Psalms 17:11
Psalms 17:11 in Multiple Translations
They have tracked us down, and now surround us; their eyes are set to cast us to the ground,
They have now compassed us in our steps: they have set their eyes bowing down to the earth;
They have now compassed us in our steps; They set their eyes to cast us down to the earth.
They have made a circle round our steps: their eyes are fixed on us, forcing us down to the earth;
They hunt me down and surround me, looking for the chance to knock me down in the dust.
They haue compassed vs now in our steps: they haue set their eyes to bring downe to the ground:
'Our steps now have compassed [him];' Their eyes they set to turn aside in the land.
They have now surrounded us in our steps. They set their eyes to cast us down to the earth.
They have now compassed us in our steps: they have set their eyes bowing down to the earth;
And he ascended upon the cherubim, and he flew; he flew upon the wings of the winds.
They have hunted/searched for me and found me. They surround me, watching for an opportunity to throw me to the ground.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 17:11
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 17:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַ֭שֻּׁרֵי/נוּ
עַתָּ֣ה
סבבו/ני
סְבָב֑וּ/נוּ
עֵינֵי/הֶ֥ם
יָ֝שִׁ֗יתוּ
לִ/נְט֥וֹת
בָּ/אָֽרֶץ
אַ֭שֻּׁרֵי/נוּ
ʼâshur
H838
step
N-fp | Suff
עַתָּ֣ה
ʻattâh
H6258
now
Adv
סבבו/ני
çâbab
H5437
to turn
V-Qal-Perf-3cp | Suff
סְבָב֑וּ/נוּ
çâbab
H5437
to turn
V-Qal-Perf-3cp | Suff
עֵינֵי/הֶ֥ם
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd | Suff
יָ֝שִׁ֗יתוּ
shîyth
H7896
to set
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
לִ/נְט֥וֹת
nâṭâh
H5186
to stretch
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
בָּ/אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
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 17:11
אַ֭שֻּׁרֵי/נוּ
ʼâshur
H838
"step"
N-fp | Suff
The Hebrew word for step refers to the act of walking or going. It is used in the Bible to describe movement or progress, as seen in the story of Jacob's ladder in Genesis. This word is translated as going or step in the KJV.
Definition: step, going Also means: a.shur (אַשֻּׁר "step" H0838B)
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: going, step. See also: Job 23:11; Psalms 37:31; Psalms 17:5.
עַתָּ֣ה
ʻattâh
H6258
"now"
Adv
This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.
Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases
Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.
סבבו/ני
çâbab
H5437
"to turn"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp | Suff
To turn or surround is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can be used literally or figuratively. It appears in the Bible to describe changing direction or surrounding something.
Definition: : turn/bring_around 1) to turn, turn about or around or aside or back or towards, go about or around, surround, encircle, change direction 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn, turn about, be brought round, change 1a2) to march or walk around, go partly around, circle about, skirt, make a round, make a circuit, go about to, surround, encompass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, close round, turn round 1b2) to be turned over to 1c) (Piel) to turn about, change, transform 1d) (Poel) 1d1) to encompass, surround 1d2) to come about, assemble round 1d3) to march, go about 1d4) to enclose, envelop 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to turn, cause to turn, turn back, reverse, bring over, turn into, bring round 1e2) to cause to go around, surround, encompass 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be turned 1f2) to be surrounded
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: bring, cast, fetch, lead, make, walk, [idiom] whirl, [idiom] round about, be about on every side, apply, avoid, beset (about), besiege, bring again, carry (about), change, cause to come about, [idiom] circuit, (fetch a) compass (about, round), drive, environ, [idiom] on every side, beset (close, come, compass, go, stand) round about, inclose, remove, return, set, sit down, turn (self) (about, aside, away, back). See also: Genesis 2:11; 1 Chronicles 16:43; Psalms 7:8.
סְבָב֑וּ/נוּ
çâbab
H5437
"to turn"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp | Suff
To turn or surround is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can be used literally or figuratively. It appears in the Bible to describe changing direction or surrounding something.
Definition: : turn/bring_around 1) to turn, turn about or around or aside or back or towards, go about or around, surround, encircle, change direction 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn, turn about, be brought round, change 1a2) to march or walk around, go partly around, circle about, skirt, make a round, make a circuit, go about to, surround, encompass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to turn oneself, close round, turn round 1b2) to be turned over to 1c) (Piel) to turn about, change, transform 1d) (Poel) 1d1) to encompass, surround 1d2) to come about, assemble round 1d3) to march, go about 1d4) to enclose, envelop 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to turn, cause to turn, turn back, reverse, bring over, turn into, bring round 1e2) to cause to go around, surround, encompass 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be turned 1f2) to be surrounded
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: bring, cast, fetch, lead, make, walk, [idiom] whirl, [idiom] round about, be about on every side, apply, avoid, beset (about), besiege, bring again, carry (about), change, cause to come about, [idiom] circuit, (fetch a) compass (about, round), drive, environ, [idiom] on every side, beset (close, come, compass, go, stand) round about, inclose, remove, return, set, sit down, turn (self) (about, aside, away, back). See also: Genesis 2:11; 1 Chronicles 16:43; Psalms 7:8.
