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Psalms 91:13

Psalms 91:13 in Multiple Translations

You will tread on the lion and cobra; you will trample the young lion and serpent.

Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: The young lion and the serpent shalt thou trample under foot.

You will put your foot on the lion and the snake; the young lion and the great snake will be crushed under your feet.

You will trample lions and snakes; you will tread young lions and serpents underfoot.

Thou shalt walke vpon the lyon and aspe: the yong lyon and the dragon shalt thou treade vnder feete.

On lion and asp thou treadest, Thou trampest young lion and dragon.

You will tread on the lion and cobra. You will trample the young lion and the serpent underfoot.

Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

The just shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow up like the cedar of Libanus.

You will be kept safe from being harmed by your enemies [MET]; it will be as though you are stepping on lions and poisonous snakes without them harming you!

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 91:13

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 91:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB עַל שַׁ֣חַל וָ/פֶ֣תֶן תִּדְרֹ֑ךְ תִּרְמֹ֖ס כְּפִ֣יר וְ/תַנִּֽין
עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep
שַׁ֣חַל shachal H7826 lion N-ms
וָ/פֶ֣תֶן pethen H6620 cobra Conj | N-ms
תִּדְרֹ֑ךְ dârak H1869 to tread V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
תִּרְמֹ֖ס râmaç H7429 to trample V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
כְּפִ֣יר kᵉphîyr H3715 lion N-ms
וְ/תַנִּֽין tannîyn H8577 jackal Conj | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 91:13

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep
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.
שַׁ֣חַל shachal H7826 "lion" N-ms
This word refers to a lion, known for its powerful roar. In Proverbs 30:30, it is used to describe the strength and courage of a lion, while in 1 Peter 5:8, it symbolizes Satan as a fierce lion.
Definition: 1) lion 1a) of Jehovah, wicked men (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: (fierce) lion. See also: Job 4:10; Psalms 91:13; Proverbs 26:13.
וָ/פֶ֣תֶן pethen H6620 "cobra" Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for a venomous snake, possibly referring to a cobra or viper. In the Bible, it is used to describe a dangerous and deadly creature, often symbolizing evil or harm, such as in the book of Psalms.
Definition: 1) a snake, venomous serpent 1a) perhaps the cobra, adder, or viper
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: adder. See also: Deuteronomy 32:33; Psalms 58:5; Psalms 91:13.
תִּדְרֹ֑ךְ dârak H1869 "to tread" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To tread means to walk or step on something, and is used in the Bible to describe various actions, such as treading a press or leading an army. In Exodus 15:6 and Psalm 60:12, the word is used to describe God's power and leadership, highlighting His ability to guide and direct His people.
Definition: 1) to tread, bend, lead, march 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tread, march, march forth 1a2) to tread on, tread upon 1a3) to tread (a press) 1a4) to tread (bend) a bow 1a5) archer, bow-benders (participle) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to tread, tread down 1b2) to tread (bend with the foot) a bow 1b3) to cause to go, lead, march, tread
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: archer, bend, come, draw, go (over), guide, lead (forth), thresh, tread (down), walk. See also: Numbers 24:17; Proverbs 4:11; Psalms 7:13.
תִּרְמֹ֖ס râmaç H7429 "to trample" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to trample or tread on something, often in a violent or abusive manner. It is used in the Bible to describe oppression or mistreatment. In KJV translations, it is rendered as 'oppressor' or 'trample'.
Definition: 1) to trample 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to trample 1a2) trampler (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be trampled
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: oppressor, stamp upon, trample (under feet), tread (down, upon). See also: 2 Kings 7:17; Isaiah 26:6; Psalms 7:6.
כְּפִ֣יר kᵉphîyr H3715 "lion" N-ms
This word can mean either a village or a young lion. It is used in the Bible to describe a place or an animal, like a lion with a mane. The KJV translates it as lion or village.
Definition: young lion
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: (young) lion, village. Compare H3723 (כָּפָר). See also: Judges 14:5; Jeremiah 2:15; Psalms 17:12.
וְ/תַנִּֽין tannîyn H8577 "jackal" Conj | N-ms
This word refers to a monster or serpent, like a sea-serpent or dragon, as described in Psalm 74:13 and Isaiah 27:1. It can also mean a venomous snake or a whale, symbolizing powerful creatures.
Definition: jackal Also means: tan.nah (תַּנָּה "dragon" H8568)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: dragon, sea-monster, serpent, whale. See also: Genesis 1:21; Isaiah 27:1; Psalms 44:20.

