Psalms 27:12
Psalms 27:12 in Multiple Translations
Do not hand me over to the will of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.
Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.
Deliver me not over unto the will of mine adversaries: For false witnesses are risen up against me, And such as breathe out cruelty.
Do not give me into their hands, because false witnesses have come out against me, and men breathing destruction.
don't hand me over to them and their evil intentions, for they are making false accusations against me and threatening me with violence.
Giue me not vnto the lust of mine aduersaries: for there are false witnesses risen vp against me, and such as speake cruelly.
Give me not to the will of my adversaries, For risen against me have false witnesses, And they breathe out violence to me.
Don’t deliver me over to the desire of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen up against me, such as breathe out cruelty.
Deliver me not over to the will of my enemies: for false witnesses have risen against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.
Do not allow my enemies to do to me what they want; they say many false things about me and threaten to do violent things to me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 27:12
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 27:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַֽל
תִּ֭תְּנֵ/נִי
בְּ/נֶ֣פֶשׁ
צָרָ֑/י
כִּ֥י
קָֽמוּ
בִ֥/י
עֵֽדֵי
שֶׁ֝֗קֶר
וִ/יפֵ֥חַ
חָמָֽס
אַֽל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תִּ֭תְּנֵ/נִי
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Juss-2ms | Suff
בְּ/נֶ֣פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
soul
Prep | N-cs
צָרָ֑/י
tsar
H6862
narrow
N-mp | Suff
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
קָֽמוּ
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
בִ֥/י
Prep | Suff
עֵֽדֵי
ʻêd
H5707
witness
N-mp
שֶׁ֝֗קֶר
sheqer
H8267
deception
N-ms
וִ/יפֵ֥חַ
yâphêach
H3307
breathing
Conj | N-ms
חָמָֽס
châmâç
H2555
violence
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 27:12
אַֽל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תִּ֭תְּנֵ/נִי
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms | Suff
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
בְּ/נֶ֣פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
Prep | N-cs
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
צָרָ֑/י
tsar
H6862
"narrow"
N-mp | Suff
This word means hard or narrow, often referring to trouble or a tight spot, like an adversary or affliction. It can also mean a small stone or pebble, such as flint, and is used in various biblical contexts to describe challenges.
Definition: narrow, tight
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: adversary, afflicted(-tion), anguish, close, distress, enemy, flint, foe, narrow, small, sorrow, strait, tribulation, trouble. See also: Genesis 14:20; Psalms 89:24; Psalms 3:2.
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
קָֽמוּ
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
בִ֥/י
""
Prep | Suff
עֵֽדֵי
ʻêd
H5707
"witness"
N-mp
This Hebrew word means witness or testimony, describing someone who sees or experiences something. It's used in the Bible to talk about people who testify to what they've seen, like in Deuteronomy when describing legal witnesses.
Definition: 1) witness 1a) witness, testimony, evidence (of things) 1b) witness (of people)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: witness. See also: Genesis 31:44; Psalms 27:12; Psalms 35:11.
שֶׁ֝֗קֶר
sheqer
H8267
"deception"
N-ms
This word refers to deception or falsehood, often implying a sense of betrayal or disappointment. It's used in the Bible to describe lies, false testimony, or deceitful behavior, like in Psalm 116:11, where the psalmist says all men are liars.
Definition: 1) lie, deception, disappointment, falsehood 1a) deception (what deceives or disappoints or betrays one) 1b) deceit, fraud, wrong 1b1) fraudulently, wrongfully (as adverb) 1c) falsehood (injurious in testimony) 1c1) testify falsehood, false oath, swear falsely 1d) falsity (of false or self-deceived prophets) 1e) lie, falsehood (in general) 1e1) false tongue 1f) in vain
Usage: Occurs in 109 OT verses. KJV: without a cause, deceit(-ful), false(-hood, -ly), feignedly, liar, [phrase] lie, lying, vain (thing), wrongfully. See also: Exodus 5:9; Proverbs 25:18; Psalms 7:15.
וִ/יפֵ֥חַ
yâphêach
H3307
"breathing"
Conj | N-ms
This word means puffing or breathing out, but figuratively, it can also mean meditating or reflecting deeply. In Psalm 27:4, it describes a state of quiet contemplation. The word is used to convey a sense of thoughtful reflection.
Definition: a breathing out, exhaling, puffing out (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: such as breathe out. See also: Psalms 27:12.
חָמָֽס
châmâç
H2555
"violence"
N-ms
This word describes violence, injustice, or cruelty, often referring to unfair treatment of others. In Isaiah and Jeremiah, it condemns oppressive behaviors, highlighting the need for justice and fairness. It involves wrongdoing and harm to others.
Definition: violence, wrong, cruelty, injustice
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: cruel(-ty), damage, false, injustice, [idiom] oppressor, unrighteous, violence (against, done), violent (dealing), wrong. See also: Genesis 6:11; Proverbs 10:11; Psalms 7:17.
Study Notes — Psalms 27:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 27:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 27:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 27:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 27:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 27:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 27:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 27:12
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 27:12
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 27:12
- Sermons on Psalms 27:12
Context — The LORD Is My Salvation
10Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.
11Teach me Your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path, because of my oppressors.
12Do not hand me over to the will of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.
