Psalms 11:3 — Word Study
WLCכִּ֣י הַ֭שָּׁתוֹת יֵֽהָרֵס֑וּן צַ֝דִּ֗יק מַה־ פָּעָֽל׃
BSAIfkîy the foundationsshâthâh [bases, underlying principles] are destroyedhâraç▸ [overthrown, broken down] whatmâh [how] ◂can the righteoustsaddîyq [just, upright] dopâʻal■ [work, act]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| כִּ֣י | if | Particle |
| הַ֭שָּׁתוֹת | the foundations | Particle, noun common feminine plural absolute |
| יֵֽהָרֵס֑וּן | they will be torn down ! | Verb niphal imperfect third person masculine plural, suffix |
| צַ֝דִּ֗יק | [the] righteous | Adj |
| מַה־ | what? | Pronoun |
| פָּעָֽל׃ | does he do | Verb, Qal, perfect third person masculine singular |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” |
| KJV | If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? |
| ASV | If the foundations be destroyed, What can the righteous do? |
| YLT | When the foundations are destroyed, The righteous — what hath he done? |
| WEB | If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do? |
| BBE | If the bases are broken down, what is the upright man to do? |
The translations agree on the core meaning of the foundations being destroyed, emphasizing the significance of this concept.
The sentence presents a conditional statement followed by a rhetorical question, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectצַדִּיק
verbפָּעַל
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Psalms 11:3
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Righteous and the Foundations of Societygenerated
Psalm 11:3 presents a poignant question regarding the state of society when its moral foundations are compromised. The psalmist highlights the vulnerability of the righteous in the face of such destruction, emphasizing the importance of a strong moral base for justice and righteousness. This verse serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by those who seek to uphold righteousness in a world that may be crumbling around them, as seen in the surrounding verses that describe the wicked and the Lord's sovereignty.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 75:3 | When the earth and all its dwellers quake, it is I who bear up its pillars. Selah |
| 2 | Psalm 82:5 | They do not know or understand; they wander in the darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken. |
| 3 | Isaiah 58:12 | Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins; you will restore the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of the Breach, Restorer of the Streets of Dwelling. |
| 4 | 2 Timothy 2:19 | Nevertheless, God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from iniquity.” |
| 5 | 2 Kings 19:13–18 | Where are the kings of Hamath, Arpad, Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivvah?’” |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 13 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — הַ֭שָּׁתוֹת, Ha.sha.totgenerated
The Hebrew word שָׁת (shath) refers to foundations or supports, particularly in a moral or societal context. It suggests a base that holds up ethical standards and principles. In this verse, it underscores the importance of having strong moral foundations to sustain righteousness.
The plural form indicates multiple aspects or areas of foundational support, highlighting that when these are destroyed, the implications are widespread. The parsing as a feminine plural noun suggests a collective concept of foundations that are essential for a just society.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
The translations consistently render the phrase as 'the foundations are destroyed,' indicating agreement on the core meaning.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main clause is governed by the verb יֵֽהָרֵס֑וּן, they will be torn down!, with two phrases: a conditional clause introduced by כִּ֣י (if) and a question posed to the subject צַ֝דִּ֗יק (the righteous). The structure emphasizes the condition of the foundations as critical to the actions of the righteous.
The word order places the condition first, highlighting the cause-and-effect relationship between the destruction of foundations and the subsequent questions regarding the actions of the righteous.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, the Hebrew word שָׁת is rendered as κατηρτίσω (kateritizō), which means 'to set in order' or 'to establish.' This choice suggests an interpretation that emphasizes the establishment of moral and societal order, contrasting with the Hebrew focus on destruction.
This translation choice reflects a broader understanding of the implications of moral foundations and their role in societal stability.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalm 11:3 asks a critical question about what the righteous can do if the foundations of morality and justice are destroyed. This verse emphasizes the importance of strong moral principles in society and the challenges faced by those who strive to live righteously.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It refers to the collapse of moral and ethical principles that support justice and righteousness in society.
The righteous are those who adhere to moral principles and seek to live justly, often in contrast to the wicked.
The verse poses this as a question, suggesting a sense of helplessness or the need for divine intervention in the face of societal collapse.
The surrounding verses discuss the wicked and God's sovereignty, framing the plight of the righteous within the broader context of divine justice.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What are some foundations of morality that I see being challenged in today's society?
