Psalms 31:13
Psalms 31:13 in Multiple Translations
For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side. They conspire against me and plot to take my life.
For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.
For I have heard the defaming of many, Terror on every side: While they took counsel together against me, They devised to take away my life.
False statements against me have come to my ears; fear was on every side: they were talking together against me, designing to take away my life.
I hear many people whispering about me; terror surrounds me. They plot together against me, planning to kill me.
For I haue heard the rayling of great men: feare was on euery side, while they conspired together against mee, and consulted to take my life.
For I have heard an evil account of many, Fear [is] round about. In their being united against me, To take my life they have devised,
For I have heard the slander of many, terror on every side, while they conspire together against me, they plot to take away my life.
For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.
I have heard people slandering me, and they have caused me to become terrified. My enemies are making plans in order to kill me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 31:13
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 31:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
נִ֭שְׁכַּחְתִּי
כְּ/מֵ֣ת
מִ/לֵּ֑ב
הָ֝יִ֗יתִי
כִּ/כְלִ֥י
אֹבֵֽד
נִ֭שְׁכַּחְתִּי
shâkach
H7911
to forget
V-Niphal-Perf-1cs
כְּ/מֵ֣ת
mûwth
H4191
to die
Prep | V-Qal
מִ/לֵּ֑ב
lêb
H3820
heart
Prep | N-ms
הָ֝יִ֗יתִי
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
כִּ/כְלִ֥י
kᵉlîy
H3627
article/utensil
Prep | N-ms
אֹבֵֽד
ʼâbad
H6
to perish
V-Qal
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 31:13
נִ֭שְׁכַּחְתִּי
shâkach
H7911
"to forget"
V-Niphal-Perf-1cs
To forget something means to mislay it or be oblivious to it. This Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe when people forget things, like God's commands. The KJV translates it as 'to forget' or 'at all'.
Definition: 1) to forget, ignore, wither 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to forget 1a2) to cease to care 1b) (Niphal) to be forgotten 1c) (Piel) to cause to forget 1d) (Hiphil) to make or cause to forget 1e) (Hithpael) to be forgotten Aramaic equivalent: she.khach (שְׁכַח "to find" H7912)
Usage: Occurs in 95 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, (cause to) forget. See also: Genesis 27:45; Psalms 106:13; Psalms 9:13.
כְּ/מֵ֣ת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Prep | V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
מִ/לֵּ֑ב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
Prep | N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
הָ֝יִ֗יתִי
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כִּ/כְלִ֥י
kᵉlîy
H3627
"article/utensil"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.
Definition: 1) article, vessel, implement, utensil 1a) article, object (general) 1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel 1b1) implement (of hunting or war) 1b2) implement (of music) 1b3) implement, tool (of labour) 1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen) 1b5) utensils, furniture 1c) vessel, receptacle (general) 1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed
Usage: Occurs in 276 OT verses. KJV: armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. See also: Genesis 24:53; 1 Samuel 14:13; Ezra 8:26.
אֹבֵֽד
ʼâbad
H6
"to perish"
V-Qal
To perish means to be destroyed or lost, whether it's a person, animal, or thing, like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19.
Definition: 1) perish, vanish, go astray, be destroyed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) perish, die, be exterminated 1a2) perish, vanish (fig.) 1a3) be lost, strayed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to destroy, kill, cause to perish, to give up (as lost), exterminate 1b2) to blot out, do away with, cause to vanish, (fig.) 1b3) cause to stray, lose 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to destroy, put to death 1c1a) of divine judgment 1c2) object name of kings (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (אֲבַד "to destroy" H0007)
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: break, destroy(-uction), [phrase] not escape, fail, lose, (cause to, make) perish, spend, [idiom] and surely, take, be undone, [idiom] utterly, be void of, have no way to flee. See also: Exodus 10:7; Psalms 112:10; Psalms 1:6.
