Psalms 3:7
Psalms 3:7 in Multiple Translations
Arise, O LORD! Save me, O my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked.
Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.
Arise, O Jehovah; save me, O my God: For thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; Thou hast broken the teeth of the wicked.
Come to me, Lord; keep me safe, O my God; for you have given all my haters blows on their face-bones; the teeth of the evil-doers have been broken by you.
Stand up for me, Lord! Save me, my God! Hit all my enemies on the cheek; break the teeth of the wicked!
O Lord, arise: helpe me, my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies vpon the cheeke bone: thou hast broken the teeth of the wicked.
Rise, O Jehovah! save me, my God. Because Thou hast smitten All mine enemies [on] the cheek. The teeth of the wicked Thou hast broken.
Arise, LORD! Save me, my God! For you have struck all of my enemies on the cheek bone. You have broken the teeth of the wicked.
Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all my enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.
I will not fear thousands of the people, surrounding me: arise, O Lord; save me, O my God.
Yahweh, arise! My God, come and rescue me again! You insult my enemies by slapping them on their cheeks; when you strike them, you break their teeth, with the result that they cannot hurt anyone [MET].
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 3:7
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 3:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֹֽא
אִ֭ירָא
מֵ/רִבְב֥וֹת
עָ֑ם
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
סָ֝בִ֗יב
שָׁ֣תוּ
עָלָֽ/י
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אִ֭ירָא
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
מֵ/רִבְב֥וֹת
rᵉbâbâh
H7233
myriad
Prep | N-fp
עָ֑ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
סָ֝בִ֗יב
çâbîyb
H5439
around
N-cs
שָׁ֣תוּ
shîyth
H7896
to set
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
עָלָֽ/י
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
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 3:7
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אִ֭ירָא
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
מֵ/רִבְב֥וֹת
rᵉbâbâh
H7233
"myriad"
Prep | N-fp
This Hebrew word means a large number, like a multitude or ten thousand. It is used in the Bible to describe big groups of people or things. In the KJV, it is translated as many, million, or ten thousand.
Definition: multitude, myriad, ten thousand
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: many, million, [idiom] multiply, ten thousand. See also: Genesis 24:60; 1 Samuel 18:8; Psalms 3:7.
עָ֑ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
סָ֝בִ֗יב
çâbîyb
H5439
"around"
N-cs
This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.
Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side
Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.
שָׁ֣תוּ
shîyth
H7896
"to set"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to place or set something, and it's used in many different ways, like appointing someone to a job or setting your mind to do something. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to lay hands on someone or make something happen.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, lay (hand upon) 1a2) to set, station, appoint, fix, set mind to 1a3) to constitute, make (one something), make like, perform 1a4) to take one's stand 1a5) to lay waste 1b) (Hophal) to be imposed, be set upon
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: apply, appoint, array, bring, consider, lay (up), let alone, [idiom] look, make, mark, put (on), [phrase] regard, set, shew, be stayed, [idiom] take. See also: Genesis 3:15; Psalms 21:7; Psalms 3:7.
עָלָֽ/י
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
Study Notes — Psalms 3:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 3:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 3:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 3:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 3:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 3:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 3:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 3:7
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 3:7
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 3:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 3:7
- Sermons on Psalms 3:7
Context — Deliver Me, O LORD!
5I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the LORD sustains me.
6I will not fear the myriads set against me on every side.
7Arise, O LORD! Save me, O my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked.