- How can I contribute to strengthening the moral foundations in my community?
- In what ways can I support those who strive to live righteously amidst societal challenges?
- What actions can I take to promote justice and righteousness in my daily life?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early Church Fathers have commented on this verse, discussing the implications of moral foundations and the challenges faced by the righteous.
That which you have framed they have pulled down. Those were the seeds of the best ideas grafted by nature, which God impresses on each person, placing within their spirit the knowledge that is called natural.Early Church Fathers on Psalms 11 →
Let the Catholic soul then say, "In the Lord I trust; how say ye to my soul, Remove into the mountains as a sparrow? For, lo, the sinners have bent the bow, they have prepared their arrows in the quiver,Early Church Fathers on Psalms 11 →
Heretics … have destroyed the law of the Lord … by false interpretations, changes resulting in the death of some, while the Scriptures were intended to serve as the Lord’s prophets for our salvation.Early Church Fathers on Psalms 11 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 11:3 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleIf the foundations be destroyed,.... Or, "for the foundations are destroyed" (s); all things are out of order and course both in church and state; the laws, which are the foundations of government,
Read John Gill on Psalms 11 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryIf the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? If the foundations be destroyed - rather [ kiy (H3588)], 'For' ... 'are' - i:e., the particular malice of the wicked against the godly
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 11 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleIf; or, for; or, when. The foundations, i.e. piety, and justice, and fidelity, and mercy, which are the pillars or foundations of a state or kingdom, as they are called, ,3 82:5; by which they are established, , and which Saul and his courtiers had manifestly violated and overthrown in persecuting David and his friends. The sense is, There is nothing in public administrations but disorder and oppression, and right can take no place. What can the righteous do? the condition of all righteous men (whom thou hast engaged thyself to protect and deliver) will be desperate; which will not be for thine honour. Heb. what hath the righteous done? As for me and my friends, upon whom all the blame is…
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 11 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 11:3 If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?Ver. 3. If the foundations be destroyed] If all things be turned "topsy turvy" in the state, and no regard had to right or wrong, Sed vi geritur res, ut in regno Cyclopico; if Saul, notwithstanding mine alliance to him, and innocence toward him, his many fair promises to me, and those hazards and hardships I have suffered for his sake, will needs go on to hunt me up and down, as a partridge in the mountains, and to seek mine utter undoing, what can I do to help it? how can it be but the most righteous must have his share of sufferings? See Psalms 82:5. What can the righteous do?] More than glorify God, by suffering his…
Read John Trapp on Psalms 11 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(3) The foundations.—By this word must be understood the principles of morality, which are the foundation of society. Symmachus and Jerome render “laws.” But the rendering “What could the righteous do?” is doubtful. The image is of a house shattered by an earthquake (comp. Psalms 82:5); in such a case how find safety? The LXX. and Vulg. have “Since they have destroyed what thou hast established, what has the righteous done?” The order of the Hebrew words seems to support this rendering, “While morality has been overthrown, the righteous what has he done?” A suggested emendation, involving but a slight change in the Hebrew letters, would produce, however, a far better sense: “If the…
Read Charles John Ellicott on Psalms 11 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 3. If the foundations be destroyed] If Saul, who is the vicegerent of God, has cast aside his fear, and now regards neither truth nor justice, a righteous man has no security for his life. This is at present thy case; therefore flee! They have utterly destroyed the foundations; (of truth and equity;) what can righteousness now effect? Kimchi supposes this refers to the priests who were murdered by Doeg, at the command of Saul. The priests are destroyed, the preservers of knowledge and truth; the Divine worship is overthrown; and what can the righteous man work? These I think to be also the words of David's advisers. To all of which he answers:-
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 11 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges3. The state, or society, is compared to a building. The foundations upon which it rests (or the pillars which support it) are the fundamental principles of law and order and justice. The figure sometimes denotes nobles, or chief men, as in Isaiah 19:10 (R.V.), but the more general explanation is preferable here. Cp. Psalms 75:3; Psalms 82:5; Ezekiel 30:4. When these principles are being subverted, ‘what,’ asks the voice of despair, ‘can the righteous do? and the form of the question in the original seems to be intended to exclude the possibility of an encouraging answer. But the verse should probably be rendered (cp. R.V. marg.), For the foundations are being overthrown; what hath the…
Read Cambridge on Psalms 11 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleIf the foundations be destroyed - These are still to be regarded as the words of the psalmist’s advisers; or as an argument why he should make his escape.
