Psalms 27:2
Psalms 27:2 in Multiple Translations
When the wicked came upon me to devour my flesh, my enemies and foes stumbled and fell.
When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
When evil-doers came upon me to eat up my flesh, Even mine adversaries and my foes, they stumbled and fell.
When evil-doers, even my haters, came on me to put an end to me, they were broken and put to shame.
When evil people come at me to tear me apart, it's my enemies, those who are against me, they're the ones who trip and fall.
When the wicked, euen mine enemies and my foes came vpon mee to eate vp my flesh; they stumbled and fell.
When evil doers come near to me to eat my flesh, My adversaries and mine enemies to me, They have stumbled and fallen.
When evildoers came at me to eat up my flesh, even my adversaries and my foes, they stumbled and fell.
When the wicked, even my enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
Hear, O Lord, the voice of my supplication, when I pray to thee; when I lift up my hands to thy holy temple.
When those who do evil come near me to attack me, they stumble and fall down.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 27:2
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 27:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בִּ/קְרֹ֤ב
עָלַ֨/י
מְרֵעִים֮
לֶ/אֱכֹ֪ל
אֶת
בְּשָׂ֫רִ֥/י
צָרַ֣/י
וְ/אֹיְבַ֣/י
לִ֑/י
הֵ֖מָּה
כָשְׁל֣וּ
וְ/נָפָֽלוּ
בִּ/קְרֹ֤ב
qârab
H7126
to present
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
עָלַ֨/י
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
מְרֵעִים֮
râʻaʻ
H7489
be evil
V-Hiphil
לֶ/אֱכֹ֪ל
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
בְּשָׂ֫רִ֥/י
bâsâr
H1320
flesh
N-ms | Suff
צָרַ֣/י
tsar
H6862
narrow
N-mp | Suff
וְ/אֹיְבַ֣/י
ʼôyêb
H341
enemy
Conj | V-Qal | Suff
לִ֑/י
Prep | Suff
הֵ֖מָּה
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
כָשְׁל֣וּ
kâshal
H3782
to stumble
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
וְ/נָפָֽלוּ
nâphal
H5307
to fall
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3cp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 27:2
בִּ/קְרֹ֤ב
qârab
H7126
"to present"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To approach or come near someone or something, often with a sense of purpose or intention, like Moses approaching the burning bush in Exodus 3:5. This word can also mean to bring someone or something near, as in presenting an offering to God.
Definition: : come/approach 1) to come near, approach, enter into, draw near 1a) (Qal) to approach, draw near 1b) (Niphal) to be brought near 1c) (Piel) to cause to approach, bring near, cause to draw near 1d) (Hiphil) to bring near, bring, present
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) approach, (cause to) bring (forth, near), (cause to) come (near, nigh), (cause to) draw near (nigh), go (near), be at hand, join, be near, offer, present, produce, make ready, stand, take. See also: Genesis 12:11; Leviticus 22:22; 1 Samuel 10:21.
עָלַ֨/י
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
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.
מְרֵעִים֮
râʻaʻ
H7489
"be evil"
V-Hiphil
This word means to shatter or break something into pieces, making it useless or bad. It can also mean to afflict or displease someone.
Definition: 1) to be bad, be evil 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to be displeasing 1a2) to be sad 1a3) to be injurious, be evil 1a4) to be wicked, be evil (ethically) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to do an injury or hurt 1b2) to do evil or wickedly 1b3) mischief (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 99 OT verses. KJV: afflict, associate selves (by mistake for H7462 (רָעָה)), break (down, in pieces), [phrase] displease, (be, bring, do) evil (doer, entreat, man), show self friendly (by mistake for H7462 (רָעָה)), do harm, (do) hurt, (behave self, deal) ill, [idiom] indeed, do mischief, punish, still, vex, (do) wicked (doer, -ly), be (deal, do) worse. See also: Genesis 19:7; Psalms 27:2; Psalms 2:9.
לֶ/אֱכֹ֪ל
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
בְּשָׂ֫רִ֥/י
bâsâr
H1320
"flesh"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for flesh refers to the body or a person, and can also describe living things or animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe humans and animals, as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) flesh 1a) of the body 1a1) of humans 1a2) of animals 1b) the body itself 1c) male organ of generation (euphemism) 1d) kindred, blood-relations 1e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God) 1f) all living things 1g) animals 1h) mankind Aramaic equivalent: be.shar (בְּשַׁר "flesh" H1321)
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind, [phrase] nakedness, self, skin. See also: Genesis 2:21; Numbers 11:21; Psalms 16:9.