Study Notes — Psalms 31:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 31:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 31:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 31:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 31:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 31:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 31:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 31:13
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 31:13
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 31:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 31:13
- Sermons on Psalms 31:13
Context — Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit
11Among all my enemies I am a disgrace, and among my neighbors even more. I am dreaded by my friends— they flee when they see me on the street.
12I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind. I am like a broken vessel.
13For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side. They conspire against me and plot to take my life.
14But I trust in You, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.” 15My times are in Your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 20:10 | For I have heard the whispering of many: “Terror is on every side! Report him; let us report him!” All my trusted friends watch for my fall: “Perhaps he will be deceived so that we may prevail against him and take our vengeance upon him.” |
| 2 | Matthew 27:1 | When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people conspired against Jesus to put Him to death. |
| 3 | Lamentations 2:22 | You summoned my attackers on every side, as for the day of an appointed feast. In the day of the LORD’s anger no one escaped or survived; my enemy has destroyed those I nurtured and reared. |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 20:33 | Then Saul hurled his spear at Jonathan to kill him; so Jonathan knew that his father was determined to kill David. |
| 5 | Matthew 26:3–4 | At that time the chief priests and elders of the people assembled in the courtyard of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and they conspired to arrest Jesus covertly and kill Him. |
| 6 | 2 Samuel 17:1–4 | 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 and bring all the people back to you as a bride returning to her husband. You seek the life of only one man; then all the people will be at peace.” This proposal seemed good to Absalom and all the elders of Israel. |
| 7 | Psalms 55:10 | Day and night they encircle the walls, while malice and trouble lie within. |
| 8 | Psalms 101:5 | Whoever slanders his neighbor in secret, I will put to silence; the one with haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not endure. |
| 9 | Matthew 26:59 | Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death. |
| 10 | Luke 23:1–2 | Then the whole council rose and led Jesus away to Pilate. And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this man subverting our nation, forbidding payment of taxes to Caesar, and proclaiming Himself to be Christ, a King.” |
Psalms 31:13 Summary
The psalmist is feeling scared and alone because many people are saying bad things about him and wanting to hurt him. He feels like everyone is against him and that his life is in danger. But even in the midst of all this fear and opposition, he can still trust in God, just like it says in Psalms 31:14-15, and know that God is with him, as promised in Joshua 1:9 and Hebrews 13:5-6. This reminds us that when we face hard times, we can always turn to God for help and protection, just as the psalmist does in this verse.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the nature of the terror and slander the psalmist is experiencing?
The psalmist is facing slander and terror from all sides, as people conspire against him and plot to take his life, much like the persecution faced by the apostles in Acts 9:23-25 and the prophet Jeremiah in Jeremiah 11:18-19.
How does this verse relate to the experience of believers today?
Believers today may face similar experiences of slander, persecution, and fear, but can find comfort in the knowledge that they are not alone, as seen in Hebrews 13:5-6 and Matthew 5:10-12.
What is the significance of the phrase 'they conspire against me and plot to take my life'?
This phrase highlights the severity of the psalmist's situation, emphasizing the malicious intentions of his enemies, reminiscent of the plots against Jesus in Matthew 26:3-5 and the apostle Paul in Acts 23:12-15.
How does this verse fit into the broader context of the psalm?
This verse is part of a larger lament, where the psalmist expresses his trust in God despite facing overwhelming opposition, as seen in Psalms 31:14-15, and ultimately finds hope and deliverance in God's presence, as in Psalms 31:19-24.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I have experienced slander or persecution, and how have I responded to them?
- How can I cultivate trust in God when faced with fear and opposition, as the psalmist does in the following verses?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of trusting in God's presence and deliverance, as seen in Psalms 31:14-15, to my own life?
