Psalms 53:5

Psalms 53:5 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

There they are, overwhelmed with dread, where there was nothing to fear. For God has scattered the bones of those who besieged you. You put them to shame, for God has despised them.

King James Version KJV

There were they in great fear, where no fear was: for God hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth against thee: thou hast put them to shame, because God hath despised them.

American Standard Version ASV

There were they in great fear, where no fear was; For God hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth against thee: Thou hast put them to shame, because God hath rejected them.

Bible in Basic English BBE

They were in great fear, where there was no cause for fear: for the bones of those who make war on you have been broken by God; you have put them to shame, because God has no desire for them.

Free Bible Version FBV

They will become completely terrified, more frightened than they have ever been. God will scatter the bones of those who fight against you; you will defeat them because God has rejected them.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

There they were afraide for feare, where no feare was: for God hath scattered the bones of him that besieged thee: thou hast put them to confusion, because God hath cast them off.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

There they feared a fear — there was no fear, For God hath scattered the bones of him Who is encamping against thee, Thou hast put to shame, For God hath despised them.

World English Bible WEB

There they were in great fear, where no fear was, for God has scattered the bones of him who encamps against you. You have put them to shame, because God has rejected them.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

There they were in great fear, where no fear was: for God hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth against thee: thou hast put them to shame, because God hath despised them.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

For strangers have risen up against me; and the mighty have sought after my soul: and they have not set God before their eyes.

Translation for Translators T4T

But some day those people will become terrified, like they have never been terrified before, because God will cause those who are separated from him to die, and he will disrespect them by scattering their bones. They have rejected God, so he will cause them to be defeated and completely disgraced.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 53:5

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 53:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB הֲ/לֹ֥א יָדְעוּ֮ פֹּ֤עֲלֵ֫י אָ֥וֶן אֹכְלֵ֣י עַ֭מִּ/י אָ֣כְלוּ לֶ֑חֶם אֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים לֹ֣א קָרָֽאוּ

הֲ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part | Part

יָדְעוּ֮ yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Qal-Perf-3cp

פֹּ֤עֲלֵ֫י pâʻal H6466 to work V-Qal

אָ֥וֶן ʼâven H205 evil N-ms

אֹכְלֵ֣י ʼâkal H398 to eat V-Qal

עַ֭מִּ/י ʻam H5971 Amaw N-ms | Suff

אָ֣כְלוּ ʼâkal H398 to eat V-Qal-Perf-3cp

לֶ֑חֶם lechem H3899 food N-cs

אֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp

לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part

קָרָֽאוּ qârâʼ H7121 to call V-Qal-Perf-3cp

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 53:5

הֲ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part | 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.

יָדְעוּ֮ yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

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.

פֹּ֤עֲלֵ֫י pâʻal H6466 "to work" V-Qal

To work or do something is the meaning of this Hebrew verb, often used to describe habitual or systematic actions. It can also mean to make or practise something.

Definition: 1) to do, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do 1a2) to make

Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: commit, (evil-) do(-er), make(-r), ordain, work(-er). See also: Exodus 15:17; Psalms 59:3; Psalms 5:6.

אָ֥וֶן ʼâven H205 "evil" N-ms

This word refers to evil, wickedness, or trouble, often describing idolatry or iniquity, and is used in various KJV translations to convey a sense of wrongdoing.

Definition: 1) trouble, wickedness, sorrow 1a) trouble, sorrow 1b) idolatry 1c) trouble of iniquity, wickedness Also means: a.ven (אָ֫וֶן ": trouble" H0205H)

Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: affliction, evil, false, idol, iniquity, mischief, mourners(-ing), naught, sorrow, unjust, unrighteous, vain, vanity, wicked(-ness). Compare H369 (אַיִן). See also: Numbers 23:21; Psalms 94:23; Psalms 5:6.

אֹכְלֵ֣י ʼâkal H398 "to eat" V-Qal

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.