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 11 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?”
If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?
If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?”
When the foundations are destroyed, what can the godly accomplish?”
Tyndale line
If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?
If the foundations be destroyed, What can the righteous do?
If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?
If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?
For the foundations are cast downe: what hath the righteous done?
Strictly literal
If the foundations be destroyed, what shall the righteous do?
When the foundations are destroyed, The righteous — what hath he done?
When the foundations are destroyed, || The righteous—what has he done?
For [if] the foundations be torn down, what can the righteous do?
For if the foundations are ruined, what can the righteous do?
From the Latin
They have spoken vain things every one to his neighbour: with deceitful lips, and with a double heart have they spoken.
Simplified
When the foundations of society are destroyed, what can those who live right do?
If the bases are broken down, what is the upright man to do?
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text, the Septuagint, and the Dead Sea Scrolls largely agree in their rendering of this verse, with minor variations in word order and restoration. The Dead Sea Scrolls show some editorial restoration, but the core message remains consistent across these witnesses.
כִּ֣י הַ֭שָּׁתוֹת יֵֽהָרֵס֑וּן צַ֝דִּ֗יק מַה־ פָּעָֽל׃
6 of the 6 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
כי [השתות] [יהרסו׳ן] [צדיק] [מה] פעל
1 word on the leather — 1 partly restored, 4 supplied entire by an editor.
כי השתות יהרסו׳ן צדיק מה פעל
5 words on the leather — 1 partly restored.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Psalms 11:3
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
כִּי (ki) is a conjunction primarily meaning 'that,' 'for,' or 'when.' It indicates causal relationships and can express conditions like 'if' or 'though.' The word is versatile, appearing in various contexts to convey certainty, exception, or concession. Notably, it can combine with other particles to modify its meaning, such as in the phrase כִּי אם־ (ki im), meaning 'that if.'
כִּי conj. that, for, when
that
Of time, when, of the past
elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם
when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though
Because, since
base
כִּי אם־
each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause:
that if
for if
(About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause—
limiting the prec. clause, except
the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but
after an oath, surely
base
כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
base
H3588a כִּי that, for, when . that
. . Of time, when, of the past
. elsewhere כִּי has a force approximating to if, though it usu. represents a case as more likely to occur than אִם
. when or if, with a concessive force, i.e. though
. Because, since
H3588b כִּי אם־ . each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause: . that if
. for if
. (About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause— . limiting the prec. clause, except
. the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but
. after an oath, surely
H3588c כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
3588 kiy kee
a primitive particle (the full form of the prepositional
prefix) indicating causal relations of all kinds, antecedent
or consequent; (by implication) very widely used as a relative
conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by
other particles annexed:--and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch,
where-)as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else,
even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, +
nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then,
therefore, + (al- )though, + till, truly, + until, when,
whether, while, whom, yea, yet.
כִּי (ki) — for.
1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since
1a) that
1a1) yea, indeed
1b) when (of time)
1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)
1c) because, since (causal connection)
1d) but (after negative)
1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if
1f) but rather, but
1g) except that
1h) only, nevertheless
1i) surely
1j) that is
1k) but if
1l) for though
1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
כִּי [אם] (ki im) — that if: except.
1) except if
1a) but if
1b) even though
כִּי [עַל כֵּן] (ki [al ken]) — for as that: since.
1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since
1a) that
1a1) yea, indeed
1b) when (of time)
1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force)
1c) because, since (causal connection)
1d) but (after negative)
Conj — ParticleHTc
שָׁת (shath) refers to a foundation or support, particularly in a societal or moral context. It is derived from a root meaning 'basis' and encompasses concepts of political or moral support. The entries consistently highlight its role as a foundational element.
[שָׁת] n.m. foundation, stay (of society)
base
H8356 [שָׁת] foundation, stay (of society)
8356 shathah shaw-thaw'
from 7896; a basis, i.e. (figuratively) political or moral
support:--foundation, purpose.
see HEBREW for 07896
שָׁת (sha.tah) — foundation.
foundation, support, stay
Art | N-mp — Particle · noun common feminine plural absoluteHTd/Ncfpa
הָרַס (harac) is a Hebrew verb meaning to throw down, break, or tear down. It covers a range of actions including overthrowing, destroying, and breaking through. The entries indicate it can be used in various forms, such as Qal, Niphal, and Piel, each reflecting different nuances of the action.
