Psalms 7:3
Psalms 7:3 in Multiple Translations
O LORD my God, if I have done this, if injustice is on my hands,
O LORD my God, if I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands;
O Jehovah my God, if I have done this; If there be iniquity in my hands;
O Lord my God, if I have done this; if my hands have done any wrong;
If I have done what I'm accused of, if my hands are guilty,
O Lord my God, if I haue done this thing, if there be any wickednes in mine handes,
O Jehovah, my God, if I have done this, If there is iniquity in my hands,
LORD, my God, if I have done this, if there is iniquity in my hands,
O LORD my God, if I have done this; if there is iniquity in my hands;
Lest at any time he seize upon my soul like a lion, while there is no one to redeem me, nor to save.
Yahweh my God, if I have done anything that is wrong,
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 7:3
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 7:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
פֶּן
יִטְרֹ֣ף
כְּ/אַרְיֵ֣ה
נַפְשִׁ֑/י
פֹּ֝רֵ֗ק
וְ/אֵ֣ין
מַצִּֽיל
פֶּן
pên
H6435
lest
Conj
יִטְרֹ֣ף
ṭâraph
H2963
to tear
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
כְּ/אַרְיֵ֣ה
ʼărîy
H738
lion
Prep | N-ms
נַפְשִׁ֑/י
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
פֹּ֝רֵ֗ק
pâraq
H6561
to tear
V-Qal
וְ/אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Conj | Part
מַצִּֽיל
nâtsal
H5337
to rescue
V-Hiphil
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 7:3
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.
יִטְרֹ֣ף
ṭâraph
H2963
"to tear"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to tear or pull something apart, and it can also mean to provide food. In the Bible, it appears in Exodus 22:13 and Proverbs 30:14. It describes an act of violence or providing for someone.
Definition: 1) to tear, rend, pluck 1a) (Qal) to tear, rend 1b) (Niphal) to be torn in pieces 1c) (Poal) to be torn in pieces 1d) (Hiphil) to provide food
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: catch, [idiom] without doubt, feed, ravin, rend in pieces, [idiom] surely, tear (in pieces). See also: Genesis 37:33; Proverbs 30:8; Psalms 7:3.
כְּ/אַרְיֵ֣ה
ʼărîy
H738
"lion"
Prep | N-ms
In biblical times, a lion was a symbol of strength and power, and is often mentioned in stories like Daniel in the lions' den. The word for lion appears in various forms, including pictures or images of lions, and is used in books like 1 Kings and 2 Kings.
Definition: 1) lion 1a) pictures or images of lions
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: (young) lion, [phrase] pierce (from the margin). See also: Genesis 49:9; Proverbs 22:13; Psalms 7:3.
נַפְשִׁ֑/י
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
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.
פֹּ֝רֵ֗ק
pâraq
H6561
"to tear"
V-Qal
To tear means to break off or crunch something, and can also mean to deliver or rescue. It can be used to describe tearing apart or away, or breaking something into pieces. This verb has various forms, including to snatch or redeem.
Definition: 1) to tear apart or away, tear off, break away 1a) (Qal) to tear away, snatch, rescue 1b) (Piel) to tear off 1c) (Hithpael) to tear off from oneself, be broken off, be broken in pieces Aramaic equivalent: pe.raq (פְּרַק "to break" H6562)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: break (off), deliver, redeem, rend (in pieces), tear in pieces. See also: Genesis 27:40; Psalms 7:3; Psalms 136:24.
וְ/אֵ֣ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Conj | Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
מַצִּֽיל
nâtsal
H5337
"to rescue"
V-Hiphil
To rescue means to snatch away or deliver from danger. It can also mean to strip or plunder, depending on the context, and appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to snatch away, deliver, rescue, save, strip, plunder 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to tear oneself away, deliver oneself 1a2) to be torn out or away, be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to strip off, spoil 1b2) to deliver 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to take away, snatch away 1c2) to rescue, recover 1c3) to deliver (from enemies or troubles or death) 1c4) to deliver from sin and guilt 1d) (Hophal) to be plucked out 1e) (Hithpael) to strip oneself Aramaic equivalent: ne.tsal (נְצַל "to rescue" H5338)
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, defend, deliver (self), escape, [idiom] without fail, part, pluck, preserve, recover, rescue, rid, save, spoil, strip, [idiom] surely, take (out). See also: Genesis 31:9; Psalms 40:14; Psalms 7:2.