עֵינֵי/הֶ֥ם
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
יָ֝שִׁ֗יתוּ
shîyth
H7896
"to set"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to place or set something, and it's used in many different ways, like appointing someone to a job or setting your mind to do something. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to lay hands on someone or make something happen.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, lay (hand upon) 1a2) to set, station, appoint, fix, set mind to 1a3) to constitute, make (one something), make like, perform 1a4) to take one's stand 1a5) to lay waste 1b) (Hophal) to be imposed, be set upon
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: apply, appoint, array, bring, consider, lay (up), let alone, [idiom] look, make, mark, put (on), [phrase] regard, set, shew, be stayed, [idiom] take. See also: Genesis 3:15; Psalms 21:7; Psalms 3:7.
לִ/נְט֥וֹת
nâṭâh
H5186
"to stretch"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.
Definition: 1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer 1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent) 1a3) to bend, turn, incline 1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down 1a3b) to bend, bow 1a3c) to hold out, extend (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stretch out 1c2) to spread out 1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away
Usage: Occurs in 207 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afternoon, apply, bow (down, -ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down, be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched, overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread (out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away), wrest, cause to yield. See also: Genesis 12:8; Psalms 31:3; Psalms 17:6.
בָּ/אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
Study Notes — Psalms 17:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 17:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 17:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 17:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 17:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 17:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 17:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 17:11
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 17:11
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 17:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 17:11
- Sermons on Psalms 17:11
Context — Hear My Righteous Plea
9from the wicked who assail me, from my mortal enemies who surround me.
10They have closed their callous hearts; their mouths speak with arrogance.
11They have tracked us down, and now surround us; their eyes are set to cast us to the ground,
12like a lion greedy for prey, like a young lion lurking in ambush. 13Arise, O LORD, confront them! Bring them to their knees; deliver me from the wicked by Your sword,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 37:14 | The wicked have drawn the sword and bent the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright. |
| 2 | Proverbs 6:13–14 | winking his eyes, speaking with his feet, and pointing with his fingers. With deceit in his heart he devises evil; he continually sows discord. |
| 3 | Psalms 10:8–10 | He lies in wait near the villages; in ambush he slays the innocent; his eyes watch in stealth for the helpless. He lies in wait like a lion in a thicket; he lurks to seize the oppressed; he catches the lowly in his net. They are crushed and beaten down; the hapless fall prey to his strength. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 24:2–3 | So Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel and went to look for David and his men in the region of the Rocks of the Wild Goats. Soon Saul came to the sheepfolds along the road, where there was a cave, and he went in to relieve himself. And David and his men were hiding in the recesses of the cave. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 23:26 | Saul was proceeding along one side of the mountain, and David and his men along the other side. Even though David was hurrying to get away, Saul and his men were closing in on David and his men to capture them. |
| 6 | Psalms 88:17 | All day long they engulf me like water; they enclose me on every side. |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 26:2–3 | So Saul, accompanied by three thousand chosen men of Israel, went down to the Wilderness of Ziph to search for David there. Saul camped beside the road at the hill of Hachilah opposite Jeshimon, but David was living in the wilderness. When he realized that Saul had followed him there, |
Psalms 17:11 Summary
In Psalms 17:11, the psalmist describes being surrounded by enemies who want to hurt him. This verse reminds us that, even when we feel trapped or in danger, we can trust in God's power to save us, just like the psalmist did. We can look to God for protection and deliverance, just as the psalmist asks God to 'arise' and 'confront' his enemies in Psalms 17:13, and trust in His sovereignty, as taught in Psalms 23:4 and Romans 8:28.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of the enemies surrounding the psalmist in Psalms 17:11?
The context is one of intense persecution and danger, where the enemies of the psalmist have closed their hearts to God and speak with arrogance, as seen in Psalms 17:10, and are now seeking to bring harm to the psalmist, as described in Psalms 17:9.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of trust in God's deliverance?
This verse highlights the psalmist's trust in God's deliverance, as seen in the subsequent verse, Psalms 17:13, where the psalmist asks God to arise and deliver him from the wicked, demonstrating faith in God's power to save, as also seen in Psalms 34:17-18.
What can we learn from the enemies' actions in this verse?
The enemies' actions, such as tracking down and surrounding the psalmist, demonstrate the depths of human depravity and the need for God's protection, as emphasized in Psalms 140:1-3, and serve as a reminder to trust in God's sovereignty, as taught in Proverbs 21:1.
How does this verse apply to our lives today?