עַ֭מִּ/י ʻam H5971 "Amaw" N-ms | Suff

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

אָ֣כְלוּ ʼâkal H398 "to eat" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

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.

לֶ֑חֶם lechem H3899 "food" N-cs

This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.

Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)

Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.

אֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

לֹ֣א 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.

קָרָֽאוּ qârâʼ H7121 "to call" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.

Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen

Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.

Study Notes — Psalms 53:5

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Psalms 53:5 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 53:5
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 53:5
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 53:5
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 53:5
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 53:5
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 53:5
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 53:5
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 53:5
Sermons on Psalms 53:5

Context — The Fool Says There Is No God

3All have turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one. 4Will the workers of iniquity never learn? They devour my people like bread; they refuse to call upon God.

5There they are, overwhelmed with dread, where there was nothing to fear. For God has scattered the bones of those who besieged you. You put them to shame, for God has despised them.

6Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come from Zion! When God restores His captive people, let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad!

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Proverbs 28:1	The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
2	Leviticus 26:36	As for those of you who survive, I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies, so that even the sound of a windblown leaf will put them to flight. And they will flee as one flees the sword, and fall when no one pursues them.
3	Leviticus 26:17	And I will set My face against you, so that you will be defeated by your enemies. Those who hate you will rule over you, and you will flee when no one pursues you.
4	Jeremiah 6:30	They are called rejected silver, because the LORD has rejected them.”
5	Ezekiel 6:5	I will lay the corpses of the Israelites before their idols and scatter your bones around your altars.
6	Psalms 141:7	As when one plows and breaks up the soil, so our bones have been scattered at the mouth of Sheol.
7	1 Samuel 14:15	Then terror struck the Philistines in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. Even those in the outposts and raiding parties trembled. Indeed, the earth quaked and panic spread from God.
8	Psalms 83:16–17	Cover their faces with shame, that they may seek Your name, O LORD. May they be ever ashamed and terrified; may they perish in disgrace.
9	Jeremiah 8:1–2	“At that time,” declares the LORD, “the bones of the kings of Judah, the bones of the officials, the bones of the priests, the bones of the prophets, and the bones of the people of Jerusalem will be removed from their graves. They will be exposed to the sun and moon, and to all the host of heaven which they have loved, served, followed, consulted, and worshiped. Their bones will not be gathered up or buried, but will become like dung lying on the ground.
10	Psalms 35:26	May those who gloat in my distress be ashamed and confounded; may those who exalt themselves over me be clothed in shame and reproach.

Psalms 53:5 Summary

[This verse is saying that even when it seems like there is no reason to be afraid, the wicked can still be overcome with fear because they know they are doing wrong, as mentioned in Proverbs 28:1. But God is in control and He will defeat those who oppose Him, as seen in Psalms 53:5. We can trust in God's power and protection, just like the Psalmist did, and know that He will bring shame to those who do evil, as described in Psalms 5:5. By trusting in God, we can have peace and confidence, even in the midst of uncertainty, as described in Isaiah 26:3.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that God has scattered the bones of those who besieged you?

This phrase is a metaphor for God's victory over His enemies, similar to what is described in Ezekiel 37:1-14, where God brings life to dry bones, but here it signifies defeat and shame for those who oppose Him, as seen in Psalms 53:5.

Why are the wicked overwhelmed with dread when there is nothing to fear?

This is because the wicked are often plagued by their own consciences and the fear of being caught or punished, as mentioned in Proverbs 28:1, which says that the wicked flee when no one pursues them.

How does God put the wicked to shame?

God puts the wicked to shame by defeating them and exposing their evil plans, as seen in Psalms 53:5, and by revealing their true nature, as mentioned in Romans 3:19, which says that every mouth will be silenced and the whole world will be held accountable to God.

What is the significance of God despising the wicked?