צָרַ֣/י
tsar
H6862
"narrow"
N-mp | Suff
This word means hard or narrow, often referring to trouble or a tight spot, like an adversary or affliction. It can also mean a small stone or pebble, such as flint, and is used in various biblical contexts to describe challenges.
Definition: narrow, tight
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: adversary, afflicted(-tion), anguish, close, distress, enemy, flint, foe, narrow, small, sorrow, strait, tribulation, trouble. See also: Genesis 14:20; Psalms 89:24; Psalms 3:2.
וְ/אֹיְבַ֣/י
ʼôyêb
H341
"enemy"
Conj | V-Qal | Suff
This Hebrew word means enemy or adversary, referring to someone who hates or opposes another person or nation. It is used to describe personal or national enemies in the Bible.
Definition: 1) (Qal) enemy 1a) personal 1b) national
Usage: Occurs in 275 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe. See also: Genesis 22:17; 2 Samuel 22:1; Psalms 3:8.
לִ֑/י
""
Prep | Suff
הֵ֖מָּה
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
כָשְׁל֣וּ
kâshal
H3782
"to stumble"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To stumble means to lose your balance and almost fall, often because of weakness. In the Bible, it can also mean to falter or fail spiritually. This word is used in many books, including Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to stumble, stagger, totter 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stumble 1a2) to totter 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to stumble 1b2) to be tottering, be feeble 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to stumble, bring injury or ruin to, overthrow 1c2) to make feeble, make weak 1d) (Hophal) to be made to stumble 1e) (Piel) bereave
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: bereave (from the margin), cast down, be decayed, (cause to) fail, (cause, make to) fall (down, -ing), feeble, be (the) ruin(-ed, of), (be) overthrown, (cause to) stumble, [idiom] utterly, be weak. See also: Leviticus 26:37; Jeremiah 6:15; Psalms 9:4.
וְ/נָפָֽלוּ
nâphal
H5307
"to fall"
Conj | V-Qal-Perf-3cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
Study Notes — Psalms 27:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 27:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 27:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 27:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 27:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 27:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 27:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 27:2
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 27:2
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 27:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 27:2
- Sermons on Psalms 27:2
Context — The LORD Is My Salvation
1The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— whom shall I dread?
2When the wicked came upon me to devour my flesh, my enemies and foes stumbled and fell.
3Though an army encamps around me, my heart will not fear; though a war breaks out against me, I will keep my trust. 4One thing I have asked of the LORD; this is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and seek Him in His temple.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 118:12 | They swarmed around me like bees, but they were extinguished like burning thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off. |
| 2 | Psalms 14:4 | Will the workers of iniquity never learn? They devour my people like bread; they refuse to call upon the LORD. |
| 3 | Psalms 9:3 | When my enemies retreat, they stumble and perish before You. |
| 4 | Isaiah 8:15 | Many will stumble over these; they will fall and be broken; they will be ensnared and captured.” |
| 5 | Psalms 3:7 | Arise, O LORD! Save me, O my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked. |
| 6 | Job 19:22 | Why do you persecute me as God does? Will you never get enough of my flesh? |
| 7 | Psalms 18:4 | The cords of death encompassed me; the torrents of chaos overwhelmed me. |
| 8 | Psalms 22:16 | For dogs surround me; a band of evil men encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet. |
| 9 | Psalms 53:4 | Will the workers of iniquity never learn? They devour my people like bread; they refuse to call upon God. |
| 10 | Psalms 62:3–4 | How long will you threaten a man? Will all of you throw him down like a leaning wall or a tottering fence? They fully intend to cast him down from his lofty perch; they delight in lies; with their mouths they bless, but inwardly they curse. Selah |
Psalms 27:2 Summary
This verse is saying that even when bad people try to hurt us, God can make them fail and fall. It's like when you're playing a game and someone tries to trip you up, but you don't fall because someone is holding your hand. God is like that for us, holding our hand and keeping us safe, as promised in Psalms 121:3, where it says He will not let our foot slip. We can trust that He will help us overcome any challenge or enemy that comes our way, just like He did for the psalmist in this verse, and we can have confidence in His presence and power, as encouraged in Psalms 23:4.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the wicked to 'devour my flesh' in Psalms 27:2?
This phrase is a metaphor for the intense persecution and harm that the wicked intended to inflict upon the psalmist, similar to what is described in Psalms 37:32, where the wicked seek to kill the righteous.
How did the psalmist's enemies and foes 'stumble and fall'?
The exact circumstances are not specified, but it is clear that God intervened on behalf of the psalmist, causing the enemies to fail in their attempts, much like in Psalms 35:26, where the enemies are put to shame.
