Psalms 13:4
Psalms 13:4 in Multiple Translations
lest my enemy say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes rejoice when I fall.
Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved.
Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; Lest mine adversaries rejoice when I am moved.
And he who is against me may not say, I have overcome him; and those who are troubling me may not be glad when I am moved.
and my enemy will say, “I defeated him!” and my opponents will celebrate my downfall.
Lest mine enemie say, I haue preuailed against him: and they that afflict me, reioyce when I slide.
Lest mine enemy say, 'I overcame him,' Mine adversaries joy when I am moved.
lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed against him;” lest my adversaries rejoice when I fall.
Lest my enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved.
Shall not all they know that work iniquity, who devour my people as they eat bread?
Do not allow my enemies to boast saying, “We have defeated him!” Do not allow them to defeat me, with the result that they will rejoice about it!
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 13:4
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 13:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הַבִּ֣יטָֽ/ה
עֲ֭נֵ/נִי
יְהוָ֣ה
אֱלֹהָ֑/י
הָאִ֥ירָ/ה
עֵ֝ינַ֗/י
פֶּן
אִישַׁ֥ן
הַ/מָּֽוֶת
הַבִּ֣יטָֽ/ה
nâbaṭ
H5027
to look
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
עֲ֭נֵ/נִי
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֱלֹהָ֑/י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
הָאִ֥ירָ/ה
ʼôwr
H215
to light
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
עֵ֝ינַ֗/י
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd | Suff
פֶּן
pên
H6435
lest
Conj
אִישַׁ֥ן
yâshên
H3462
to sleep
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
הַ/מָּֽוֶת
mâveth
H4194
death
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 13:4
הַבִּ֣יטָֽ/ה
nâbaṭ
H5027
"to look"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
This verb means to look or regard something carefully. It can also mean to show favor or care for someone. In the Bible, it is used to describe how God looks at his people with favor and care, as seen in Psalm 138:6.
Definition: 1) to look, regard 1a) (Piel) to look 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) tolook 1b2) to regard, show regard to, pay attention to, consider 1b3) to look upon, regard, show regard to
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) behold, consider, look (down), regard, have respect, see. See also: Genesis 15:5; Psalms 104:32; Psalms 10:14.
עֲ֭נֵ/נִי
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֱלֹהָ֑/י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
הָאִ֥ירָ/ה
ʼôwr
H215
"to light"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
Or means to give light, whether physically or spiritually, as in Psalm 119:105 where God's word is a light to our path.
Definition: 1) to be or become light, shine 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become light (day) 1a2) to shine (of the sun) 1a3) to become bright 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be illuminated 1b2) to become lighted up 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give light, shine (of sun, moon, and stars) 1c2) to illumine, light up, cause to shine, shine 1c3) to kindle, light (candle, wood) 1c4) lighten (of the eyes, his law, etc) 1c5) to make shine (of the face)
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] break of day, glorious, kindle, (be, en-, give, show) light (-en, -ened), set on fire, shine. See also: Genesis 1:15; Psalms 67:2; Psalms 13:4.
עֵ֝ינַ֗/י
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
פֶּן
pên
H6435
"lest"
Conj
This word is used to express caution or warning, similar to saying 'lest' or 'beware that'. It is often used in the Bible to advise against certain actions or to warn of potential consequences.
Definition: conj 1) lest, not, beware lest adv 2) lest
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: (lest) (peradventure), that...not. See also: Genesis 3:3; Judges 14:15; Psalms 2:12.
אִישַׁ֥ן
yâshên
H3462
"to sleep"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
Means to sleep or be lazy, it also implies growing old or stale, as seen in the story of David's mighty warriors in 2 Samuel 23:32. It can also mean to die or be in a deep sleep. This word is used to describe a state of inactivity.
Definition: 1) to sleep, be asleep 1a) (Qal) to sleep, go to sleep, be asleep 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to remain a long time, be stored up 1b2) to be festering (of leprosy) 1c) (Piel) to cause to sleep, entice to sleep
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: old (store), remain long, (make to) sleep. See also: Genesis 2:21; Psalms 4:9; Psalms 3:6.