Study Notes — Psalms 7:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 7:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 7:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 7:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 7:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 7:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 7:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 7:3
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 7:3
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 7:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 7:3
- Sermons on Psalms 7:3
Context — I Take Refuge in You
1O LORD my God, I take refuge in You; save me and deliver me from all my pursuers,
2or they will shred my soul like a lion and tear me to pieces with no one to rescue me.
3O LORD my God, if I have done this, if injustice is on my hands,
4if I have rewarded my ally with evil, if I have plundered my foe without cause, 5then may my enemy pursue me and overtake me; may he trample me to the ground and leave my honor in the dust. SelahCross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 59:3 | See how they lie in wait for me. Fierce men conspire against me for no transgression or sin of my own, O LORD. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 24:11 | See, my father, look at the corner of your robe in my hand. For I cut it off, but I did not kill you. See and know that there is no evil or rebellion in my hands. I have not sinned against you, even though you are hunting me down to take my life. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 26:18–19 | And he continued, “Why is my lord pursuing his servant? What have I done? What evil is in my hand? 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.’ |
| 4 | Joshua 22:22 | “The LORD, the Mighty One, is God! The LORD, the Mighty One, is God! He knows, and may Israel also know. If this was in rebellion or breach of faith against the LORD, do not spare us today. |
| 5 | 2 Samuel 16:7–8 | And as he yelled curses, Shimei said, “Get out, get out, you worthless man of bloodshed! The LORD has paid you back for all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned, and the LORD has delivered the kingdom into the hand of your son Absalom. See, you have come to ruin because you are a man of bloodshed!” |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 22:13 | And Saul asked him, “Why have you and the son of Jesse conspired against me? You gave him bread and a sword and inquired of God for him so that he could rise up against me to lie in wait, as he is doing today.” |
| 7 | Job 16:17–19 | yet my hands are free of violence and my prayer is pure. O earth, do not cover my blood; may my cry for help never be laid to rest. Even now my witness is in heaven, and my advocate is on high. |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 24:9 | and said to Saul, “Why do you listen to the words of men who say, ‘Look, David intends to harm you’? |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 20:8 | Therefore deal faithfully with your servant, for you have brought me into a covenant with you before the LORD. If there is iniquity in me, then kill me yourself; why should you bring me to your father?” |
| 10 | Psalms 66:18 | If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. |
Psalms 7:3 Summary
In Psalms 7:3, David is saying that if he has done something wrong, he wants God to know that he is willing to accept the consequences. This shows that David is humble and willing to take responsibility for his actions, which is an important lesson for us today (as seen in Proverbs 28:13). We can learn from David's example by being honest with ourselves and with God, and by being willing to make things right when we have done wrong (as seen in Psalms 51:4). By doing so, we can cultivate a spirit of humility and integrity, and seek refuge in God when we are facing challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of this verse in Psalms 7:3?
This verse is part of a prayer by David, where he is seeking refuge in God and asking for deliverance from his pursuers, as seen in Psalms 7:1-2, and is willing to accept punishment if he has done wrong, as stated in Psalms 7:3-5.
Is David admitting to any wrongdoing in this verse?
David is not directly admitting to wrongdoing, but rather expressing a willingness to accept responsibility if he has indeed done something wrong, as he says 'if I have done this, if injustice is on my hands', and this attitude is similar to the one expressed in Psalms 51:4, where David takes responsibility for his sin.
How does this verse relate to our everyday lives?
This verse reminds us of the importance of self-reflection and humility, as seen in Proverbs 28:13, where it is written that 'whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy', and encourages us to examine our actions and motivations, and to be willing to make things right if we have wronged others.
What can we learn from David's example in this verse?
We can learn from David's example the value of honesty, integrity, and accountability, as seen in Psalms 26:1-2, where David says 'Vindicate me, LORD, for I have walked in my integrity and trusted in the LORD without wavering', and the importance of being willing to take responsibility for our actions and to seek forgiveness when we have done wrong.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be harboring injustice or wrongdoing, and how can I make things right?