13Still I am certain to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. 14Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD!Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 31:8 | You have not delivered me to the enemy; You have set my feet in the open. |
| 2 | Psalms 41:11 | By this I know that You delight in me, for my enemy does not triumph over me. |
| 3 | Matthew 26:59–60 | Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death. But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward |
| 4 | Psalms 35:11 | Hostile witnesses come forward; they make charges I know nothing about. |
| 5 | Acts 6:11–13 | Then they prompted some men to say, “We heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God.” So they stirred up the people, elders, and scribes and confronted Stephen. They seized him and brought him before the Sanhedrin, where they presented false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. |
| 6 | Acts 9:1 | Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord. He approached the high priest |
| 7 | Psalms 35:25 | Let them not say in their hearts, “Aha, just what we wanted!” Let them not say, “We have swallowed him up!” |
| 8 | Psalms 41:2 | The LORD will protect and preserve him; He will bless him in the land and refuse to surrender him to the will of his foes. |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 26:19 | Now please, may my lord the king hear the words of his servant: If the LORD has stirred you up against me, then may He accept an offering. But if men have done it, may they be cursed in the presence of the LORD! For today they have driven me away from sharing in the inheritance of the LORD, saying, ‘Go, serve other gods.’ |
| 10 | Exodus 20:16 | You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. |
Psalms 27:12 Summary
[This verse is a prayer asking God to protect us from people who want to hurt us, and to not let them get what they want. It's like asking a parent to keep us safe from a bully. We can trust that God will take care of us, just like it says in Deuteronomy 31:8. We should also remember that God is always with us, as promised in Hebrews 13:5, and that He will help us to overcome any challenges we face.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be handed over to the will of my foes?
Being handed over to the will of our foes means being placed under their control or at their mercy, which can lead to harm or persecution, as seen in Psalms 27:12, and is similar to what happened to Jesus in Luke 23:25 where He was handed over to the will of His enemies.
Who are the false witnesses rising up against the psalmist?
The false witnesses in Psalms 27:12 are likely those who are bringing false accusations against the psalmist, similar to what happened to Jesus in Matthew 26:59-60, and are an example of the violence and opposition that believers can face from those who do not know God.
What does it mean to breathe out violence?
To breathe out violence means to speak or act with intense hostility or hatred, as seen in Psalms 27:12, and is similar to what is described in Proverbs 10:32 where the mouths of the wicked pour out evil things.
How can I apply this verse to my own life?
We can apply Psalms 27:12 to our own lives by praying for protection from our enemies and trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in Romans 8:28, and seeking to live a life that is pleasing to Him, as described in Colossians 1:10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have felt like I am being handed over to the will of my foes, and how can I trust in God's protection during those times?
- How can I discern when someone is being a false witness against me, and what should I do in response?
- What are some ways that I can breathe out love and kindness, rather than violence, in my interactions with others?
- How can I trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, even when I am facing opposition or persecution, and what does Psalms 27:13 mean by 'the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living'?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 27:12
Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies,.... It is a dreadful thing for a man to be given up to his own heart's lusts, and to be delivered up into the hands of Satan; who would fain have
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 27:12
Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 27:12
The will, or lust, or desire, Heb. soul; which is so taken, 78:18 . Such as breathe out cruelty; he presseth his request upon the quality of his enemies, who were both false and cruel, and in both respects hateful to God and men.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 27:12
Psalms 27:12 Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.Ver. 12. Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies] Heb. unto the soul; for the wicked are carried on against the godly, with all their soul, as it were. For false witnesses] Such as whereof Saul’ s court was full, viz. his Aiones et Negones, who fed his humour by traducing and denigrating innocent David. And such as breathe out cruelty] As Saul breathed out threatening against the disciples, Acts 9:1; so did David’ s spit fires.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 27:12
(12) By slightly changing a letter, we avoid the awkward ellipse in Psalms 27:13, and get “Such as breathe out cruelty against me, So that I did not believe to see,” &c
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 27:12
Verse 12. Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies] To their soul benephesh; their whole soul thirsts for my destruction. Let them not be gratified. They have suborned witnesses against me, but they are false witnesses: unmask their wickedness, and confound their counsels.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 27:12
12. enemies] R.V., adversaries, as in Psalms 27:2. false witnesses] Slanderous calumniators are meant, rather than actual witnesses in court. Cp. Psalms 35:11; Proverbs 6:19. such as breathe out cruelty] Bent on injuring him by their talk. For the phrase cp. Acts 9:1.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 27:12
Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies - Let them not accomplish their desires in regard to me; let them not be able to carry out their purposes.
Sermons on Psalms 27:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Lord’s Perfect Provision for His Own Masterpiece by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of going through trials and testing in order to truly know and experience Jesus. He shares a personal story of being surrounde |
|
Eternal Inheritance by Joshua Daniel | Joshua Daniel preaches on the eternal inheritance promised to believers in 2 Corinthians 5:1, emphasizing the confidence and assurance we have in God's heavenly dwelling. He challe |
|
Grace & Peace by Don McClure | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection. He highlights how Jesus was betrayed by a close friend for 30 pieces of silver, |
|
(Following the Footsteps of Christ) the Jewish Trial by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion and the trial that took place. He references Mark 14:63, where the high priest and council sought |
|
Easter (1988) - the Silence of Christ by Mariano Di Gangi | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that Jesus experienced intense physical and emotional pain, showing that he was a |
|
Hatching Snake Eggs by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of putting off seeking deliverance from sin and turning back to God. He calls on those who have been injured or run away from God t |
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Book of Acts - Short Overview by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of fervent prayer and bold proclamation of the Word of God in the face of opposition. The story of Peter and John being threat |