הַ/מָּֽוֶת
mâveth
H4194
"death"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to death, whether natural or violent, and is used in books like Genesis and Isaiah. It can also mean the place of the dead, or a state of ruin. This concept is seen in the story of Moses, where death is a punishment for disobedience.
Definition: 1) death, dying, Death (personified), realm of the dead 1a) death 1b) death by violence (as a penalty) 1c) state of death, place of death Aramaic equivalent: mot (מוֹת "death" H4193)
Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: (be) dead(-ly), death, die(-d). See also: Genesis 21:16; Job 38:17; Psalms 6:6.
Study Notes — Psalms 13:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 13:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 13:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 13:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 13:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 13:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 13:4
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 13:4
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 13:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 13:4
- Sermons on Psalms 13:4
Context — How Long, O LORD?
2How long must I wrestle in my soul, with sorrow in my heart each day? How long will my enemy dominate me?
3Consider me and respond, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, lest I sleep in death,
4lest my enemy say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes rejoice when I fall.
5But I have trusted in Your loving devotion; my heart will rejoice in Your salvation. 6I will sing to the LORD, for He has been good to me.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 25:2 | in You, my God, I trust. Do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 1:19 | They will fight against you but will never overcome you, since I am with you to deliver you,” declares the LORD. |
| 3 | Proverbs 12:3 | A man cannot be established through wickedness, but the righteous cannot be uprooted. |
| 4 | Psalms 62:6 | He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress; I will not be shaken. |
| 5 | Psalms 38:16 | For I said, “Let them not gloat over me— those who taunt me when my foot slips.” |
| 6 | Joshua 7:9 | When the Canaanites and all who live in the land hear about this, they will surround us and wipe out our name from the earth. Then what will You do for Your great name?” |
| 7 | Psalms 35:19 | Let not my enemies gloat over me without cause, nor those who hate me without reason wink in malice. |
| 8 | Lamentations 1:16 | For these things I weep; my eyes flow with tears. For there is no one nearby to comfort me, no one to revive my soul. My children are destitute because the enemy has prevailed. |
| 9 | Psalms 62:2 | He alone is my rock and my salvation. He is my fortress; I will never be shaken. |
| 10 | Psalms 35:25 | Let them not say in their hearts, “Aha, just what we wanted!” Let them not say, “We have swallowed him up!” |
Psalms 13:4 Summary
This verse is about the Psalmist's deep concern that if God doesn't help him, his enemies will think they have won. He's afraid that if he falls, his enemies will rejoice and say they have overcome him. But even in this fear, the Psalmist is crying out to God for help, trusting that God will deliver him (as seen in Psalms 34:17-18). The Psalmist's trust in God's power and loving devotion is what gives him the strength to keep going, even in the midst of spiritual struggles, and ultimately, to rejoice in God's salvation (Psalms 13:5-6).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary concern of the Psalmist in Psalms 13:4?
The Psalmist is concerned that if God does not intervene, his enemies will claim victory over him, which is a common theme in the Psalms, as seen in Psalms 35:19 and Psalms 38:16.
How does the Psalmist's fear of his enemies' triumph relate to his faith in God?
The Psalmist's fear is a cry for God's help, demonstrating his trust in God's power and deliverance, as expressed in Psalms 13:5, where he affirms his trust in God's loving devotion.
What is the significance of the phrase 'lest I sleep in death' in the preceding verse, Psalms 13:3?
The phrase 'lest I sleep in death' suggests that the Psalmist is not just physically exhausted but also spiritually weary, and he needs God's light to guide him, lest he succumb to spiritual darkness, as warned in Psalms 38:10 and Psalms 51:10.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of spiritual warfare in the Bible?
This verse highlights the spiritual struggle between the believer and their enemies, which is a common theme in the Bible, as seen in Ephesians 6:12 and 2 Corinthians 10:4, where believers are encouraged to trust in God's power and armor to overcome their spiritual foes.
