Psalms 56:9
Psalms 56:9 in Multiple Translations
Then my enemies will retreat on the day I cry for help. By this I will know that God is on my side.
When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.
Then shall mine enemies turn back in the day that I call: This I know, that God is for me.
When I send up my cry to you, my haters will be turned back; I am certain of this, for God is with me.
Then those who hate me will run away when I call for your help. For I know this: God is for me!
When I cry, then mine enemies shall turne backe: this I know, for God is with me.
Then turn back do mine enemies in the day I call. This I have known, that God [is] for me.
Then my enemies shall turn back in the day that I call. I know this: that God is for me.
When I cry to thee , then shall my enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.
Arise, O my glory, arise psaltery and harp: I will arise early.
When I call out to you, my God, my enemies will be defeated; I know that will happen, because you are fighting for me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 56:9
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 56:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
נֹדִ/י֮
סָפַ֪רְתָּ֫ה
אָ֥תָּה
שִׂ֣ימָ/ה
דִמְעָתִ֣/י
בְ/נֹאדֶ֑/ךָ
הֲ֝/לֹ֗א
בְּ/סִפְרָתֶֽ/ךָ
נֹדִ/י֮
nôwd
H5112
wandering
N-ms | Suff
סָפַ֪רְתָּ֫ה
çâphar
H5608
to recount
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
אָ֥תָּה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
שִׂ֣ימָ/ה
sûwm
H7760
to set
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
דִמְעָתִ֣/י
dimʻâh
H1832
tears
N-fs | Suff
בְ/נֹאדֶ֑/ךָ
nôʼd
H4997
wineskin
Prep | N-ms | Suff
הֲ֝/לֹ֗א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part | Part
בְּ/סִפְרָתֶֽ/ךָ
çêpher
H5612
scroll
Prep | N-fs | 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 56:9
נֹדִ/י֮
nôwd
H5112
"wandering"
N-ms | Suff
Wandering refers to a person who is an aimless fugitive, without a home or direction, and is used in the Bible to describe exile or displacement.
Definition: wandering (of aimless fugitive)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: wandering. See also: Psalms 56:9.
סָפַ֪רְתָּ֫ה
çâphar
H5608
"to recount"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
This word refers to a scribe or secretary who records or inscribes information. It is used in the Bible to describe someone who counts or enumerates things. The KJV translates it as 'scribe, tell, writer'.
Definition: v 1) to count, recount, relate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to count (things) 1a2) to number, take account of, reckon 1b) (Niphal) to be counted, be numbered 1c) (Piel) to recount, rehearse, declare 1c1) to recount (something), rehearse 1c2) to talk 1c3) to count exactly or accurately 1d) (Pual) to be recounted, be rehearsed, be related
Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: commune, (ac-) count; declare, number, [phrase] penknife, reckon, scribe, shew forth, speak, talk, tell (out), writer. See also: Genesis 15:5; Esther 8:9; Psalms 2:7.
אָ֥תָּה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
שִׂ֣ימָ/ה
sûwm
H7760
"to set"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set
Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.
דִמְעָתִ֣/י
dimʻâh
H1832
"tears"
N-fs | Suff
Tears are drops of liquid that fall from the eyes as a result of crying or weeping. This word is used in the Bible to describe times of sadness or sorrow.
Definition: tears
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: tears. See also: 2 Kings 20:5; Isaiah 38:5; Psalms 6:7.
בְ/נֹאדֶ֑/ךָ
nôʼd
H4997
"wineskin"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
A 'nô''d' is a container made of skin or leather, used to hold liquids like wine or water. In the Bible, it is often translated as 'bottle' or 'wineskin', and is used to describe a common household item in ancient times.
Definition: skin, bottle, skin-bottle
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: bottle. See also: Joshua 9:4; 1 Samuel 16:20; Psalms 56:9.
הֲ֝/לֹ֗א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part | 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.
בְּ/סִפְרָתֶֽ/ךָ
çêpher
H5612
"scroll"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
This word means a written document, like a scroll or book, used to record important events or messages. It appears in books like Isaiah and Matthew, referring to written records.
Definition: : document 1) missive, document, writing, book 1a) missive 1a1) letter (of instruction), written order, commission, request, written decree 1b) legal document, certificate of divorce, deed of purchase, indictment, sign 1c) book, scroll 1c1) book of prophecies 1c2) genealogical register 1c3) law-book 1c4) book (of poems) 1c5) book (of kings) 1c6) books of the canon, scripture 1c7) record book (of God) 1d) book-learning, writing 1d1) be able to read (after verb 'to know')
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: bill, book, evidence, [idiom] learn(-ed) (-ing), letter, register, scroll. See also: Genesis 5:1; 2 Chronicles 17:9; Psalms 40:8.
Study Notes — Psalms 56:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 56:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 56:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 56:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 56:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 56:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 56:9
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 56:9
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 56:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 56:9
- Sermons on Psalms 56:9
Context — Be Merciful to Me, O God
7In spite of such sin, will they escape? In Your anger, O God, cast down the nations.
8You have taken account of my wanderings. Put my tears in Your bottle— are they not in Your book?
9Then my enemies will retreat on the day I cry for help. By this I will know that God is on my side.