Study Notes — Psalms 91:13

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Luke 10:19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will harm you.
2 Daniel 6:22 My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, for I was found innocent in His sight, and I have done no wrong against you, O king.”
3 Mark 16:18 they will pick up snakes with their hands, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not harm them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will be made well.”
4 1 Samuel 17:37 David added, “The LORD, who delivered me from the claws of the lion and the bear, will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” “Go,” said Saul, “and may the LORD be with you.”
5 Romans 16:20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
6 2 Timothy 4:17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles would hear it. So I was delivered from the mouth of the lion.
7 Judges 14:5–6 Then Samson went down to Timnah with his father and mother and came to the vineyards of Timnah. Suddenly a young lion came roaring at him, and the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him, and he tore the lion apart with his bare hands as one would tear a young goat. But he did not tell his father or mother what he had done.
8 Acts 28:3–6 Paul gathered a bundle of sticks, and as he laid them on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself to his hand. When the islanders saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “Surely this man is a murderer. Although he was saved from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.” But Paul shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. The islanders were expecting him to swell up or suddenly drop dead. But after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.
9 Isaiah 27:1 In that day the LORD will take His sharp, great, and mighty sword, and bring judgment on Leviathan the fleeing serpent —Leviathan the coiling serpent—and He will slay the dragon of the sea.
10 Revelation 20:1–2 Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven with the key to the Abyss, holding in his hand a great chain. He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.

Psalms 91:13 Summary

This verse is saying that God will protect us from harm, even from the most dangerous things, like lions and cobras. Just like God protected Daniel from the lions in Daniel 6:22, He will protect us too. We can trust in God's love and care for us, and know that He will be with us in the midst of danger, as seen in Psalms 23:4. By trusting in Him, we can overcome any challenge that comes our way, with His strength and power, as seen in Philippians 4:13.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of protection is being promised in Psalms 91:13?

This verse promises that God will protect us from harm, even from the most dangerous of creatures, as seen in the lion and cobra, just as He protected Daniel in Daniel 6:22 and Paul in Acts 28:3-6.

Is this verse promising that we will never face danger or harm?

No, this verse is not promising that we will never face danger, but rather that God will be with us and protect us in the midst of it, as seen in Isaiah 43:2 and Psalms 23:4.

How can we have confidence in God's protection as promised in Psalms 91:13?

We can have confidence in God's protection by trusting in His love and care for us, as seen in Psalms 91:14, and by obeying His commands and living a life that honors Him, as seen in John 15:10.

Is this verse only for certain people or can anyone claim this promise?

This promise is for anyone who loves and trusts in God, as seen in Psalms 91:14, and is not limited to a specific group of people, but is available to all who call on His name, as seen in Romans 10:13.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some 'lions and cobras' in my life that I need to trust God to protect me from?
  2. How can I demonstrate my trust in God's protection in my daily life, just as the Israelites did in Exodus 14:13-14?
  3. What are some ways that I can 'tread on' or overcome the challenges and dangers that I face, with God's help, as seen in Philippians 4:13?
  4. How can I use this verse to encourage and comfort others who are facing danger or harm, as seen in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 91:13

Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder,.... Or be unhurt by such savage and poisonous creatures; as the Israelites, when they travelled through the wilderness, in which were serpents and scorpions;