- How can I cultivate a spirit of humility and self-reflection, like David, in my daily life?
- What are some ways I can seek refuge in God, like David, when I am facing challenges or pursuers in my life?
- How can I apply the principle of accountability and responsibility, as seen in this verse, to my relationships with others?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 7:3
O Lord my God, if I have done this. The crime which Saul and his courtiers charged him with, and which was made so public that every body knew it; and therefore it was needless particularly to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 7:3
O LORD my God, if I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands; If I have done this - namely, that which my calumniators lay to my charge (Psalms 7:4; cf.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 7:3
If I have done this, i.e. that which Cush and others falsely lay to my charge. If I design or have endeavoured to take away Saul’ s crown and life by violence, as Saul’ s courtiers maliciously reported, ,10 26:19. In my hands, i.e. in my actions or carriage towards Saul. The hand is oft put for actions, whereof the hand is a great and common instrument, as 109:27 . If I design or have attempted to lay violent hands upon Saul.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 7:3
Psalms 7:3 O LORD my God, if I have done this; if there be iniquity in my hands;Ver. 3. O Lord my God] If I have done this] i.e. This treachery and treason, whereof Saul doth causelessly suspect me, and wherewith his pick thank partisans unjustly charge me. As for sedition, saith Latimer, for aught that I know, methinks I should not need Christ, if I might so say. But where malice beareth mastery the doing of anything or of nothing is alike dangerous (Serm. 3, before K. Ed. VI). If there be iniquity in my hands] Heb. in the palms of my hands, where it may be concealed. If I have secretly acted against my sovereign.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 7:3
(3) This—i.e., this with which I am charged—the Benjamite’s slander. If there be iniquity.—A comparison with 1 Samuel 24:12-13, and still more 1 Samuel 26:18, shows how closely this psalm is connected with the two notorious instances of David’s magnanimous and generous conduct towards Saul.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 7:3
Verse 3. If I have done this] David was accused by Saul of affecting the kingdom; and of waiting for an opportunity to take away the life of his king, his patron, and his friend. In his application to God he refers to these charges; meets them with indignation; and clears himself of them by a strong appeal to his Judge; and an imprecation that, if he had meditated or designed any such thing, he might meet with nothing but curse and calamity either from God or man.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 7:3
3–5. The appeal for help is supported by a solemn protestation of innocence. If he is guilty of the crimes laid to his charge, may he be surrendered to the utmost fury of his enemies.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 7:3
O Lord my God - A solemn appeal to God as to the sincerity and truth of what he was about to say.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 7:3
3. O Lord my God—A solemn appeal for the truth of what he is about to utter. If I have done this—The shedding of blood in revenge, or to open my way to the throne, of which his enemies accused him.
Sermons on Psalms 7:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
If I Perish I Perish-03 Ministry From Esther by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the struggle between the flesh and the spirit in the life of a believer. He emphasizes that when the flesh dominates, it leads to moral defea |
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The Fifth Commandment by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the broader implications of the Fifth Commandment, which calls for honoring not only our parents but all authorities established by God. He explains that this |
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Men Whose Eyes Have Seen the King - Part 7 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the visions of God that Ezekiel saw. The speaker highlights that whenever the Lord takes a new step or movement, He reveals His glory to some |
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How Does God Forgive Sins? by J. Edwin Orr | In this sermon, the preacher shares personal anecdotes and experiences to illustrate the importance of repentance and confession in the Christian faith. He emphasizes the need for |
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Barriers to Blessing by Alan Bartley | This sermon addresses the barriers to blessing in the Christian life, focusing on the dangers of occult involvement, the impact of unbelief, the consequences of unconfessed sin, an |
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Prevailing Prayer by David Ford | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commands and doing so in the power of the Holy Spirit. He warns against allowing sin to creep into one's life |
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Pure Heart, Pure Church - Part 4 by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon delves into the themes of cleansing, sacrifice, brokenness, and offerings as mentioned in the Bible. It reflects on historical periods of great preachers and the need f |