Psalms 116:11
Psalms 116:11 in Multiple Translations
In my alarm I said, “All men are liars!”
I said in my haste, All men are liars.
I said in my haste, All men are liars.
Though I said in my fear, All men are false.
I was so upset that I said, “Everyone's a liar!”
I said in my feare, All men are lyers.
I said in my haste, 'Every man [is] a liar.'
I said in my haste, “All people are liars.”
I said in my haste, All men are liars.
Even when I was distressed/worried and said, “I cannot trust anyone,” I continued to trust in Yahweh.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 116:11
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 116:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֲ֭נִי
אָמַ֣רְתִּי
בְ/חָפְזִ֑/י
כָּֽל
הָ/אָדָ֥ם
כֹּזֵֽב
אֲ֭נִי
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
אָמַ֣רְתִּי
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
בְ/חָפְזִ֑/י
châphaz
H2648
to hurry
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
כָּֽל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הָ/אָדָ֥ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
Art | N-ms
כֹּזֵֽב
kâzab
H3576
to lie
V-Qal
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 116:11
אֲ֭נִי
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
אָמַ֣רְתִּי
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
בְ/חָפְזִ֑/י
châphaz
H2648
"to hurry"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
This Hebrew word means to hurry or flee in fear, like when someone is startled or alarmed. It appears in the Bible when describing people rushing away in panic. The KJV translates it as 'haste' or 'tremble'.
Definition: 1) to hurry, flee, hasten, fear, be terrified 1a) (Qal) to be in a hurry, be alarmed 1b) (Niphal) to be in a hurry
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: (make) haste (away), tremble. See also: Deuteronomy 20:3; Job 40:23; Psalms 31:23.
כָּֽל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הָ/אָדָ֥ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
Art | N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
כֹּזֵֽב
kâzab
H3576
"to lie"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to lie or deceive, and is used in the Bible to describe dishonesty and falsehood, as seen in the actions of those who oppose God's truth.
Definition: 1) to lie, tell a lie, be a liar, be found a liar, be in vain, fail 1a) (Qal) liar (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be proven to be lying 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lie, tell a lie, tell a lie with, deceive 1c2) to disappoint, fail 1d) (Hiphil) to make a liar, prove to be a liar
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: fail, (be found a, make a) liar, lie, lying, be in vain. See also: Numbers 23:19; Psalms 89:36; Psalms 78:36.
Study Notes — Psalms 116:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 116:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 116:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 116:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 116:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 116:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 116:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 116:11
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 116:11
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 116:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 116:11
- Sermons on Psalms 116:11
Context — The LORD Has Heard My Voice
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 9:4–5 | “Let everyone guard against his neighbor; do not trust any brother, for every brother deals craftily, and every friend spreads slander. Each one betrays his friend; no one tells the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they wear themselves out committing iniquity. |
| 2 | Romans 3:4 | Certainly not! Let God be true and every man a liar. As it is written: “So that You may be proved right when You speak and victorious when You judge.” |
| 3 | Psalms 31:22 | In my alarm I said, “I am cut off from Your sight!” But You heard my plea for mercy when I called to You for help. |
| 4 | Psalms 62:9 | Lowborn men are but a vapor, the exalted but a lie. Weighed on the scale, they go up; together they are but a vapor. |
| 5 | 2 Kings 4:16 | And Elisha declared, “At this time next year, you will hold a son in your arms.” “No, my lord,” she said. “Do not lie to your maidservant, O man of God.” |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 27:1 | David, however, said to himself, “One of these days now I will be swept away by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than to escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will stop searching for me all over Israel, and I will slip out of his hand.” |
Psalms 116:11 Summary
[The Psalmist is saying that when he was really scared and feeling overwhelmed, he felt like everyone around him was being dishonest and untrustworthy. This is similar to how the apostle Paul felt when he said 'we were under great pressure' in 2 Corinthians 1:8. The Psalmist's statement is not meant to be taken literally, but rather as an expression of his emotional pain and frustration. As we read in Jeremiah 17:5, 'Cursed is the one who trusts in man', and the Psalmist is learning to put his trust in God instead, as seen in Psalms 116:12-13, where he says 'I will lift the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord'.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean when the Psalmist says 'All men are liars' in Psalms 116:11?
