Psalms 35:8
Psalms 35:8 in Multiple Translations
May ruin befall them by surprise; may the net they hid ensnare them; may they fall into the hazard they created.
Let destruction come upon him at unawares; and let his net that he hath hid catch himself: into that very destruction let him fall.
Let destruction come upon him unawares; And let his net that he hath hid catch himself: With destruction let him fall therein.
Let destruction come on them without their knowledge; let them be taken themselves in their secret nets, falling into the same destruction.
Let disaster come on them suddenly; let the net they set catch them instead; let the pit they dug trap them instead.
Let destruction come vpon him at vnwares, and let his net, that he hath laid priuilie, take him: let him fall into the same destruction.
Meet him doth desolation — he knoweth not, And his net that he hid catcheth him, For desolation he falleth into it.
Let destruction come on him unawares. Let his net that he has hidden catch himself. Let him fall into that destruction.
Let destruction come upon him at unawares; and let his net that he hath hid catch himself: into that very destruction let him fall.
O how hast thou multiplied thy mercy, O God! But the children of men shall put their trust under the covert of thy wings.
Cause them to suddenly experience disaster! Cause them to be trapped in their own nets! Cause them to fall into the pits that they have dug for me and disappear!
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 35:8
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 35:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
תְּבוֹאֵ֣/הוּ
שׁוֹאָה֮
לֹֽא
יֵ֫דָ֥ע
וְ/רִשְׁתּ֣/וֹ
אֲשֶׁר
טָמַ֣ן
תִּלְכְּד֑/וֹ
בְּ֝/שׁוֹאָ֗ה
יִפָּל
בָּֽ/הּ
תְּבוֹאֵ֣/הוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs | Suff
שׁוֹאָה֮
shôwʼ
H7722
ravage
N-fs
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יֵ֫דָ֥ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וְ/רִשְׁתּ֣/וֹ
resheth
H7568
net
Conj | N-fs | Suff
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
טָמַ֣ן
ṭâman
H2934
to hide
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
תִּלְכְּד֑/וֹ
lâkad
H3920
to capture
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs | Suff
בְּ֝/שׁוֹאָ֗ה
shôwʼ
H7722
ravage
Prep | N-fs
יִפָּל
nâphal
H5307
to fall
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
בָּֽ/הּ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 35:8
תְּבוֹאֵ֣/הוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs | Suff
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
שׁוֹאָה֮
shôwʼ
H7722
"ravage"
N-fs
Devastation or destruction, this word describes a place or thing that has been ruined or laid waste, like the desolate land described in Jeremiah 4:23, or the destruction caused by a storm, as in Psalm 107:25.
Definition: ravage
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: desolate(-ion), destroy, destruction, storm, wasteness. See also: Job 30:3; Proverbs 1:27; Psalms 35:8.
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יֵ֫דָ֥ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
וְ/רִשְׁתּ֣/וֹ
resheth
H7568
"net"
Conj | N-fs | Suff
A net used for catching animals, but also a symbol of judgment or a trap. In the book of Ecclesiastes, it describes a net that can snare people. The tabernacle even had a network of bronze for its altar.
Definition: 1) net 1a) net 1a1) for catching 1a2) of judgment (fig) 1a3) of leaders leading people to sin 1a4) as a trap for man 1b) network (brazen-for altar of tabernacle)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: net(-work). See also: Exodus 27:4; Psalms 57:7; Psalms 9:16.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
טָמַ֣ן
ṭâman
H2934
"to hide"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
In the Bible, this word means to hide or conceal something, often secretly, as in Joshua. It can also mean to bury or lay something aside, out of sight or knowledge.
Definition: 1) to hide, conceal, bury 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hide 1a2) hiding, concealing, secretly laying (participle) 1a3) darkness (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to hide oneself 1c) (Hiphil) to hide
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: hide, lay privily, in secret. See also: Genesis 35:4; Psalms 35:7; Psalms 9:16.
תִּלְכְּד֑/וֹ
lâkad
H3920
"to capture"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs | Suff
This verb means to capture or seize, often using a net or trap. In the Bible, it is used to describe taking control of something or someone, and is also used figuratively to describe being caught or stuck in a situation.