8Salvation belongs to the LORD; may Your blessing be on Your people. SelahCross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 58:6 | O God, shatter their teeth in their mouths; O LORD, tear out the fangs of the lions. |
| 2 | Job 29:17 | I shattered the fangs of the unjust and snatched the prey from his teeth. |
| 3 | Job 16:10 | They open their mouths against me and strike my cheeks with contempt; they join together against me. |
| 4 | Psalms 59:5 | O LORD God of Hosts, the God of Israel, rouse Yourself to punish all the nations; show no mercy to the wicked traitors. Selah |
| 5 | Psalms 10:12 | Arise, O LORD! Lift up Your hand, O God! Do not forget the helpless. |
| 6 | Psalms 6:4 | Turn, O LORD, and deliver my soul; save me because of Your loving devotion. |
| 7 | Psalms 44:23 | Wake up, O Lord! Why are You sleeping? Arise! Do not reject us forever. |
| 8 | Psalms 76:9 | when God rose up to judge, to save all the lowly of the earth. Selah |
| 9 | Psalms 12:5 | “For the cause of the oppressed and for the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,” says the LORD. “I will bring safety to him who yearns.” |
| 10 | Lamentations 3:30 | Let him offer his cheek to the one who would strike him; let him be filled with reproach. |
Psalms 3:7 Summary
[This verse is a cry for help from the psalmist, who is asking God to protect him from his enemies and trust in His power and sovereignty. The psalmist is not promoting violence, but rather, he is trusting in God's justice and power, as seen in Romans 12:19. In simple terms, the psalmist is saying, 'God, please help me and defend me against those who are against me', which is a sentiment echoed in Psalms 28:7, where the psalmist says that God is his strength and shield. We can apply this to our lives by trusting in God's power and asking Him to protect us in times of trouble, as encouraged in Philippians 4:6-7.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the psalmist asking God to strike his enemies on the jaw and break the teeth of the wicked?
The psalmist is asking God to intervene and defend him against his enemies, as seen in Psalms 3:7, which is a cry for help and protection, similar to what we see in Psalms 140:11, where the psalmist asks God to protect him from evil people.
Is the psalmist promoting violence by asking God to strike his enemies?
No, the psalmist is not promoting violence, but rather, he is trusting in God's sovereign power and justice, as stated in Romans 12:19, which reminds us that vengeance belongs to God, and we should leave it to Him to handle our enemies.
How can we apply this verse to our lives today?
We can apply this verse by trusting in God's power and sovereignty, just like the psalmist, and asking Him to protect and defend us in times of trouble, as encouraged in Philippians 4:6-7, where we are told to bring our requests to God with thanksgiving and experience His peace.
What does it mean to 'arise' in this context?
When the psalmist says 'Arise, O LORD', he is asking God to rise up and take action on his behalf, which is a common expression in the Bible, as seen in Psalms 68:1, where God is asked to arise and scatter His enemies.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in your life where you need God to arise and take action on your behalf, and how can you trust Him to do so?
- How do you typically respond to enemies or difficult situations, and what can you learn from the psalmist's example in this verse?
- In what ways can you practically apply the concept of trusting in God's power and sovereignty, as seen in this verse, to your everyday life?
- What does it mean to you that salvation belongs to the Lord, as stated in the next verse, Psalms 3:8, and how does that impact your trust in Him?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 3:7
Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God,.... God sometimes, in the apprehension of his people, seems to be as if he was asleep: when he does not appear to them and for them, and does not exert his power on
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 3:7
Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. Arise ... save me.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 3:7
Arise; bestir thyself on my behalf, and be no longer as an idle spectator of my miseries. O my God; who art mine by special relation and covenant, and I am thy son and thy servant; Lord, save thine own. Thou hast smitten all mine enemies thou hast hitherto helped me, do not now leave me. Upon the cheek-bone; which implies either contempt and reproach, as this phrase signifies, 19:3; or the smartness and soreness of the blow, whereby, as the next clause explains it, their teeth were struck out; and so they did not only receive hurt themselves, but were disenabled from doing that mischief to others which they desired and were accustomed to do. The teeth, i.e. their strength and the instruments of their cruelty. He compares them to wild beasts.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 3:7
Psalms 3:7 Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies [upon] the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.Ver. 7. Arise, O Lord, &c.] If the Lord do but arise only his enemies shall be scattered; those also that hate him shall flee before him, Psalms 68:1. And God will arise and harness when his people put his promises in suit by their faithful prayers. This Moses knew, and therefore appointed the priests, whensoever the ark removed, to say, "Rise up, Lord," &c., Numbers 10:35. Commanders must pray before they lead on their forces to battle, as did Huniades, and that late brave king of Sweden, more addicted to prayer than to fighting; according to that, Vincere quisquis aves hostilem exercitum, age ante Invictum, vincas per tun vota, Deum. Save me, O my God] David had many good old soldiers about him, as the Cherethites, Pelethites, Gittites, and others that would stick to him, 2 Samuel 15:18, - Animasque capaces mortis (Lucan.), mighty men of war, and chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field; himself also was a man of war from his youth, 2 Samuel 17:8, and not used to be worsted; yet he flees to God for deliverance, and pleads the covenant ("Save me, O my God"), which is that Alvearium Divini mellis, the beehive of heavenly honey. So Psalms 119:94, "I am thine, save me." For thou hast smilten all mine enemies on the cheek bone] Thou hast given them a box on the ear, as Queen Elizabeth once did the Earl of Essex, turning his back upon her uncivilly, upon some discontent. Or, as some great man doth a mean fellow, with whom he scorns to fight. Thou hast sent them away with smart and shame enough, Job 16:10. Thou hast so handled them that now they may go seek their teeth in their throats, as the proverb is.