God despising the wicked means that He rejects and condemns their evil ways, as seen in Psalms 53:5, and this is consistent with His character, as described in Psalms 5:5, which says that God hates all who do wrong.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I have seen God defeat the plans of the wicked in my own life or in the lives of others?
How can I trust in God's power and protection when I am faced with fear or uncertainty, as described in Psalms 53:5?
What are some ways that I can be a part of God's plan to bring shame to the wicked and to bring glory to Himself, as mentioned in Psalms 53:5?
How can I remember that God is always in control, even when it seems like the wicked are prospering, as described in Psalms 73:3-5?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 53:5

There were they in great, fear, [where] no fear was,.... Before; neither of God nor man, nor any dread of punishment, but the utmost security, Revelation 18:7; also [See comments on Psalms 14:5]; for

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 53:5

Where no fear was, i.e. where there was no great nor sufficient cause of fear. See . They who designed to secure themselves from all fear and danger by their contempt of God, and by the persecution of good men, and by other wicked courses, were by those means filled with the terrors which they sought to avoid. Hath scattered the bones; hath not only broken their bones, i.e. their strength and force, which is oft noted by the bones, as 31:10 51:8, but also dispersed them hither and thither, so as there is no hopes of a reunion and restoration. Against thee, i.e. against my people, expressed, , or Israel, or Zion, as it is in the next verse. Thou, O Zion, or Jerusalem, which they besiege, hast put them to shame, for the great and strange disappointment of their hopes and confidence. It was a great reproach to them, for such numerous and mighty forces to be baffled and conquered by those whom they thought to swallow up at a morsel. Despised them; or, rejected them; cursed them. Therefore it is no wonder if they could not stand before thee.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 53:5

Psalms 53:5 There were they in great fear, [where] no fear was: for God hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth [against] thee: thou hast put [them] to shame, because God hath despised them.Ver. 5. There were they in great fear] Heb. They feared a fear. God they feared not, of men they were greatly feared, and yet here they feared a fear where no fear was, viz. without themselves, only facti sunt a corde suo fugitivi, they feared and fled before their own consciences, their own trembling heart, Deuteronomy 28:65; the sound of fear that is in their ears, Job 15:21; the sound of a leaf chaseth them, Leviticus 26:36; they flee where none pursueth, Proverbs 28:1. Naturalists tell us of a certain little bird, quae fertur metu ne in ipsam coelum ruat, imponere sibi semper dormienti alterum pedem, which for fear lest the sky should fall on her head, sleepeth still with one foot laid upon her head. The Gauls that dwelt near the Adriatic Sea, being asked by Alexander the Great what they most feared, answered, ne supra se coelum corruat, lest the sky should fall upon them. Galen writeth of a certain melancholic fellow, who hearing that Atlas supported heaven with his shoulders, was therefore sore afraid lest he should faint under the burden; and therefore carried his arm before him to save his head. Heraclides, out of Anacreon, telleth of one Artemon, a timorous man, who kept home as much as might be, having ever a couple of servants to hold a brazen buckler over his head, lest anything should fall upon him from above; and if he were at any time necessitated to go abroad, he was carried in a horse litter that touched the ground almost; and was thereupon called Periphoretus (Plut. in Pericle). For God hath scattered the bones] i.e. The strength, the strong troops, saith the Chaldee; they want decent burial, as Jeremiah 22:19, saith the Syriac. Thou hast put them to shame] viz. The poor afflicted, Psalms 14:5, because God hath despised them] i.e. Subjected them to the contempt of the wicked.

Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 53:5

(5) Where no fear was.—This—the most interesting variation from Psalms 14—appears plainly to have been inserted to bring the Psalm into harmony with some circumstance belonging to the time for which it was adapted, but to which we have no clue. As to the choice among the various explanations that have been given of it, we must remark that the one which takes “fear” in a good sense (“Then were they in great fright where there was no fear of God”) is excluded by the fact that the same word is employed in both clauses; and, as elsewhere pâchad is used of a “cause of terror,” we may render, There were they in great fear, where there was no cause for fear.Apparently, from the immediate context, this statement is made not of the enemies of Israel, but of Israel itself, and was so constantly applicable to a people supposed to be living under the immediate protection of God, and yet liable to sudden panics, that we need not try to recover the precise event referred to. Of him that encampeth against thee.—Literally, of thy besiegers. The bones of the beleaguering host lie bleaching on the sand. But the text seems to have suffered. The LXX. and Vulg. have “the bones of them that please men,” and a comparison with Psalms 14:5-6 shows such a similarity of letters, with difference of meaning, that both texts look like different attempts to restore some faded MS. Many attempts have been made to restore the original, but none eminently satisfactory.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 53:5

