Psalms 35:3
Psalms 35:3 in Multiple Translations
Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers; say to my soul: “I am your salvation.”
Draw out also the spear, and stop the way against them that persecute me: say unto my soul, I am thy salvation.
Draw out also the spear, and stop the way against them that pursue me: Say unto my soul, I am thy salvation.
Take up your spear and keep back my attackers; say to my soul, I am your salvation.
Draw your spear and your javelin, confront those who are chasing me. Tell me, “I am your salvation!”
Bring out also the speare and stop the way against them, that persecute me: say vnto my soule, I am thy saluation.
And draw out spear and lance, To meet my pursuers. Say to my soul, 'Thy salvation I [am].'
Brandish the spear and block those who pursue me. Tell my soul, “I am your salvation.”
Draw out also the spear, and stop the way against them that persecute me: say to my soul, I am thy salvation.
For in his sight he hath done deceitfully, that his iniquity may be found unto hatred.
Lift up your spear [DOU] and throw it at those who pursue me! Promise me that you will enable me to defeat my enemies.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 35:3
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 35:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הָ֘רֵ֤ק
חֲנִ֣ית
וּ֭/סְגֹר
לִ/קְרַ֣את
רֹדְפָ֑/י
אֱמֹ֥ר
לְ֝/נַפְשִׁ֗/י
יְֽשֻׁעָתֵ֥/ךְ
אָֽנִי
וְ/הָ֘רֵ֤ק
rûwq
H7324
to empty
Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
חֲנִ֣ית
chănîyth
H2595
spear
N-fs
וּ֭/סְגֹר
çâgar
H5462
to shut
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
לִ/קְרַ֣את
qirʼâh
H7125
befall
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
רֹדְפָ֑/י
râdaph
H7291
to pursue
V-Qal | Suff
אֱמֹ֥ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
לְ֝/נַפְשִׁ֗/י
nephesh
H5315
soul
Prep | N-cs | Suff
יְֽשֻׁעָתֵ֥/ךְ
yᵉshûwʻâh
H3444
salvation
N-fs | Suff
אָֽנִי
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 35:3
וְ/הָ֘רֵ֤ק
rûwq
H7324
"to empty"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
To empty or pour out, whether physically or figuratively, as in the pouring out of one's heart to God in Psalm 62:8. This verb can also mean to keep something empty or to cast something out. It is often used to describe a sense of abandonment or rejection.
Definition: 1) to make empty, empty out 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to empty, keep empty or hungry 1a2) to pour out or down 1a3) to empty out 1b) (Hophal) to be emptied out
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] arm, cast out, draw (out), (make) empty, pour forth (out). See also: Genesis 14:14; Jeremiah 48:11; Psalms 18:43.
חֲנִ֣ית
chănîyth
H2595
"spear"
N-fs
This word refers to a spear or lance used for thrusting, like a tent pole. It appears in the stories of Saul and Jonathan, where they use spears in battle. The word is also used to describe a shaft or spear-head.
Definition: 1) spear 1a) spear 1a1) shaft of a spear 1a2) spear-head
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: javelin, spear. See also: 1 Samuel 13:19; 2 Samuel 21:19; Psalms 35:3.
וּ֭/סְגֹר
çâgar
H5462
"to shut"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To shut means to close something, like a door or a container. In the Bible, this word is used to describe surrendering or giving something up, like in the book of Ezra where the Israelites shut themselves in to pray.
Definition: 1) to shut, close 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shut 1a2) to close, close up 1a3) closed up, closely joined, shut up 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be shut up 1b2) to be shut or closed 1c) (Piel) to shut up, deliver up 1d) (Pual) to be shut up 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to deliver up 1e2) to shut up, imprison 2) pure gold Aramaic equivalent: se.gar (סְגַר "to shut" H5463)
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: close up, deliver (up), give over (up), inclose, [idiom] pure, repair, shut (in, self, out, up, up together), stop, [idiom] straitly. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Kings 11:27; Psalms 17:10.
לִ/קְרַ֣את
qirʼâh
H7125
"befall"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To encounter or meet someone or something, either by accident or on purpose, as seen in the story of Joseph meeting his brothers in Genesis 37:23. This word can also mean to befall or happen to someone. It is used in various contexts, including friendly or hostile encounters.
Definition: 1) (BDB) to encounter, befall, meet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, encounter 1a2) to befall (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 98 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] against (he come), help, meet, seek, [idiom] to, [idiom] in the way. See also: Genesis 14:17; 2 Samuel 10:9; Psalms 35:3.