The Psalmist is expressing his frustration and disappointment with the unfaithfulness of those around him, as seen in other scriptures like Romans 3:4, where it says 'Let God be true, and every human being a liar'
Is the Psalmist saying that every person is a liar all the time?
No, the Psalmist is using hyperbole to express his emotional state, similar to how Jesus said 'It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle' in Matthew 19:24, to make a point about the difficulty of the rich entering heaven
How can we apply this verse to our own lives when we feel betrayed or let down by others?
We can learn from the Psalmist's example and turn to God in our distress, as he does in the surrounding verses, such as Psalms 116:10 and Psalms 116:12, and trust in His faithfulness, as promised in Deuteronomy 31:6
What is the significance of the Psalmist saying this in the context of his alarm and distress?
The Psalmist's statement 'All men are liars' highlights his feeling of desperation and isolation, but also sets the stage for his declaration of trust in God's goodness and salvation, as seen in Psalms 116:12-13
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have felt like the Psalmist, surrounded by unfaithfulness and lies?
- How do I respond when I feel betrayed or let down by others, and what can I learn from the Psalmist's example?
- In what ways can I apply the truth of God's faithfulness, as seen in Psalms 116:12-13, to my own life and relationships?
- What are some practical steps I can take to cultivate trust in God's goodness and salvation, even in the midst of difficulty and distress?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 116:11
I said in my haste, all men [are] liars. The sin of lying is common to man; there is a natural proneness and propensity to it: men go astray from the womb, speaking lies; yet such who have received
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 116:11
I said in my haste, All men are liars. I said in my haste - i:e., in my trepidation ... my consternation, caused by my 'great affliction' (Psalms 31:22).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 116:11
I said; yet once I confess I spake very unadvisedly. In my haste; through hastiness and precipitation of my mind, for want of due consideration, as the same phrase is used, . Or, in my terror or amazement, when I was discomposed and distracted with the greatness of my troubles. All men are liars: the sense is either, 1. All men, yea, even my former friends and companions, prove deceitful and perfidious, all human help faileth me; so that my case is desperate, if God do not help me. Or, 2. All men, God’ s own prophets not excepted, are liable to mistakes by the condition of their nature, as they are men, and therefore may easily deceive others; and this might be the case of Samuel in his promise of the kingdom to me. Thus he questions the truth of God’ s promises, yet so as he doth not strike directly at God, but only reflects upon the instrument.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 116:11
Psalms 116:11 I said in my haste, All men [are] liars.Ver. 11. I said in my haste] In my heat, trepidation, concussion, outburst. Saints may have such, as being but men, subject to like passions; and as meeting with many molestations, Satanic and secular; and left sometimes to themselves by God, as was good Hezekiah, for their trial and exercise. The sea is not so calm in summer, but hath its commotions; the mountain so firm, but may be moved with an earthquake. Dogs in a chase bark sometimes at their own masters; so do men in a passion let fly at their best friends. When the taste is vitiated it mistastes. When there is a suffusion in the eye (as in case of the jaundice) it apprehends colours like itself. So here: Abraham felt the motion of trepidation; meek Moses was overangry at Meribah; so was Job, Jonah, Jeremiah, &c. Ira comes of ire, say grammarians; because an angry man goes out of himself, off from his reason; and when pacified, he is said redire ad se, to return to himself. All men are liars] Prophets and all.
