Psalms 56:2
Psalms 56:2 in Multiple Translations
My enemies pursue me all day long, for many proudly assail me.
Mine enemies would daily swallow me up: for they be many that fight against me, O thou most High.
Mine enemies would swallow me up all the day long; For they are many that fight proudly against me.
My haters are ever ready to put an end to me; great numbers are lifting themselves up against me.
My enemies chase me down all the time—there are many of them, attacking me in their arrogance.
Mine enemies would dayly swallowe mee vp: for many fight against me, O thou most High.
Mine enemies have swallowed up all the day, For many [are] fighting against me, O most High,
My enemies want to swallow me up all day long, for they are many who fight proudly against me.
My enemies would daily swallow me up: for they are many that fight against me, O thou Most High.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me: for my soul trusteth in thee. And in the shadow of thy wings will I hope, until iniquity pass away.
My enemies harass me all day long; there are many of them who proudly attack me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 56:2
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 56:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
חָנֵּ֣/נִי
אֱ֭לֹהִים
כִּֽי
שְׁאָפַ֣/נִי
אֱנ֑וֹשׁ
כָּל
הַ֝/יּ֗וֹם
לֹחֵ֥ם
יִלְחָצֵֽ/נִי
חָנֵּ֣/נִי
chânan
H2603
be gracious
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
אֱ֭לֹהִים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
שְׁאָפַ֣/נִי
shâʼaph
H7602
to long for
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
אֱנ֑וֹשׁ
ʼĕnôwsh
H582
human
N-ms
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הַ֝/יּ֗וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Art | N-ms
לֹחֵ֥ם
lâcham
H3898
to fight
V-Qal
יִלְחָצֵֽ/נִי
lâchats
H3905
to oppress
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
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 56:2
חָנֵּ֣/נִי
chânan
H2603
"be gracious"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to show kindness or favor, often by bending or stooping to help someone in need, as seen in the actions of God towards his people.
Definition: 1) to be gracious, show favour, pity 1a) (Qal) to show favour, be gracious 1b) (Niphal) to be pitied 1c) (Piel) to make gracious, make favourable, be gracious 1d) (Poel) to direct favour to, have mercy on 1e) (Hophal) to be shown favour, be shown consideration 1f) (Hithpael) to seek favour, implore favour
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: beseech, [idiom] fair, (be, find, shew) favour(-able), be (deal, give, grant (gracious(-ly), intreat, (be) merciful, have (shew) mercy (on, upon), have pity upon, pray, make supplication, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 33:5; Psalms 37:21; Psalms 4:2.
אֱ֭לֹהִים
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.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
שְׁאָפַ֣/נִי
shâʼaph
H7602
"to long for"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
To crush or trample something, also to desire or hasten eagerly, as seen in Psalm 7:2. It implies a strong emotional response, like anger or intense longing. This word is used to describe God's judgment in Isaiah 13:3.
Definition: 1) to gasp, pant, pant after, long for, breathe heavily 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to gasp, pant after, snuff up 1a2) to gasp or pant (with desire), pant after, be eager for 1a3) to thirst for one's blood (from actions of animals) (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: desire (earnestly), devour, haste, pant, snuff up, swallow up. See also: Job 5:5; Ecclesiastes 1:5; Psalms 56:2.
אֱנ֑וֹשׁ
ʼĕnôwsh
H582
"human"
N-ms
Enosh refers to a human or mankind in general, used to describe individuals or people as a whole in the Bible.
Definition: 1) man, mortal man, person, mankind 1a) of an individual 1b) men (collective) 1c) man, mankind Aramaic equivalent: e.nash (אֱנָשׁ "man" H0606)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: another, [idiom] (blood-) thirsty, certain, chap(-man); divers, fellow, [idiom] in the flower of their age, husband, (certain, mortal) man, people, person, servant, some ([idiom] of them), [phrase] stranger, those, [phrase] their trade. It is often unexpressed in the English versions, especially when used in apposition with another word. Compare H376 (אִישׁ). See also: Deuteronomy 32:26; Psalms 8:5; Psalms 9:20.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הַ֝/יּ֗וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
לֹחֵ֥ם
lâcham
H3898
"to fight"
V-Qal
In the Bible, this word means to feed on or consume something, often referring to eating food or battling against someone. It's used in stories like David's battles and the Israelites' struggles in the wilderness.
Definition: 1) to fight, do battle, make war 1a) (Qal) to fight, do battle 1b) (Niphal) to engage in battle, wage war
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: devour, eat, [idiom] ever, fight(-ing), overcome, prevail, (make) war(-ring). See also: Exodus 1:10; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 35:1.