Reflection Questions
- What are the areas in my life where I feel like I am being overcome by my enemies, and how can I cry out to God for help?
- How does the fear of being overcome by my enemies affect my trust in God's power and deliverance?
- In what ways can I, like the Psalmist, affirm my trust in God's loving devotion and salvation, even in the midst of spiritual struggles?
- What are some practical ways I can 'sing to the Lord' and rejoice in His goodness, as expressed in Psalms 13:6, despite the challenges I face?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 13:4
Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him,.... Which is an argument God takes notice of; and for which reason he does not give up his people into the hands of their enemies; see Deuteronomy 32:27.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 13:4
Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved. Lest ... those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved - namely, from my faith and steadfastness of walk with God (Luke 22:31).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 13:4
I have prevailed against him, to wit, by my art or strength; which will reflect dishonour upon thee, as if thou wept either unfaithful and unmindful of thy promises, or unable to make them good. Therefore repress this their arrogancy and blasphemy, and maintain thine own honour. When I am moved; or, stumble, or fall, to wit, into mischief.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 13:4
Psalms 13:4 Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; [and] those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved.Ver. 4. Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him] This David frequently deprecateth as a great evil, because God’ s honour was concerned in it, and would suffer by it. As unskilful hunters, shooting at wild beasts, do sometimes kill a man; so persecutors, shooting at saints, hit Christ, reproach him; and this the saints are very aware of. And those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved] Compose comedies out of my tragedies, et iram Dei ad calumniam rapiant. The wicked are vindictive and implacable, sick of the devil’ s disease, επιχαιρεκακια, rejoicing at other men’ s harms, revelling in other men’ s ruins; but this is to enrage God, and hasten wrath, Proverbs 24:17-18.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 13:4
Verse 4. Let mine enemy say] Satan's ordinary method in temptation is to excite strongly to sin, to blind the understanding and inflame the passions; and when he succeeds, he triumphs by insults and reproaches. None so ready then to tell the poor soul how deeply, disgracefully, and ungratefully it has sinned! Reader, take heed. When I am moved.] When moved from my steadfastness and overcome by sin. O what desolation is made by the fall of a righteous soul! Itself covered with darkness and desolation, infidels filled with scoffing, the Church clad in mourning, the Spirit of God grieved, and Jesus crucified afresh, and put to an open shame! O God, save the pious reader from such wreck and ruin!
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 13:4
4. and those &c.] R.V., Lest mine adversaries rejoice when I am moved. Cp. Psalms 38:16. And by their triumph, as the emphatic contrast of the following verse implies, the honour of God Whom he trusts will suffer.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 13:4
Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him - I have overpowered him; I have conquered him. That is, to triumph over him as having obtained a complete victory.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 13:4
4. Lest mine enemy say—Not only is his own life in danger, but a further reason for divine interference is the reproach that would otherwise fall upon the cause of God.
Sermons on Psalms 13:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Three Certainties by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes three certainties for disciples of the Lord based on Jeremiah 1:19: the inevitability of opposition from Satan and his agents, the assurance that they will no |
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The Taming of the Tongue by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the profound impact of the tongue, likening it to a sword that can inflict deep wounds and damage relationships. He reflects on the various types of to |
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The Rock That Is Higher Than I by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for a higher power in times of overwhelming circumstances. He shares various examples of individuals facing difficult situations, su |
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The Letter O by Walter Wilson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the different types of belief in relation to faith in God. The first type is the belief of faith, which brings us closer to God. The second ty |
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A Strong Tower by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes that the name of the Lord serves as an impenetrable strong tower for the righteous, providing safety and security against all forms of attack. He illustrat |
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Psalms 61:2 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of turning to God as our refuge when we feel overwhelmed by life's pressures and stresses. He highlights that in moments of despair, we often |
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The Greatness and Glory of God's Name by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound significance of God's Name, which encapsulates His character, works, and eternal purpose. He explains that the Name of the Lord is not mere |