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 91:13

Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder; the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 91:13

The lion shall lie prostrate at thy feet, and thou shalt securely put thy feet upon his neck, as the Israelites did upon the necks of the Canaanitish kings, . The dragon; by which he synecdochically understands all pernicious creatures, though never so strong, and fierce, and subtle, and all sorts of enemies.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 91:13

Psalms 91:13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.Ver. 13. Thou shalt tread upon the lion, &c.] No creature shall harm thee, so as to hinder thine eternal happiness. See Isaiah 11:6-8 Hosea 2:18 Job 5:23 Mark 16:18. This text was shamefully abused by Pope Alexander, A.D. 1159, when at Venice he trod upon the neck of the Emperor Frederic Barbarossa, and said, as here, super leonem et aspidem ambulabis, &c.

Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 91:13

(13) Lion . . . adder . . . young lion.—These are used no doubt, emblematically for the various obstacles, difficulties, and danger which threatens life. (For “adder,” see Note, Psalms 58:4; “dragon,” Psalms 74:13.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 91:13

Verse 13. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder] Even the king of the forest shall not be able to injure thee; should one of these attack thee, the angels whom God sends will give thee an easy victory over him. And even the asp, (פתן pethen,) one of the most venomous of serpents, shall not be able to injure thee. The asp is a very small serpent, and peculiar to Egypt and Libya. Its poison kills without the possibility of a remedy. Those who are bitten by it die in about from three to eight hours; and it is said they die by sleep, without any kind of pain. Lord Bacon says the asp is less painful than all the other instruments of death. He supposes it to have an affinity to opium, but to be less disagreeable in its operation. It was probably an this account that Cleopatra, queen of Egypt, chose to die by the asp, as she was determined to prevent the designs of Augustus, who intended to have carried her captive to Rome to grace his triumph. The dragon shalt thou trample] The תנין tannin, which we translate dragon, means often any large aquatic animal; and perhaps here the crocodile or alligator.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 91:13

13. Thou shalt triumphantly overcome all obstacles and dangers, whether of fierce and open violence, or of secret and insidious treachery. Cp. Luke 10:19; Romans 16:20.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 91:13

Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder - Thou shalt be safe among dangers, as if the rage of the lion were restrained, and he became like a lamb, and as if the poisonous tooth of the serpent were extracted. Compare Mark 16:18.

Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 91:13

13. Lion… adder—Two deadly enemies, the one representing open violence, the other secret cunning; both formerly, and the adder (Hebrew, pethen, see note on Psalms 58:4,) still, infesting the Arabian desert.

Sermons on Psalms 91:13

SermonDescription
Timothy Tow I Will Even Prolong His Life by Timothy Tow In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of falling down the stairs and miraculously being unharmed. He relates this incident to a Chinese proverb that says little
Henry Law Psalm 91 by Henry Law Henry Law preaches on Psalm 91, emphasizing the firm confidence expressed in God's protecting power during times of trouble and pestilence. Those who dwell in the secret place of t
Compilations Everyone Needs to Do Nursery (Compilation) by Compilations In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his past actions and realizes that he had been serving with the wrong motives, attitude, relationship, and resources. He feels remorseful an
Compilations Freedom Cd - Track 10 (Compilation) by Compilations In this sermon, John Welsh shares his personal testimony of how he was delivered from a life of homosexuality and drug addiction. He emphasizes that God's love and sacrifice on the
Leonard Ravenhill Question of the World to a Man of God by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Samson from the Bible. Samson was a man with great strength and anointing from God. However, he made a mistake by revealing his
Leonard Ravenhill Questions of the World to a Man of God by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of a giant who had the anointing of God and was unstoppable. The giant's secret was given to a woman who then bound, blinded, and g
David Legge The Revival We Need a Call to Arms by David Legge This sermon emphasizes the call to spiritual arms, urging believers to engage in a spiritual battle using the armor of God. It highlights the need for revival, personal consecratio

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