רֹדְפָ֑/י
râdaph
H7291
"to pursue"
V-Qal | Suff
To pursue or chase after someone means to follow them with hostile intent. This can be a physical pursuit or a pursuit of someone's life or well-being, as seen in many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) to be behind, follow after, pursue, persecute, run after 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pursue, put to flight, chase, dog, attend closely upon 1a2) to persecute, harass (fig) 1a3) to follow after, aim to secure (fig) 1a4) to run after (a bribe) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be pursued 1b2) one pursued (participle) 1c) (Piel) to pursue ardently, aim eagerly to secure, pursue 1d) (Pual) to be pursued, be chased away 1e) (Hiphil) to pursue, chase
Usage: Occurs in 135 OT verses. KJV: chase, put to flight, follow (after, on), hunt, (be under) persecute(-ion, -or), pursue(-r). See also: Genesis 14:14; 2 Samuel 20:13; Psalms 7:2.
אֱמֹ֥ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לְ֝/נַפְשִׁ֗/י
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
יְֽשֻׁעָתֵ֥/ךְ
yᵉshûwʻâh
H3444
"salvation"
N-fs | Suff
Salvation means being saved or delivered from something, like trouble or danger, and can also mean victory or prosperity, as seen in the Bible's promises of God's deliverance.
Definition: 1) salvation, deliverance 1a) welfare, prosperity 1b) deliverance 1c) salvation (by God) 1d) victory
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: deliverance, health, help(-ing), salvation, save, saving (health), welfare. See also: Genesis 49:18; Psalms 80:3; Psalms 3:3.
אָֽנִי
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
Study Notes — Psalms 35:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 35:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 35:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 35:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 35:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 35:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 35:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 35:3
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 35:3
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 35:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 35:3
- Sermons on Psalms 35:3
Context — Contend with My Opponents, O LORD
1Contend with my opponents, O LORD; fight against those who fight against me.
2Take up Your shield and buckler; arise and come to my aid.
3Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers; say to my soul: “I am your salvation.”
4May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plan to harm me be driven back and confounded. 5May they be like chaff in the wind, as the angel of the LORD drives them away.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 12:2 | Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. For the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and He also has become my salvation.” |
| 2 | Psalms 27:2 | When the wicked came upon me to devour my flesh, my enemies and foes stumbled and fell. |
| 3 | Psalms 51:12 | Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and sustain me with a willing spirit. |
| 4 | Psalms 91:16 | With long life I will satisfy him and show him My salvation.” |
| 5 | Isaiah 8:9–10 | Huddle together, O peoples, and be shattered; pay attention, all you distant lands; prepare for battle, and be shattered; prepare for battle, and be shattered! Devise a plan, but it will be thwarted; state a proposal, but it will not happen. For God is with us. ” |
| 6 | Isaiah 10:12 | So when the Lord has completed all His work against Mount Zion and Jerusalem, He will say, “I will punish the king of Assyria for the fruit of his arrogant heart and the proud look in his eyes. |
| 7 | Genesis 49:18 | I await Your salvation, O LORD. |
| 8 | Acts 4:28 | They carried out what Your hand and will had decided beforehand would happen. |
| 9 | Psalms 76:10 | Even the wrath of man shall praise You; with the survivors of wrath You will clothe Yourself. |
| 10 | Job 1:10 | Have You not placed a hedge on every side around him and his household and all that he owns? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. |
Psalms 35:3 Summary
In Psalms 35:3, the Psalmist is asking God to protect him from his enemies and to remind him that He is his salvation. This means that God is the one who saves and delivers us from harm, and we can trust Him to be our defender. Just like the Psalmist, we can cry out to God for help and protection, and He will be our rock and our salvation, as promised in Psalms 27:1. By trusting in God's power and love, we can have peace and confidence, even in the midst of challenges and difficulties, knowing that God is our salvation, as stated in Isaiah 12:2.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers' in Psalms 35:3?
This is a figurative expression where the Psalmist is asking God to defend him against his enemies, much like how a warrior would use a spear and javelin to protect himself, as seen in Psalms 144:10 where God is praised as the one who gives victory to kings and rescues His beloved ones.
Why does the Psalmist ask God to say 'I am your salvation' to his soul?
The Psalmist is seeking reassurance and comfort from God, reminding himself of God's promise to save and deliver him, similar to what is written in Isaiah 12:2 which says 'Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid'.
Is this verse promoting violence or aggression towards others?
No, this verse is not promoting violence, but rather it is a cry for help and protection from God, who is the ultimate defender and judge, as stated in Romans 12:19 which reminds us not to take revenge but to leave it to God.
How does this verse apply to our lives today?
This verse reminds us that we can trust God to be our defender and salvation in times of trouble, and we should cry out to Him for help and protection, just as the Psalmist did, and as encouraged in Philippians 4:6 to pray with thanksgiving and present our requests to God.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like I'm being pursued by enemies, and how can I apply the principles of this verse to those situations?
