# They surround me like water all the day long

The writer compares God's "angry actions" and "terrifying deeds" to a flood of water. AT: "All day long they threaten to destroy me like a flood" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

# They

The word "They" refers to God's "angry actions" and "terrifying deeds" from the previous verse.

# they have all encircled me

The writer speaks of God's "angry actions" and "terrifying deeds" as if they were enemies who were trying to capture and kill him. AT: "they have surrounded me like enemy soldiers" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

# every friend and acquaintance

"every person I love and know"

# My only acquaintance is the darkness

This speaks about darkness as if it were a person that could be friends with someone else. The writer is emphasizing that he feels completely alone. AT: "Everywhere I go it is dark" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])