This verse reminds us that, as Christians, we may face persecution and opposition, but we can trust in God's deliverance and protection, just like the psalmist, and look to Him for strength and guidance, as encouraged in Isaiah 41:10 and 2 Thessalonians 3:3.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I feel 'surrounded' by challenges or pressures in my life, and how can I apply the psalmist's trust in God's deliverance to those situations?
- How do I respond when faced with enemies or opposition, and what can I learn from the psalmist's example of crying out to God for help?
- In what ways can I demonstrate trust in God's sovereignty and protection in my daily life, even in the face of adversity or danger?
- What are some 'lion-like' challenges or pressures that I am currently facing, and how can I look to God for deliverance, as described in Psalms 17:12-13?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 17:11
They have now compassed us in our steps,.... The sense is, they could not stir a step but they were at their heels, surrounding them on every side.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 17:11
They have now compassed us in our steps: they have set their eyes bowing down to the earth; They have now compassed us in our steps. So the Qeri' reads [ cªbaabuwnuw (H5437)].
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 17:11
In our steps, i. e. in all our ways. We go from place to place, to rocks, and caves, and woods; but wheresoever we go they are at hand, and ready to surround us; of which see an example, . They have set their eyes, to wit, upon or against us, i.e. they have discovered us, and keep their eyes fixed upon us, that we may not escape, or as designing to shoot at us. Bowing down to the earth, i. e. couching and casting themselves down upon the earth, that they may not be discovered, and so may watch the fittest opportunity to surprise us; which sense is favoured by the next verse, and by comparing . Otherwise, to cast us down to the earth.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 17:11
Psalms 17:11 They have now compassed us in our steps: they have set their eyes bowing down to the earth;Ver. 11. They have now compassed us in our steps] i.e. Me and my company; so that we cannot stir any whither but we are in danger of them. "In all thy ways acknowledge God, and he shall direct thy paths," Proverbs 3:6. "Commit thy way unto the Lord, trust also in him," &c., Psalms 32:5. Keep within God’ s precincts, and thou shalt be under his protection. He took order that a bird should be safe upon her own nest. They have set their eyes bowing down to the earth] i.e. Hoc unum spectant ut ruamus (Junius). They are earnestly bent and firmly resolved upon our ruin, as one that fixeth his eyes upon another, to mark him, or to know him again; or as bulls, ready to run at one, set their eyes downward.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 17:11
(11) They have now . . .—Evidently the meaning is, Wherever we go they surround us like curs, i.e., they dog our footsteps. But the text is confused. They have set.—Literally, they fix their eyes to cast on the earth, which may mean, “they fix their eyes on me, ready to strike me to the ground.” Ewald, “they direct their eyes through the land to strike.” But Mr. Burgess suggests a translation at once simple and convincing. He brings the first word back from the next verse, and points it our blood, instead of the awkward his likeness. He thus gets, “They have set their eyes to shed our blood on the earth.” For the Hebrew verb in similar sense, comp. Isaiah 66:12.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 17:11
Verse 11. They have now compassed us in our steps] Instead of אשרנו ashshurenu, "our steps," Dr. Kennicott and others recommend אשרינו ashreynu, "O lucky we, at last we have compassed him." He cannot now escape; he is sure to fall into our hands. They have set their eyes bowing down to the earth] All the commentators and critics have missed the very expressive and elegant metaphor contained in this clause. Kennicott says, They drove the hart into toils, and then shot him. Bishop Horsley says, on the clause, They have set their eyes bowing down to the earth: "This is the attitude of huntsmen, taking aim at an animal upon the ground." No, it is the attitude of the huntsmen looking for the slot, or track of the hart's, hind's, or antelope's foot on the ground. See at the conclusion of the Psalm. See Clarke on Psalms 17:15.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 17:11
11. It has come to this that they beset the Psalmist and his adherents at every step. See 1 Samuel 23:26. They have set &c.] R.V., They set their eyes to cast us down to the earth. They watch intently for an opportunity of overthrowing us. Cp. Psalms 37:32; Psalms 37:14; Psalms 10:8.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 17:11
They have now compassed us - Myself, and those who are associated with me. It would seem from this that the psalmist was not alone. It is to be observed, however, that there is a difference of reading in the Hebrew text.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 17:11
11. They have now compassed us in our steps—They have completely surrounded us, so as to cut off all retreat.
Sermons on Psalms 17:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Sacrificing for the Good of Others by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the importance of being a light for the righteous and upright in heart, emphasizing the need for the divine light to shine brightly within us, a |
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Step 24 on Meekness, Simplicity, Guilelessness Which Come Not From Nature but From Habit, and About Malice by St. John Climacus | St. John Climacus preaches on the virtues of meekness, highlighting its importance as a precursor to humility. Meekness is described as an unchangeable state of mind that remains c |
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The Ibex or the Wild Goat by Harriet N. Cook | Harriet N. Cook uses the example of the ibex, also known as the wild goat, to illustrate God's provision and protection for His creation. Just as the ibex has been equipped by God |