The sorrows of death compassed me; literally, the cords of death (comp. Psalms 18:4, where the same expression is used). Death is pictured as seizing his victim and binding him with cords. And the pains of hell gat hold upon me; or, "the straits of hell" (comp.
Psalms 118:5; Lamentations 1:3). Death and hell (shell) are closely connected together in the prayer of Hezekiah (Isaiah 38:10, Isaiah 38:18). I found trouble and sorrow; or, "anguish and woe" (comp.