God’ s hand is a mighty hand, saith Peter, 1 Peter 5:6, it is a fearful thing to fall into it, saith Paul, Hebrews 10:31. For who knoweth the power of his wrath? saith Moses, Psalms 90:11. His enemies are sure to speed worse than did Dares in Virgil (Aeneid), whom, when he had been well beaten by old Entellus, his fellows led away Iaetantemque utroque caput, crassumque cruorem Ore reiectantem, mistosque in sanguine dentes.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 3:7
(7) Thou hast smitten . . . broken.—Better, thou smitest . . . breakest. The enemies are conceived of as wild beasts, like the lion and bear of the adventures of David’s own youth, whom God would render harmless to him.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 3:7
Verse 7. Arise, O Lord] Though he knew that God had undertaken his defence, yet he knew that his continued protection depended on his continual prayer and faith. God never ceases to help as long as we pray. When our hands hang down, and we restrain prayer before him, we may then justly fear that our enemies will prevail. Thou hast smitten] That is, Thou wilt smite. He speaks in full confidence of God's interference; and knows as surely that he shall have the victory, as if he had it already. Breaking the jaws and the teeth are expressions which imply, confounding and destroying an adversary; treating him with extreme contempt; using him like a dog, &c.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 3:7
7, 8. The Psalm concludes with a prayer for deliverance as in times past, and for a blessing on the people.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 3:7
Arise, O Lord - This is a common mode of calling upon God in the Scriptures, as if he had been sitting still, or had been inactive.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 3:7
7. Arise, O Lord—The rising, here, is to be taken in the military or hostile sense, as in Psalms 3:1, and Psalms 92:11. The crisis is upon him, and he calls upon Jehovah to take a position openly against his enemies.
Sermons on Psalms 3:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Peace in the Midst of the Storm by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Psalm 3, where David laments the increase of his enemies, including his own son Absalom. David is troubled by the lack of loyalty from those |
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Psalm 5 by Carl Armerding | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer and devotion to God. He shares personal experiences and insights from his 60 years of knowing the Lord. The speaker |
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My Hope When Love Has Gone Dry by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of unity and love within the church community. He quotes Ecclesiastes 4:12, which states that two people standing together ar |
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When Someone Lets You Down by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his own experience of being deserted by his friends during a trial. He acknowledges that people can forsake you in difficult times, even tho |
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Epistle 141 by George Fox | George Fox preaches about gathering together the sufferings of those who have been unjustly treated by authorities, urging them to document their experiences and the names of those |
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The Heart of the Problem by Warren Wiersbe | Warren Wiersbe emphasizes the importance of surrendering control over life's circumstances to God, drawing from David's plea for God's intervention in the face of persecution and f |
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A Life of Victory in the Midst of Troubles by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's faith and not compromising with the world. He warns against trying to win people over by conforming |