Psalms 71:4
Psalms 71:4 in Multiple Translations
Deliver me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and ruthless.
Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.
Rescue me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, Out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.
O my God, take me out of the hand of the sinner, out of the hand of the evil and cruel man.
My God, rescue me from the power of the wicked, from the clutches of those who are evil and brutal.
Deliuer mee, O my God, out of the hande of the wicked: out of the hande of the euill and cruell man.
O my God, cause me to escape From the hand of the wicked, From the hand of the perverse and violent.
Rescue me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.
Deliver me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.
He shall judge the poor of the people, and he shall save the children of the poor: and he shall humble the oppressor.
God, rescue me from wicked people, from the power of unjust and evil men.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 71:4
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 71:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֱֽלֹהַ֗/י
פַּ֭לְּטֵ/נִי
מִ/יַּ֣ד
רָשָׁ֑ע
מִ/כַּ֖ף
מְעַוֵּ֣ל
וְ/חוֹמֵץ
אֱֽלֹהַ֗/י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
פַּ֭לְּטֵ/נִי
pâlaṭ
H6403
to escape
V-Piel-Impv-2ms | Suff
מִ/יַּ֣ד
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs
רָשָׁ֑ע
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
מִ/כַּ֖ף
kaph
H3709
palm
Prep | N-fs
מְעַוֵּ֣ל
ʻăval
H5765
to act unjustly
V-Piel
וְ/חוֹמֵץ
châmêts
H2556
to leaven
Conj | V-Qal
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 71:4
אֱֽלֹהַ֗/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.
פַּ֭לְּטֵ/נִי
pâlaṭ
H6403
"to escape"
V-Piel-Impv-2ms | Suff
To escape means to slip out of a difficult situation, like the Israelites did when they left Egypt, as told in Exodus 14. The word can also mean to deliver or save someone, often used to describe God's actions in the Bible. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to escape, save, deliver, slip away 1a) (Qal) to escape 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to bring into security, deliver 1b2) to cause to escape, cast forth 1b3) to be delivered 1b4) to slip away 1c) (Hiphil) to bring into security, bring to safety
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: calve, carry away safe, deliver, (cause to) escape. See also: 2 Samuel 22:2; Psalms 37:40; Psalms 17:13.
מִ/יַּ֣ד
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
רָשָׁ֑ע
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
מִ/כַּ֖ף
kaph
H3709
"palm"
Prep | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to the palm of the hand, like in Exodus 29 where it describes the priest's hands being filled with offerings. It can also symbolize power or strength, like in Psalm 16. It's about the hand or its shape.
Definition: : palm/hand 1) palm, hand, sole, palm of the hand, hollow or flat of the hand 1a) palm, hollow or flat of the hand 1b) power 1c) sole (of the foot) 1d) hollow, objects, bending objects, bent objects 1d1) of thigh-joint 1d2) pan, vessel (as hollow) 1d3) hollow (of sling) 1d4) hand-shaped branches or fronds (of palm trees) 1d5) handles (as bent)
Usage: Occurs in 180 OT verses. KJV: branch, [phrase] foot, hand((-ful), -dle, (-led)), hollow, middle, palm, paw, power, sole, spoon. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 7:4.
מְעַוֵּ֣ל
ʻăval
H5765
"to act unjustly"
V-Piel
To act unjustly or wrongly is the meaning of this verb, describing behavior that deviates from what is right. It is used to condemn actions that are unfair or immoral.
Definition: 1) to act wrongfully or unjustly, deviate from 1a) (Piel) to act wrongfully
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: deal unjustly, unrighteous. See also: Psalms 71:4; Isaiah 26:10.
וְ/חוֹמֵץ
châmêts
H2556
"to leaven"
Conj | V-Qal
In the original Hebrew, this verb means to oppress or be cruel to someone, often causing them harm or suffering. It appears in Psalms and Proverbs, describing ruthless behaviors, and warning against treating others harshly. It involves being merciless.
Definition: 1) to be leavened, be sour 1a) (Qal) to be leavened 1b) (Hiphil) to taste something leavened 1c) (Hithpael) to be embittered, grieved
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: cruel (man), dyed, be grieved, leavened. See also: Exodus 12:34; Psalms 73:21; Psalms 71:4.
Study Notes — Psalms 71:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 71:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 71:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 71:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 71:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 71:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 71:4
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 71:4
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 71:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 71:4
- Sermons on Psalms 71:4
Context — Be My Rock of Refuge
2In Your justice, rescue and deliver me; incline Your ear and save me.
3Be my rock of refuge, where I can always go. Give the command to save me, for You are my rock and my fortress.
4Deliver me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and ruthless.