יִלְחָצֵֽ/נִי
lâchats
H3905
"to oppress"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
To oppress means to treat someone unfairly or cruelly, often by using power or force. This can include squeezing or pressing someone to get what you want.
Definition: 1) to squeeze, press, oppress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to squeeze, press 1a2) to oppress 1b) (Niphal) to squeeze oneself
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: afflict, crush, force, hold fast, oppress(-or), thrust self. See also: Exodus 3:9; 1 Samuel 10:18; Psalms 56:2.
Study Notes — Psalms 56:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 56:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 56:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 56:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 56:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 56:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 56:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 56:2
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 56:2
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 56:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 56:2
- Sermons on Psalms 56:2
Context — Be Merciful to Me, O God
1Be merciful to me, O God, for men are hounding me; all day they press their attack.
2My enemies pursue me all day long, for many proudly assail me.
3When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. 4In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 118:10–12 | All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. 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 57:3 | He reaches down from heaven and saves me; He rebukes those who trample me. Selah God sends forth His loving devotion and His truth. |
| 3 | Psalms 92:8 | But You, O LORD, are exalted forever! |
| 4 | Micah 6:6 | With what shall I come before the LORD when I bow before the God on high? Should I come to Him with burnt offerings, with year-old calves? |
| 5 | Psalms 93:4 | Above the roar of many waters— the mighty breakers of the sea— the LORD on high is majestic. |
| 6 | Daniel 5:18 | As for you, O king, the Most High God gave your father Nebuchadnezzar sovereignty and greatness, glory and honor. |
| 7 | Psalms 9:2 | I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High. |
| 8 | Psalms 54:5 | He will reward my enemies with evil. In Your faithfulness, destroy them. |
| 9 | Acts 4:25–27 | You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of Your servant, our father David: ‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against His Anointed One.’ In fact, this is the very city where Herod and Pontius Pilate conspired with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed. |
| 10 | Psalms 91:1 | He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. |
Psalms 56:2 Summary
In Psalms 56:2, David is saying that his enemies are always chasing him and trying to hurt him, which can be a scary and overwhelming experience. But even in the midst of this persecution, David is able to trust in God's power and protection, as seen in Psalm 91:4, and this is a lesson that believers can apply to their own lives, as seen in 1 Peter 5:7. Just like David, we can trust that God is with us and will help us, even when things seem impossible, as promised in Isaiah 41:10. By trusting in God, we can find peace and comfort, even in the midst of difficult circumstances, as seen in Matthew 11:28-30.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be pursued by enemies all day long?
In Psalms 56:2, David is expressing the constant pressure and harassment he faces from his enemies, much like the apostle Paul experienced in 2 Corinthians 11:26, and this can be a spiritual reality for believers today as well, as seen in Ephesians 6:12.
Why do the enemies 'proudly assail' David?
The enemies' pride is rooted in their rebellion against God, as seen in Psalm 10:4, and their attacks on David are a manifestation of their sinful nature, which is described in Romans 3:18.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the Psalm?
Psalms 56:2 is a cry for help in the midst of persecution, and it sets the stage for David's expression of trust in God, as seen in Psalms 56:3-4, where he affirms his faith in God's power and protection, much like the apostle Paul does in 2 Timothy 1:12.
What can believers learn from David's experience?
Believers can learn to trust in God's sovereignty and providence, even in the midst of intense persecution, as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Romans 8:28, and to trust that God will ultimately deliver them from their enemies, as promised in 2 Thessalonians 1:6-7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I am 'pursued' by enemies, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, and how can I apply David's trust in God to my own life?
- In what ways do I 'proudly assail' God or others, and what does this reveal about my own heart and need for repentance, as seen in 1 John 1:9?
- How can I, like David, choose to trust in God's power and protection, even when I am surrounded by enemies, and what role does prayer play in this, as seen in Philippians 4:6-7?