10In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise, 11in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 8:31 | What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? |
| 2 | Psalms 46:11 | The LORD of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah |
| 3 | Psalms 118:11–13 | They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. They swarmed around me like bees, but they were extinguished like burning thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off. I was pushed so hard I was falling, but the LORD helped me. |
| 4 | Psalms 102:2 | Do not hide Your face from me in my day of distress. Incline Your ear to me; answer me quickly when I call. |
| 5 | Psalms 118:6 | The LORD is on my side; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? |
| 6 | Isaiah 8:9–10 | Huddle together, O peoples, and be shattered; pay attention, all you distant lands; prepare for battle, and be shattered; prepare for battle, and be shattered! Devise a plan, but it will be thwarted; state a proposal, but it will not happen. For God is with us. ” |
| 7 | Psalms 9:3 | When my enemies retreat, they stumble and perish before You. |
| 8 | Psalms 46:7 | The LORD of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah |
| 9 | Jeremiah 33:3 | Call to Me, and I will answer and show you great and unsearchable things you do not know. |
| 10 | John 18:6 | When Jesus said, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground. |
Psalms 56:9 Summary
Psalms 56:9 means that when we are in trouble and cry out to God for help, He will come to our rescue and our enemies will retreat. This verse teaches us that we can trust God to be on our side, just like it says in Deuteronomy 31:6, and that He cares about our emotions and well-being, as seen in Psalms 56:8. When we cry out to God, we can have confidence that He will answer us and give us victory, as promised in Psalms 107:6 and Psalms 107:13. By trusting in God's power and promises, we can have peace and confidence, even in difficult circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to cry out for help in Psalms 56:9?
Crying out for help in Psalms 56:9 means to humbly and sincerely ask God for assistance and deliverance in times of trouble, as seen in Psalms 107:6 and Psalms 107:13, where people cried out to God in their distress and He saved them.
How can we know that God is on our side?
According to Psalms 56:9, we can know that God is on our side when our enemies retreat and we experience victory and deliverance, which is also promised in Deuteronomy 20:4 and Deuteronomy 31:6, where God assures us of His presence and help in times of battle and uncertainty.
Is it always easy to trust that God is on our side?
No, it is not always easy to trust that God is on our side, as we face various challenges and pressures, but as Psalms 56:9 and Psalms 56:11 show, we can trust in God's power and promises, and have confidence in His presence and care for us, just like it is written in Isaiah 41:10 and Romans 8:31.
What role do our emotions play in this verse?
In Psalms 56:9, the psalmist's tears and emotions are acknowledged by God, as seen in Psalms 56:8, where God collects the psalmist's tears in a bottle, indicating that our emotions are important to God and He cares about our well-being, as also seen in John 11:35 and Revelation 21:4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to cry out for help and trust that God is on my side?
- How can I practically apply the promise of Psalms 56:9 to my life when facing challenges and pressures?
- What are some ways that I can demonstrate my trust in God's presence and care for me, even when circumstances seem uncertain or difficult?
- How can I balance my emotions and trust in God's sovereignty, knowing that He collects my tears and cares about my well-being?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 56:9
When I cry [unto thee],.... In prayer; then shall mine enemies turn back; great is the strength of prayer; the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous avails much against their enemies: when Moses
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 56:9
When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me. -The turning point of the psalm. The Psalmist is now assured of being heard. Verse 9.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 56:9
When I have no other arms or force, which is my present case, my prayers shall be sufficient to overthrow mine enemies.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 56:9
Psalms 56:9 When I cry [unto thee], then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God [is] for me.Ver. 9. When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back] For how should they stand before so mighty a God? Of the power of prayer for the beating back of enemies, besides the Scripture, histories are full; that famous Victoria Halleluiatica for instance.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 56:9
Verse 9. When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back] As soon as they know that I call upon thee, then, knowing that thou wilt hear and save, my enemies will immediately take flight. The cry of faith and prayer to God is more dreadful to our spiritual foes than the war-whoop of the Indian is to his surprised brother savages. This I know] I have often had experience of the Divine interposition; and I know it will be so now, for God is with me. He who has God WITH him need not fear the face of any adversary.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 56:9
9. Then shall mine enemies turn back in the day when I call: This I know, that [or, for] God is on my side. For the emphatic then cp. Psalms 2:5. The certainty that God is on his side is the ground of his assurance that his enemies will be put to flight. Cp. Psalms 9:3; Psalms 118:6.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 56:9
When I cry unto thee - This expresses strong confidence in prayer. The psalmist felt that he had only to cry unto God, to secure the overthrow of his enemies.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 56:9
9. Here is the transition point of the psalm from sorrow and complaint to assured faith and praise. When I cry—He dates the flight, the “turning backward” of his enemies, at the day of his earnest outcry to God.
Sermons on Psalms 56:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Fellowship of Christ's Suffering by Carter Conlon | This sermon focuses on the Fellowship of Christ's Suffering as outlined in 1 Peter chapter 5. The speaker emphasizes the need for believers to be sober and vigilant against the adv |
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Exposition on Psalm 57 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches about the love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, emphasizing His dual nature as God with the Father and Man with us, seated at the right hand of the Fathe |
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Psalms 56:9 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of having a correct understanding of God, arguing that many misconceptions arise from the influence of God's enemies, particularly through the |
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Look to the Source by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about not being discouraged by the enemies of the soul, encouraging believers to look to God's power and wait for His help with faith and patience. Sh |
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Irresistible Artillery by John Henry Jowett | John Henry Jowett emphasizes the power of genuine, heartfelt cries to the Lord in prayer, likening it to a desperate cry for help like that of a drowning person. He highlights how |
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God for Us by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby emphasizes the profound truth that God is for us, despite our sinful nature and the unease it brings to our conscience. He explains that many live in anxiety, fea |
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Gods Presence by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is interested in each individual as if they were the only person in the world. He uses the story of Elisha and his servant to illus |