Definition: 1) to capture, take, seize 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to capture, seize 1a2) to capture (of men) (fig.) 1a3) to take (by lot) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be caught (of men in trap, snare) (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) to grasp each other
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, catch (self), be frozen, be holden, stick together, take. See also: Numbers 21:32; 2 Kings 18:10; Psalms 9:16.
בְּ֝/שׁוֹאָ֗ה
shôwʼ
H7722
"ravage"
Prep | N-fs
Devastation or destruction, this word describes a place or thing that has been ruined or laid waste, like the desolate land described in Jeremiah 4:23, or the destruction caused by a storm, as in Psalm 107:25.
Definition: ravage
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: desolate(-ion), destroy, destruction, storm, wasteness. See also: Job 30:3; Proverbs 1:27; Psalms 35:8.
יִפָּל
nâphal
H5307
"to fall"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
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.
בָּֽ/הּ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Psalms 35:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 35:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 35:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 35:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 35:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 35:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 35:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 35:8
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 35:8
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 35:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 35:8
- Sermons on Psalms 35:8
Context — Contend with My Opponents, O LORD
6May their path be dark and slick, as the angel of the LORD pursues.
7For without cause they laid their net for me; without reason they dug a pit for my soul.
8May ruin befall them by surprise; may the net they hid ensnare them; may they fall into the hazard they created.
9Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD and exult in His salvation. 10All my bones will exclaim, “Who is like You, O LORD, who delivers the afflicted from the aggressor, the poor and needy from the robber?”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 141:9–10 | Keep me from the snares they have laid for me, and from the lures of evildoers. Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by in safety. |
| 2 | Proverbs 5:22 | The iniquities of a wicked man entrap him; the cords of his sin entangle him. |
| 3 | Luke 21:34 | But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life—and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare. |
| 4 | Psalms 9:15 | The nations have fallen into a pit of their making; their feet are caught in the net they have hidden. |
| 5 | Psalms 57:6 | They spread a net for my feet; my soul was despondent. They dug a pit before me, but they themselves have fallen into it! Selah |
| 6 | Isaiah 47:11 | But disaster will come upon you; you will not know how to charm it away. A calamity will befall you that you will be unable to ward off. Devastation will happen to you suddenly and unexpectedly. |
| 7 | 1 Thessalonians 5:3 | While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. |
| 8 | Proverbs 29:1 | A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery. |
| 9 | Psalms 73:18–20 | Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin. How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors! Like one waking from a dream, so You, O Lord, awaken and despise their form. |
| 10 | 1 Samuel 18:17 | Then Saul said to David, “Here is my older daughter Merab. I will give her to you in marriage. Only be valiant for me and fight the LORD’s battles.” But Saul was thinking, “I need not raise my hand against him; let the hand of the Philistines be against him.” |
Psalms 35:8 Summary
This verse is a prayer that the people who are trying to hurt the psalmist will get caught in their own trap and fall into the trouble they are trying to cause for him. The psalmist is not being mean, but rather, he is asking God to make things right and fair, like it says in Psalms 37:5-6, where we are called to commit our way to God and trust in Him. The psalmist trusts that God will bring justice and deliver him from his enemies, just like God promises in Psalms 34:17-18. This verse reminds us that God is a just God who will bring ruin to those who plot evil, and will deliver those who trust in Him, as stated in Deuteronomy 32:4.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of ruin is the psalmist asking to befall his enemies?
The psalmist is asking for a sudden and unexpected downfall, similar to the kind of destruction that occurred in Psalms 73:18-19, where the wicked are suddenly destroyed, or in Proverbs 26:27, where those who dig a pit for others fall into it themselves.
Is the psalmist being vindictive by asking for his enemies to be ruined?
The psalmist is not being vindictive, but rather, he is asking God to bring justice to those who have wronged him without cause, as seen in Psalms 35:7, and to deliver him from their evil schemes, similar to what is written in Psalms 34:17-18.
What does it mean for the net to ensnare them?
The net refers to the trap or scheme that the enemies had set for the psalmist, as mentioned in Psalms 35:7, and the psalmist is asking that they themselves fall into their own trap, much like the principle stated in Proverbs 28:10, where the wicked are caught in their own devices.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's justice?