Is this verse promising that all believers will be physically protected from harm?
While God does promise to be our refuge and strength in times of trouble, as seen in Psalms 46:1, this verse is more about the spiritual victory and confidence that comes from trusting in God, rather than a guarantee of physical protection from all harm.
How can I apply the confidence of Psalms 27:2 to my own life?
By remembering that God is our light and salvation, as stated in Psalms 27:1, we can trust that He will help us overcome any challenge or enemy that comes our way, and we can pray for His protection and guidance, as encouraged in Philippians 4:6-7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have seen God protect me from spiritual or physical harm in my own life?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's power and presence, even in the face of opposition or danger?
- In what ways can I 'stumble' or fall if I am not trusting in God's strength and guidance?
- What are some 'enemies' or challenges that I am currently facing, and how can I apply the principles of this verse to those situations?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 27:2
When the wicked, [even] mine enemies and my foes, came upon me,.... They are wicked men, men of malignant spirits, and evildoers, who are the enemies and foes of the people of God, and who hate them
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 27:2
When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. When ... came ... to eat up my flesh, they stumbled.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 27:2
To eat up my flesh; greedy to devour me at one morsel. Compare 31:31.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 27:2
Psalms 27:2 When the wicked, [even] mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.Ver. 2. When the wicked, even mine enemies, came upon me] Made impression upon me, with utmost violence and open mouth, as if they would have devoured me, like a cannibal; or as a lion doth a sheep, inhumanissime, ferarumque more, saith Junius, barbarously and beastly. They stumbled and fell] Irritis conatibus corruerunt, they utterly lost their design, as did those Amalekites who had sacked Ziklag, 1 Samuel 30:16-19, and Saul often. If a man stumble and fall not, he gets ground; but if after much blundering he kiss the ground, he falleth with a force. David’ s enemies did so, corruerunt et conciderunt; they were irreparably ruined.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 27:2
(2) When . . .—Literally, In the coming against me (of) the wicked to devour my flesh—my enemies and my foes to me—themselves stumbled and fell. Job 19:22 would allow us to understand those who eat up flesh, as a figure for calumniators and detractors; but the context marks out the situation so clearly as that of a warrior, that we rather take it as a general metaphor for savage and violent attacks. To me, is an emphatic repetition—my enemies, mine.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 27:2
Verse 2. When the wicked - came upon me] Near as I appeared to you to be in danger of losing my life, I was safe enough in the hands of the Lord; and those who thought to have eaten me up, stumbled, failed of their purpose, and fell; the Philistine lost his own life.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 27:2
2. When evil-doers came near against me to eat my flesh, Even mine adversaries and my foes, they stumbled and fell. This may refer to past experience, or it may be a confident anticipation of the discomfiture of his foes. According to a common Hebrew idiom the perfect tense may realise their defeat as an accomplished plished fact. See Appendix, Note IV. He compares his assailants to wild beasts, eager to devour him. Cp. Psalms 3:7. stumbled and fell] Cp. Isaiah 8:15; Jeremiah 46:6.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 27:2
When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me - This refers, doubtless, to some particular period of his past life when he was in very great danger, and when God interposed to save him.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 27:2
2. To eat up my flesh—An image borrowed from the habits of beasts of prey. Job 19:22. They stumbled and fell—An evident recognition of a great victory over his enemies. See 2 Samuel 18.
Sermons on Psalms 27:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Lord’s Perfect Provision for His Own Masterpiece by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of going through trials and testing in order to truly know and experience Jesus. He shares a personal story of being surrounde |
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"Loose Him, and Let Him Go!" by T. Austin-Sparks | James emphasizes the importance of drawing near to God, highlighting the significance of approaching Him in worship and communion, seeking to enter into a close relationship with H |
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Exposition on Psalm 118 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches on the importance of praising the Lord and confessing His goodness, emphasizing that God's mercy endures forever. He encourages all, from Israel to those who |
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Calling on the Name of the Lord by Jim Cymbala | This sermon emphasizes the power and importance of calling on the name of the Lord in times of trouble and need. It recounts personal experiences and biblical principles that highl |
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(Through the Bible) Psalms 51-60 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of God having the ability to record and playback every scene of our lives. He compares this to the experience of watching old home |
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Peace in the Midst of the Storm by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Psalm 3, where David laments the increase of his enemies, including his own son Absalom. David is troubled by the lack of loyalty from those |
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Psalm 5 by Carl Armerding | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer and devotion to God. He shares personal experiences and insights from his 60 years of knowing the Lord. The speaker |