- How can I remind myself of God's promise to be my salvation, especially in times of fear or doubt?
- What does it mean for God to be my salvation, and how does that impact my daily life and relationships?
- In what ways can I trust God to defend me and protect me from harm, and what does that look like in practical terms?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 35:3
Draw out also the spear,.... An offensive weapon; expressive of the vengeance which God sometimes takes of the enemies of his people, when he bends his bow, shoots his arrows, whets his glittering
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 35:3
Draw out also the spear, and stop the way against them that persecute me: say unto my soul, I am thy salvation. Draw out also the spear - namely, from thy armoury.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 35:3
The spear; thy offensive weapons. He alludes to the practice of soldiers in battle. The way, in which they are marching directly and furiously against me. But divers interpreters, both Hebrews and others, take this Hebrew word for a noun, and render it a sword; or, as the word may signify, a close weapon; for the psalmist here representing God as a man of war, and accordingly furnishing him with other weapons, it seems not probable that he would omit this weapon, which was most constantly and universally used. Say unto my soul, i.e. unto me; either, 1. By thy Spirit assuring me of it; or, 2. By thy providence effecting it; for God’ s saying or speaking is oft meant of his doing, because his word is sufficient for the doing of whatsoever he pleaseth.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 35:3
Psalms 35:3 Draw out also the spear, and stop [the way] against them that persecute me: say unto my soul, I [am] thy salvation.Ver. 3. Draw out also the spear] viz. That thy contending and appearing for me may appear to be sufficient and glorious. And stop the way] Heb. And stop, viz. the doors, as Genesis 19:6; Genesis 19:10 2 Kings 6:32, lest the malcontents come in and kill me. Or, shut me up from my persecutors, that they find me not; like as, afterwards, God hid Jeremiah and Baruch, when sought for to the slaughter. Say unto my soul, I am thy salvation] Facito ut haec animula te sibi testantem audiat, &c. Inwardly persuade my heart to firm affiance in thee, amidst all mine afflictions.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 35:3
(3) Draw out also the spear—i.e., from the sheath, that seems to have been used to guard its point. So δουροδόκη (Homer, Odyssey, i. 128). Stop the way.—So LXX., Vulg., and all ancient versions. Many modern scholars, however, are disposed to treat the word segor not as the imperative of a verb, but as a noun, equivalent to the Greek σάγαρις, Latin, securis, a Persian and Scythian weapon mentioned by Herodotus (i. 215, iv. 70) and Xenophon (Anab., iv. 4, 16), and generally taken for a battle-axe, but by some as a short curved sword or a scimitar. It is identified by Sir Henry Rawlinson with the khanjar of modern Persia, “a short curved double-edged dagger, almost universally worn.” The Bedouins of modern Egypt use a schagur.The adoption of this rendering makes an excellent parallelism, and suits the word rendered “against,” which really means “to meet,” and suggests an onset instead of a mere passive attitude of defence.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 35:3
Verse 3. Say unto my soul, I am thy salvation.] Give me an assurance that thou wilt defend both body and soul against my adversaries.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 35:3
1–3. Appeal to Jehovah to arm himself as the Psalmist’s champion.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 35:3
Draw out also the spear - The word here rendered “draw out” means properly to pour out; to empty; and it is applied to the act of emptying sacks, Genesis 42:35; to emptying bottles, Jeremiah 48:12;
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 35:3
3. Draw out also the spear—To draw out the sword, or the spear, was the immediate signal of battle, as Exodus 15:9, et al. Stop the way— To shut the way, or intercept the enemy, was a military feat.
Sermons on Psalms 35:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(The Word for Today) Isaiah 11:11 - Part 3 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the current state of the world and the need for God's intervention. He expresses concern over the increasing wickedness and rebellion a |
|
Don't Lose Your Song by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not losing one's song, referring to the joy and praise that comes from having a strong faith in God. The speaker reads from |
|
(Names of Jehovah) 1. I Am by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of confessing the negative aspects of our lives to God. He highlights that only by acknowledging our faults and weaknesses ca |
|
|
The Gladness of God by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of experiencing the joy and gladness of the Lord. He encourages the congregation to come down from the balcony, any exit, or |
|
Through the Bible - Isaiah - Part 1 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of delivering a strong message to people whose hearts are insensitive and ears are dull. He references Jesus quoting from Isai |
|
Should God Punish Sin by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the cross and the need to honor and obey God's law. He highlights the significance of God sacrificing his own son on the c |
|
|
Thanksgiving in the Kingdom Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the future Kingdom age when the Lord will reign. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing Jesus as our salvation and finding strengt |