5For You are my hope, O Lord GOD, my confidence from my youth. 6I have leaned on You since birth; You pulled me from my mother’s womb. My praise is always for You.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 140:1–4 | Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men. Protect me from men of violence, who devise evil in their hearts and stir up war all day long. They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips. Selah Guard me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked. Keep me safe from men of violence who scheme to make me stumble. |
| 2 | Psalms 59:1–2 | Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise against me. Deliver me from workers of iniquity, and save me from men of bloodshed. |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 17:1–2 | Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. I will attack him while he is weak and weary; I will throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will flee; I will strike down only the king |
| 4 | Psalms 17:8–9 | Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me in the shadow of Your wings from the wicked who assail me, from my mortal enemies who surround me. |
| 5 | Psalms 17:13 | Arise, O LORD, confront them! Bring them to their knees; deliver me from the wicked by Your sword, |
| 6 | 2 Samuel 16:21–22 | Ahithophel replied, “Sleep with your father’s concubines, whom he has left to keep the palace. When all Israel hears that you have become a stench to your father, then the hands of all who are with you will be strengthened.” So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he slept with his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel. |
| 7 | 2 Samuel 17:12–14 | Then we will attack David wherever we find him, and we will descend on him like dew on the ground. And of all the men with him, not even one will remain. If he retreats to a city, all Israel will bring ropes to that city, and we will drag it down to the valley until not even a pebble can be found.” Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom. |
| 8 | 2 Samuel 17:21 | After the men had gone, Ahimaaz and Jonathan climbed up out of the well and went to inform King David, saying, “Get up and cross over the river at once, for Ahithophel has given this advice against you.” |
Psalms 71:4 Summary
[This verse is a prayer asking God to rescue us from people who want to hurt us, which is a common theme in the Bible, as seen in Psalms 140:1 and Psalm 141:9. The psalmist is asking God to keep him safe from those who are cruel and unfair. We can trust in God's power and goodness to deliver us from harm, just like the psalmist does in Psalms 71:4. By trusting in God, we can have confidence that He will take care of us, no matter what challenges we face, as stated in Jeremiah 29:11.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be delivered from the hand of the wicked?
To be delivered from the hand of the wicked means to be rescued from the power and influence of those who do not follow God's ways, as seen in Psalms 71:4, and to trust in God's sovereignty as stated in Romans 8:28.
Why does the psalmist ask God to deliver him from the unjust and ruthless?
The psalmist asks God to deliver him because he recognizes that God is his rock and refuge, as stated in Psalms 71:3, and that He is the only one who can truly protect him from harm, as promised in Psalm 23:4.
How can we apply this verse to our own lives when facing difficulties?
We can apply this verse by trusting in God's power and goodness, as stated in Psalm 136:1, and by praying for deliverance from the challenges we face, knowing that God is our hope and confidence, as expressed in Psalms 71:5.
What does it mean to be in the grasp of the unjust and ruthless?
To be in the grasp of the unjust and ruthless means to be under the control or influence of those who do not care about others and are willing to harm them, as seen in Psalm 10:2, and to be in a situation where one feels trapped or helpless, but God can deliver us from such situations, as stated in Exodus 3:8.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I feel like I am being held captive by the wicked or unjust in my own life, and how can I trust God to deliver me?
- How can I lean on God as my rock of refuge, as the psalmist does in Psalms 71:3, when faced with challenging situations?
- What are some practical ways that I can pray for deliverance from the grasp of the unjust and ruthless, and how can I trust in God's goodness and power to answer my prayers?
- In what ways can I be a source of hope and encouragement to others who may be facing difficulties, and how can I point them to God as their rock and refuge?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 71:4
Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked,.... Meaning Absalom his son, as Arama, who had risen up in rebellion against him; and he may not only intend him, but all those wicked men that
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 71:4
Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man. Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked - (cf.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 71:4
Psalms 71:4 Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.Ver. 4. Out of the hand of the unrighteous] That seeketh by fraud to undermine me, and by force to overturn me. And cruel man] Qui totus in fermento iacet; sour as leaven, sharp as vinegar.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 71:4
(4-6) These verses are manifestly founded on Psalms 31:8-10; but the variations are more marked than usual, and indicate a definite purpose of adaptation rather than copying.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 71:4
Verse 4. Out of the hand of the wicked] Probably his unnatural son Absalom, called here רשע rasha, the WICKED, because he had violated all laws, human and Divine. The unrighteous and cruel man.] Probably Ahithophel who was the iniquitous counsellor of a wicked and rebellious son.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 71:4
4–8. The ground of the Psalmist’s appeal for deliverance.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 71:4
Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked - It is, of course, not possible now to ascertain who are particularly referred to here.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 71:4
4. The unrighteous and cruel man—If this refers to any one individual, and we have rightly judged the occasion of the psalm, the allusion might well be to Ahithophel. See our note on Psalms 55:12.
Sermons on Psalms 71:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
David's Prayer for Deliverance by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the distress and brokenness that can be felt in life. He uses the analogy of chopping wood and the scattered chips to describe the scat |
|
Push Back the Darkness by Carter Conlon | The sermon titled 'Push Back the Darkness' emphasizes the urgent need to stand against the prevailing darkness and lawlessness in society, calling for a spiritual awakening and a p |
|
|
Commentary on Psalm 136-150 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith delivers a profound commentary on Psalms 136-150, emphasizing the enduring mercy of God as a central theme throughout the psalms. He highlights the importance of gratit |
|
Exposition on Psalm 141 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches on the Psalms, highlighting the depth and richness of the verses that may seem obscure at first but reveal familiar truths when expounded. He delves into the |
|
The Great Tribulation Preceding the Day of Jehovah by Arno Clemens Gaebelein | Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the perfect harmony of prophecy in the Bible, focusing on the events and blessings surrounding the great day of Jehovah. He highlights the cha |
|
Psalm 59 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches on the Psalmist's cry for deliverance from imminent perils and enemies, highlighting the unwavering faith and confidence in God's power and mercy. Despite being |
|
Finished With the World by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker expresses frustration and disappointment with the length and content of previous speakers at a gathering. He questions the prioritization of entertainme |