- What are some practical steps I can take to seek God's protection and guidance when facing terror and slander, as described in Psalms 32:7-11?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 31:13
For I have heard the slander of many,.... Both enemies and neighbours; fear [was] on every side; his enemies were a "Magormissabib" to him, Jeremiah 20:3; encompassed him around, so that he was in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 31:13
For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 31:13
I have heard, partly with my own ears, and partly by the information of others. The slander of many, who reproach and defame me as a turbulent and seditious person, an enemy to the public peace, a conspirator against the king’ s life or dignity. Fear, i.e. just cause of fear, even of the loss of my life, as appears from the next clause. They devised to take away, to wit, unjustly and violently; as this word is used, 24:11.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 31:13
Psalms 31:13 For I have heard the slander of many: fear [was] on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.Ver. 13. For I have heard the slander of many] Or, as Calvin, Mollerus, and others render it, magnorum, of the great ones, such as take counsel (so it followeth here), which the vulgar seldom do; and their tongues oft are no slander, as we say. Fear was on every side] Magormissabib, Pashur’ s new name and doom, Jeremiah 20:3-4; but good David’ s condition at this time: without were fightings, within were fears. While they took counsel together against me] See 2 Samuel 16:20, where we have an exposition of this verse.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 31:13
(13) Again comp. Jeremiah 20:10, which reproduces word for word the first two clauses. The expression rendered “fear on every side” was actually a motto of the prophet (Jeremiah 6:25; Jeremiah 20:3, margin; Jeremiah 46:5; Jeremiah 49:29. Comp. Lamentations 2:22). But the most probable derivation makes the noun mean not terror but conspiracy, while for slander here we must render whisper.“For I heard the whispering of the many, ‘Conspiracy all around.’ ” Under cover of a pretended general panic they were really, as the psalmist saw, plotting evil against him.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 31:13
Verse 13. I have heard the slander of many] To this and the two foregoing verses the reader may find several parallels; Jeremiah 18:18-19:15, and ten first verses of Jer 20:1-10. This has caused several to suppose that Jeremiah was the author of this Psalm.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 31:13
13. For I have heard the defaming of many, Terror on every side (R.V.). Jeremiah uses these very words to describe his plight (Jeremiah 20:10). Terror on every side is a favourite phrase with him (Jeremiah 6:25; Jeremiah 20:3-4; Jeremiah 46:5; Jeremiah 49:29; Lamentations 2:22). they devised &c.] Jeremiah 11:19 ff; Jeremiah 18:20 ff., supply an illustration.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 31:13
For I have heard the slander of many - The reproach; the false accusations; the unjust aspersions. We are here more definitely informed as to another of the sources of the trouble that came upon him.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 31:13
13. For—He gives the reason of his sufferings, as in Psalms 31:11.
Sermons on Psalms 31:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Covenant Interest in God, and a View of What Is in Him by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the significance of having a covenant interest in God, using David's experience in 1 Samuel 30:6 as a backdrop. Despite facing immense distress and betrayal, D |
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More on David Confessing the Lord as His God by Bob Hoekstra | Bob Hoekstra preaches on the importance of confessing the Lord as our God in every circumstance, just like David did in the Psalms. David turned to the Lord in times of personal si |
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I Am Barabbas and So Are You by Shane Idleman | This sermon delves into the profound story of Barabbas and Jesus in Matthew 27, highlighting the choice between darkness and light, sin and salvation. It emphasizes the substitutio |
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All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 76 by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the events surrounding Jesus' trial and crucifixion, drawing lessons from how Jesus dealt with betrayal, false accusations, and suffering. It emphasizes the |
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Week of Meetings 1986-02 by Stan Ford | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the scene of the crucifixion of Jesus on Calvary Hill. He highlights the presence of a curious crowd that had gathered to witness this even |
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Ford at Southside-st.louis 01 Matt 27 by Stan Ford | In this sermon, the speaker begins by talking about a hypothetical scenario where the world's greatest pianist sits down to play on a toy piano instead of a grand piano. He uses th |
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The Great Double Cross by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer delivers a powerful sermon titled 'The Great Double Cross,' focusing on the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot. He emphasizes the tragic irony of Judas's actions, drive |