- What are some practical ways that I can 'put my trust in God' today, as David did in Psalms 56:3, and how can I apply this to my daily life, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 56:2
Mine enemies would daily swallow [me] up,.... For not one man only, but many, were his enemies; who observed and watched him, and were eagerly desirous of his ruin.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 56:2
Mine enemies would daily swallow me up: for they be many that fight against me, O thou most High. Mine enemies - literally, 'my watchers;' 'those who lie in wait for me' (Psalms 5:8). For they be many that fight against me.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 56:2
Mine enemies, Heb. my observers, that narrowly look to all my paths, and watch for my haltings, and for an opportunity to destroy me. Many that fight against me: they trust to their great numbers, wherein they know themselves to be much superior to me. O thou Most High; who from thine high place beholdest all their plots, and canst most easily disturb and blast them.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 56:2
Psalms 56:2 Mine enemies would daily swallow [me] up: for [they be] many that fight against me, O thou most High. Ver. 2. Mine enemies (or observers) would daily swallow me up] Anhelant observatores mei. To set forth the indignity of the thing, he repeateth the same sentence again in the plural number; noting that there were not a few of them bitterly bent by might and main to mischief him, a poor forlorn, friendless man. For they be many that fight against me, O thou most High] Or, though there be many that fight for me from on high, that is, the angels, as Aben Ezra rendereth and senseth the text.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 56:2
(2) Swallow me up.—The root idea of the Hebrew word so rendered is by no means clear. In many passages where it is used the meaning given here by the LXX., “trample on,” will suit the context quite as well as, or even better than, the meaning, “pant after,” given in the Lexicons. (See Job 5:5; Isaiah 42:14; Ecclesiastes 1:5; Amos 2:7; Amos 8:4.) And this sense of bruising by trampling also suits the cognate verb, shûph, used only three times (Genesis 3:15; Job 9:17; Psalms 139:11). Symmachus also here has “bruise,” or “grind.” On the other hand in Psalms 119:131; Job 7:2, &c, we want the idea of “haste” or “desire.” Possibly the original meaning of “trample” may have passed through the sense of physical haste to that of passion. Or we may even get the sense of “greedily devouring” by the exactly similar process by which we come to talk of devouring the road with speed. The same verb is used in the next verse with an object. Fighting.—Better, devouring. (Comp. Psalms 35:1.) O thou most High.—Heb., marôm, which is here not a vocative, but an adverbial accusative, “proudly,” in pride.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 56:2
Verse 2. O thou Most High.] מרום marom. I do not think that this word expresses any attribute of God, or indeed is at all addressed to him. It signifies, literally, from on high, or from a high or elevated place: "For the multitudes fight against me from the high or elevated place;" the place of authority - the court and cabinet of Saul. Most of the Versions begin the next verse with this word: "From the light of the day, though I fear, yet will I trust in thee." From the time that persecution waxes hot against me, though I often am seized with fear, yet I am enabled to maintain my trust in thee. Dr. Kennicott thinks there is a corruption here, and proposes to read: "I look upwards all the day long."
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 56:2
2. They that lie in wait for me would swallow me up [or, crush me] all the day long: For many are they that fight against me haughtily. For they that lie in wait for me see note on Psalms 54:5. The word rendered O thou most High in A.V. is not Elyôn, the word usually so rendered (e.g. Psalms 57:2), but mârôm. This word is applied to God, as in Micah 6:6, “the high God,” Psalms 92:8, “Thou, O Lord, art on high for evermore:” but it can hardly stand by itself as a vocative, and probably means ‘with a high hand,’ ‘haughtily.’ Cp. Psalms 73:8. ‘Be thou exalted’ in Psalms 57:5; Psalms 57:11 is derived from the same root. The Psalmist prays that God will prove His own supreme exaltation against these self-exalted braggarts. P.B.V. are in hand = are busying themselves.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 56:2
Mine enemies - Margin, “mine observers.” The Hebrew word here used means properly to twist, to twist totogether; then, to be firm, hard, tough; then, “to press together,” as a rope that is twisted -
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 56:2
2. Mine enemies—Literally, my watchers, namely, the conspirators. Swallow me up—Have panted for me, as a ravenous beast; same word as in Psalms 56:1.
Sermons on Psalms 56:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Through the Bible) Micah by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God's requirement for us is to believe in His Son, Jesus Christ, as our Lord and Savior. The prophet in the Bible asks what he can do t |
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An Acceptable Sacrifice by Bob Phillips | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing and appreciating the kindness, forbearance, and patience of God. He explains that these attributes of God shou |
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God Requires Honesty and Compassion by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of acknowledging our failures and treating others fairly. He highlights the need to take responsibility for our mistakes and n |
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God's Compassion and Ours by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of forgiveness, using the story of the prodigal son from Matthew chapter 18. The father in the story exemplifies compassion and fo |
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What Doth the Lord Require of Thee? by Jack Hyles | In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about a little boy who made a boat and lost it in the ocean. The boy was heartbroken but eventually found his boat in a toy shop. The pre |
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Ivory Houses & Fat Cows: The Excessive Nonsense of the Modern Christian Church by Joseph LoSardo | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the decline of a nation that was once a leader in industry and ponders its future. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on God and His s |
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Restoration Series #6 - the Church in Bondage by James Robison | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that people are intoxicated by the spirit of the world and deception, causing them to be unable to hear the word of God. He criticizes those |