Verse 5. For God hath scattered the bones of him that encampeth against thee: thou hast put them to shame, because God hath despised them.] The reader will see, on comparing this with the fifth and sixth verses of Ps 14:5-6, that the words above are mostly added here to what is said there; and appear to be levelled against the Babylonians, who sacked and ruined Jerusalem, and who were now sacked and ruined in their turn. The sixth verse of Ps 14:6, "Ye have shamed the counsel of the poor, because the Lord is his refuge," is added here by more than twenty of Kennicott's and De Rossi's MSS.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 53:5

5. There points to some signal instance in which panic terror and overwhelming calamity overtook the ‘workers of iniquity’ who came to devour the people of God. They were seized with a supernaturally inspired terror, where there was no natural cause for panic. Cp. 1 Samuel 14:15; 2 Kings 7:6; 2 Kings 19:7; 2 Kings 19:35. for God hath scattered &c.] The bones of Israel’s enemies lie bleaching on the plain, where their bodies were left unburied (Ezekiel 6:5). This cannot be an anticipation of some further defeat. It must rather be an allusion to some historic event; and it at once suggests the annihilation of Sennacherib’s great army. Probably the text was intentionally altered in this recension in order to introduce a reference to the most famous example in later times of the discomfiture of worldly arrogance venturing to measure its strength with Jehovah. against thee] The people of God are addressed. thou hast put them to shame] Cp. 2 Kings 19:20 ff. hath despised them] R.V. rejected them, as the word is often rendered elsewhere. But despised better expresses the contempt for the enemies of His people which is meant. Cp. Judges 9:38; Isaiah 33:8. In their folly they said in their heart, ‘There is no God’ (cp. 2 Kings 18:35); and this catastrophe which they are powerless to avert is His answer to their blasphemy. Cp. Psalms 2:4-5. For the widely different reading of Psa 14:5-6 see notes there.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 53:5

There were they in great fear ... - Margin, as in Hebrew, “they feared a fear.” For the general meaning of the verse, see the notes at Psalms 14:5.

Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 53:5

5. There were they in great fear—The particle ùׁ ?í, (sham,) may refer to time as well as place; then they trembled with fear, etc. Where no fear was—Where there was no ground of fear, no visible cause.

Sermons on Psalms 53:5

	Sermon	Description
	Homily 12 on Ephesians by St. John Chrysostom	John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of living a life separate from the ways of the world, urging believers to walk in the path of God and not in the vanity of their minds lik
	Psalm 53 by Henry Law	Henry Law preaches about the prevalence of wickedness in the world, emphasizing the folly of denying God's existence and the inherent corruption in those who reject Him. He highlig
	Worship - Then Prayer - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prophets as God's gift to humanity, especially in times of crisis. He highlights that the world is currently in a crisis a
	(Proverbs) ch.27:17 - 28:18 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of teaching wisdom to children from a young age. They highlight the need for parents to prioritize instilling wisdom in their
	Stop Running From Your Fears by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his own struggles with fully committing to God's calling. He recalls a moment when he was preaching about giving one's all for God's glory,
	John 3:16 by Neil Fraser	In this sermon, the speaker discusses three key things that made a difference in the lives of certain individuals, particularly the apostle Paul. Firstly, Paul had grasped the purp
	The Shield of Faith by Erlo Stegen	The sermon transcript discusses the importance of having faith as a shield against the attacks of the evil one. It explains that Satan's tactics are like fiery arrows, and faith is