הָרַס vb. throw down, break or tear down
Qal
throw down, tear down
break down, break away
break through
Niph. be thrown or torn down
Pi. overthrow, tear down
base
H2040 הָרַס throw down, break or tear down .. throw down, tear down
. break down, break away
. break through
. be thrown or torn down
. overthrow, tear down
2040 harac haw-ras'
a primitive root; to pull down or in pieces, break,
&Š destroy:--beat down, break (down, through), destroy,
overthrow, pluck down, pull down, ruin, throw down, X utterly.
הָרַס (ha.ras) — to overthrow.
1) to tear down, break down, overthrow, beat down, break, break through, destroy, pluck down, pull down, throw down, ruined, destroyer, utterly
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to throw down, tear down
1a2) to break through
1a3) to break down, break away
1b) (Niphal) to be torn down, be thrown down
1c) (Piel)
1c1) to overthrow, tear down
1c2) destroyer (participle)
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp | Suff — Verb niphal imperfect third person masculine plural · suffixHVNi3mp/Sn
צַדִּיק (tsaddiyq) means just or righteous, covering various aspects such as lawful behavior, moral conduct, and being justified by God. It is derived from a related root and is used to describe individuals who are upright in character and actions.
צַדִּיק 206 adj. just, righteous
base
H6662 צַדִּיק just, righteous
6662 tsaddiyq tsad-deek'
from 6663; just:--just, lawful, righteous (man).
see HEBREW for 06663
צַדִּיק (tsad.diq) — righteous.
1) just, lawful, righteous
1a) just, righteous (in government)
1b) just, right (in one's cause)
1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character)
1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God)
1e) right, correct, lawful
Adj — AdjHAamsa
מָה (mah) is a Hebrew word primarily used as an interrogative particle meaning 'what?' or 'how?'. It can also function as an indefinite pronoun, encompassing meanings like 'anything' or 'whatever'. The word is versatile, appearing in various adverbial forms and often used with prefixes to express different nuances, such as reason or manner.
מָה, rarely מָה־, מַה־, מַהּ, מֶה, מַּ, מָ—pron.interrog. and indef. what? how? aught
interrog. what?
Used adverbially
Indef. pron.
With preps.
base
H4100 מָה, rarely מָה־, מַה־, מַהּ, מֶה, מַּ, מָ—pron. interrog. and indef. what? how? aught . interrog. what?
. Used adverbially
. Indef. pron.
. With preps.
4100 mah maw
or mah {mah}; or ma {maw}; or ma {mah}; also meh {meh}; a
primitive particle; properly, interrogative what? (including
how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including
how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and even
relatively, that which); often used with prefixes in various
adverbial or conjunctive senses:--how (long, oft, (-
soever)), (no-)thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing),
whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why.
מָה (mah) — what?.
interr pron
1) what, how, of what kind
1a) (interrogative)
1a1) what?
1a2) of what kind
1a3) what? (rhetorical)
1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what
1b) (adverb)
1b1) how, how now
1b2) why
1b3) how! (exclamation)
1c) (with prep)
1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means?
1c2) because of what?
1c3) the like of what?
1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often?
1c3b) for how long?
1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose?
1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore?
indef pron
2) anything, aught, what may
Part — PronounHPi
פָּעַל (pa'al) is a Hebrew verb meaning to do or make, often used in a systematic or habitual sense. It encompasses actions like committing, ordaining, and working, with a poetic nuance compared to the more common verb for 'to do' (עָשָׂה). The entries consistently highlight its usage in the Qal stem, emphasizing its foundational role in expressing action.
פָּעַל 67 vb. do, make (poet. for עָשָׂה)
Qal
do
make
base
H6466 פָּעַל do, make (poet. for עָשָׂה)
6466 pa`al paw-al'
a primitive root; to do or make (systematically and
habitually), especially to practise:--commit, (evil-)
do(-er), make(-r), ordain, work(-er).
פָּעַל (pa.al) — to work.
1) to do, make
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to do
1a2) to make
V-Qal-Perf-3ms — Verb · Qal · perfect third person masculine singularHVqp3ms
ha: The fifth letter of the Hebrew alphabet; transliterated in this Encyclopedia as "h." It came also to be used for the number 5. For name, etc., see ALPHABET.