This verse shows that God is a just God who will bring ruin to those who plot evil against the innocent, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:4, and will deliver those who trust in Him, as stated in Psalms 37:39-40.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have seen God bring justice to those who have wronged me or others?
- How can I trust God to deliver me from the schemes of my enemies, just like the psalmist did?
- What are some 'nets' or 'pits' that I may have unknowingly set for others, and how can I make amends?
- How does this verse encourage me to pray for my enemies, and what does it reveal about God's character?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 35:8
Let destruction come upon him at unawares,.... Or a "storm" (r), such as is caused in the eastern countries by a south wind, very sudden, violent, and destructive (s): the singular number being here
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 35:8
Let destruction come upon him at unawares; and let his net that he hath hid catch himself: into that very destruction let him fall.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 35:8
Upon him, i.e. upon each of thine and mine implacable enemies, of whom he hath hitherto spoken.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 35:8
Psalms 35:8 Let destruction come upon him at unawares; and let his net that he hath hid catch himself: into that very destruction let him fall.Ver. 8. Let destruction come upon him unawares] i.e. Upon the whole rabble of them, as if they were all but one man. Or else he striketh at some chieftain among them. Let his destruction be as sudden as signal.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 35:8
(8) Let destruction.—There is considerable difficulty here, and the ancient versions, by their variations, seem to point to some confusion in the text. The LXX., no doubt, are right in reading the pronouns as plurals, instead of singular. The word translated “destruction” means, primarily, a storm, or the crash that accompanies a storm (Proverbs 1:27), and if with the Syriac we might supply a clause, both parallelism and sense would be complete. “Let men come upon him (them) unexpectedly. Let the net which he had catch himself, The pit which he (they) digged, let him (them) fall into it, In ruin let him (them) fall into it.” For “unawares,” see margin and Note, Son 6:12.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 35:8
Verse 8. Let his net that he hath hid] See the notes on Psalms 7:15; Psalms 7:16.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 35:8
8. Let his mischief recoil upon his own head. Cp. Psalms 7:15; Psalms 9:15; Psalms 57:6; and with the first line cp. Isaiah 47:11. Does the singular individualise each one of the enemies, or particularise one above all the rest, or speak of them collectively in the mass? It is less easy to decide here than in Psalms 7:2. into that very destruction let him fall] R.V. renders, With destruction let him fall therein, retaining A.V. in the marg. But neither rendering is satisfactory; and it is possible (especially in view of the almost certain textual errors in Psalms 35:5-7) that the original reading was, and his pit that he hath dug, let him fall therein.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 35:8
Let destruction come upon him at unawares - Margin, which “he knoweth not of.” So the Hebrew. The meaning is, Let destruction come upon him when he is not looking for it, or expecting it.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 35:8
8. Destruction… at unawares—As to a lion caught in a “net” or “pit.” Quite a family of Hebrew words describe the General idea of defeat, overthrow, or destruction. The temporal sense must be adhered to in this place.
Sermons on Psalms 35:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Transfiguration in the Holy Spirit by St. Seraphim of Sarov | St. Seraphim of Sarov explains to a seeker how to know if one is in the grace of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the importance of seeking divine knowledge filled with love for God an |
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Beware of a Satanic Set-Up by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by emphasizing the urgency of the times, stating that the night is far spent and the day is at hand. He urges the listeners to cast off the work |
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Righteousness Imputed and Imparted by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a woman who felt restless and missed her husband when he was gone. She couldn't sleep and in her desperation, she knelt by |
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It’s Tempting by Ed Wrather | Ed Wrather emphasizes the importance of resisting temptation by drawing parallels to the story of Cain and Abel, highlighting how giving in to temptation can lead to destructive co |
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Be Still by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being still and knowing that God is in control. He encourages the audience to develop a deep and loving relationship with |
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(Dangers in the Way Series): Dangers of Prosperity and Adversity by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the dangers that Christians face in their journey towards heaven. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and addressing these perils, |
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(Revelation - Part 2): A Prognosis of Events by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher talks about the importance of being prepared for the second coming of Jesus Christ. He uses a story about a boy who eagerly awaits his father's return |