalm 69:21. By depicting the bitterness of David's circumstances, the verse emphasizes the depth of his distress and the intensity of his need for God's intervention. It points to the reality of human suffering and the longing for relief and salvation.

Overall, Psalm 69:21 in the King James Version offers a powerful portrayal of anguish and adversity, highlighting the depths of human suffering and the yearning for divine deliverance. It resonates with individuals who have experienced hardship and persecution, and it serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and redemptive power in the midst of trials. The verse also carries a timeless relevance, speaking to the universal human experience of suffering and the enduring hope for ultimate deliverance and restoration.