5 The precise significance of this title, which appears in Pss 120–134, is unclear. Perhaps worshipers recited these psalms when they ascended the road to Jerusalem to celebrate annual religious festivals. For a discussion of their background see L. C. Allen, Psalms 101–150(), .
1 Heb “depths,” that is, deep waters (see Ps 69:2, 14; Isa 51:10), a metaphor for the life-threatening danger faced by the psalmist.
2 Heb “my voice.”
3 Heb “may your ears be attentive to the voice of.”

In other versions

A Song of Ascents.

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord!

O Lord, hear my voice!

Let your ears be attentive

to the voice of my pleas for mercy!

A song of ascents.

Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;

Lord, hear my voice.

Let your ears be attentive

to my cry for mercy.

A song of ascents.

Out of the depths I call to you, Lord!

Lord, listen to my voice;

let your ears be attentive

to my cry for help.

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.

From the depths of despair, O Lord,

I call for your help.

Hear my cry, O Lord.

Pay attention to my prayer.

A song of ascents.

Out of the depths I call to you, O Yahweh.

“O Lord, hear my voice.

Let your ears be attentive

to the voice of my supplications.

A Song of degrees.

Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord.

Lord, hear my voice:

Let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.

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