Samuel hath deluded me, I doubt, in promising me the kingdom, which I shall never come to. See 1 Samuel 27:1. Some make the meaning to be thus, What can I hope for, seeing every man betrayeth me, and that I can trust nobody? The truth is, that every man is a liar, either by imposture, and so in purpose, or by impotence, and so in the event, deceiving those that rely on him, Psalms 62:9.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 116:11
(10, 11) I believed, therefore have I spoken.—This is the rendering of LXX. and Vulg., and it has become almost proverbial from St. Paul’s adaptation of it (2 Corinthians 4:13; see New Testament Commentary). And no doubt this is the sense of the words, though the particle khî has been taken in a wrong connection. Mr. Burgess has certainly given the true explanation of the use of this particle. It sometimes follows instead of preceding the verb affected by it. We must render, It is because I believed that I spoke (of God’s graciousness, &c.). What follows then comes in as an antithesis. I was in great trouble; I said in my pain, “All men are untrustworthy or deceitful” Or (LXX.), In an ecstasy of despair I said, “The whole race of mankind is a delusion.” The meaning of the whole passage may be thus put: It is through trust in God that I thus speak (as above—viz., of God being glorious and righteous, and of His preserving the souls of the simple). It was not always so.
Once in distrust I thought that God did not care for man, and that the whole of humanity was a failure. The word châphez, rendered in Authorised Version haste, more properly alarm, is in Job 40:23 contrasted with trust, as it is here with faith. For the sense failure or vanity for the word rendered in Authorised Version liars, see Isaiah 58:11 (“fail;” margin, “lie or deceive”).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 116:11
Verse 11. I said in my haste] This is variously translated: I said in my flight, CHALDEE. In my excess, or ecstasy, VULGATE. In my ecstasy, εκστασει, SEPTUAGINT. [Arabic] tahayury, in my giddiness, ARABIC. In my fear or tremor, SYRIAC. [Anglo-Saxon], I quoth in outgoing mine, when I was beside myself, ANGLO-SAXON. In myn oute passyng, old Psalter. When passion got the better of my reason, when I looked not at God, but at my afflictions, and the impossibility of human relief. All men are liars.] כל האדם כזב col haadam cozeb, "the whole of man is a lie." Falsity is diffused through his nature; deception proceeds from his tongue; his actions are often counterfeit. He is imposed on by others, and imposes in his turn; and on none is there any dependence till God converts their heart. "O what a thing were man, if his attires Should alter with his mind, And, like a dolphin's skin, His clothes combine with his desires!
Surely if each one saw another's heart, There would be no commerce; All would disperse, And live apart." HERBERT. To the same purpose I shall give the following Italian proverb: - Con arte e con inganno, Si vive mezzo l'anno. Con inganno e con arte Si vive l' altro parti. "Men live half the year by deceit and by art; By art and deceit men live the other part." Who gives this bad character of mankind? MAN.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 116:11
10–14. Faith’s triumph must be followed by grateful thanksgiving.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 116:11
I said in my haste - The Hebrew word used here means to flee in haste; to be in alarm and trepidation; and the idea seems to be, that the assertion referred to was made under the influence of
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 116:11
11. I said in my haste—The word “haste,” here, must take the sense of agitation, alarm; or of flight, hasty retreat. The last does not suit the historic relations of the psalm, though it does Psalms 31:22, which see.
Sermons on Psalms 116:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Gift of Revival by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of using speech that is edifying and gracious, as it can minister grace to the ears of listeners. He encourages believers to |
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Worship in the Midst of War by Jono Sims | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of faithful preaching and declares that the faithful man of God is called to declare the whole counsel of God, regardless of |
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False Pretenders by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer addresses the deception faced by those alienated from God, emphasizing that true peace and happiness cannot be found in worldly success, wealth, or morality. He highligh |
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New Covenant Living by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the New Covenant and the concept of Sabbath rest for God's people. He encourages the audience to study Hebrew |
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(Demonology) Wizards Witches Sorcery Spiritism by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the audience and informs them that there are books available for purchase. However, these books are specifically made for the audience and not |
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(Through the Bible) Romans 3-4 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker begins by describing the beauty of the floats in a parade, using it as an analogy for the passing of time. He then transitions to discussing the importa |
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Attributes of God - Grace, Mercy, Longsuffering and Goodness by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the smallness of the earth in the vast universe, highlighting the insignificance of humanity in comparison. However, despite our sinful state |