Psalms 71:10
Psalms 71:10 in Multiple Translations
For my enemies speak against me, and those who lie in wait for my life conspire,
For mine enemies speak against me; and they that lay wait for my soul take counsel together,
For mine enemies speak concerning me; And they that watch for my soul take counsel together,
For my haters are waiting secretly for me; and those who are watching for my soul are banded together in their evil designs,
For my enemies are talking about me; those who want to kill me are plotting together.
For mine enemies speake of mee, and they that lay waite for my soule, take their counsell together,
For mine enemies have spoken against me, And those watching my soul have taken counsel together,
For my enemies talk about me. Those who watch for my soul conspire together,
For my enemies speak against me; and they that lay wait for my soul take counsel together,
The kings of Tharsis and the islands shall offer presents: the kings of the Arabians and of Saba shall bring gifts:
My enemies say that they want to kill me; they plan together how they can do that.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 71:10
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 71:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
אָמְר֣וּ
אוֹיְבַ֣/י
לִ֑/י
וְ/שֹׁמְרֵ֥י
נַ֝פְשִׁ֗/י
נוֹעֲצ֥וּ
יַחְדָּֽו
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אָמְר֣וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
אוֹיְבַ֣/י
ʼôyêb
H341
enemy
V-Qal | Suff
לִ֑/י
Prep | Suff
וְ/שֹׁמְרֵ֥י
shâmar
H8104
to keep
Conj | V-Qal
נַ֝פְשִׁ֗/י
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
נוֹעֲצ֥וּ
yâʻats
H3289
to advise
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
יַחְדָּֽו
yachad
H3162
unitedness
Adv
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 71:10
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.
אָמְר֣וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
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.
אוֹיְבַ֣/י
ʼôyêb
H341
"enemy"
V-Qal | Suff
This Hebrew word means enemy or adversary, referring to someone who hates or opposes another person or nation. It is used to describe personal or national enemies in the Bible.
Definition: 1) (Qal) enemy 1a) personal 1b) national
Usage: Occurs in 275 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe. See also: Genesis 22:17; 2 Samuel 22:1; Psalms 3:8.
לִ֑/י
""
Prep | Suff
וְ/שֹׁמְרֵ֥י
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
Conj | V-Qal
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
נַ֝פְשִׁ֗/י
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
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.
נוֹעֲצ֥וּ
yâʻats
H3289
"to advise"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to advise or counsel someone, like giving guidance or planning something. It is used in the Bible to describe people seeking advice or working together to make a plan. The KJV translates it as advise or counsel.
Definition: 1) to advise, consult, give counsel, counsel, purpose, devise, plan 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to advise, counsel, give counsel, consult 1a2) counsellor (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to consult together, exchange counsel, deliberate, counsel together 1c) (Hithpael) to conspire
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: advertise, take advise, advise (well), consult, (give, take) counsel(-lor), determine, devise, guide, purpose. See also: Exodus 18:19; Job 26:3; Psalms 16:7.
יַחְדָּֽו
yachad
H3162
"unitedness"
Adv
This adverb means together, describing people doing something in unity, like in Psalm 133:1.
Definition: 1) union, unitedness
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: alike, at all (once), both, likewise, only, (al-) together, withal. See also: Genesis 13:6; Psalms 62:10; Psalms 2:2.
Study Notes — Psalms 71:10
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 71:10 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 71:10
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 71:10
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 71:10
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 71:10
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 71:10
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 71:10
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 71:10
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 71:10
- Sermons on Psalms 71:10
Context — Be My Rock of Refuge
8My mouth is filled with Your praise and with Your splendor all day long.
9Do not discard me in my old age; do not forsake me when my strength fails.
10For my enemies speak against me, and those who lie in wait for my life conspire,
11saying, “God has forsaken him; pursue him and seize him, for there is no one to rescue him.” 12Be not far from me, O God. Hurry, O my God, to help me.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 83:3 | With cunning they scheme against Your people and conspire against those You cherish, |
| 2 | Psalms 56:6 | They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps while they wait to take my life. |
| 3 | 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.” |
| 4 | 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. |
| 5 | Psalms 31:13 | For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side. They conspire against me and plot to take my life. |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 19:11 | Then Saul sent messengers to David’s house to watch him and kill him in the morning. But David’s wife Michal warned him, “If you do not run for your life tonight, tomorrow you will be dead!” |
| 7 | Matthew 27:1 | When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people conspired against Jesus to put Him to death. |
| 8 | Psalms 37:32–33 | Though the wicked lie in wait for the righteous, and seek to slay them, the LORD will not leave them in their power or let them be condemned under judgment. |
| 9 | Psalms 2:2 | The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed One: |
| 10 | Proverbs 1:11 | If they say, “Come along, let us lie in wait for blood, let us ambush the innocent without cause, |
Psalms 71:10 Summary
The psalmist is saying that there are people who are against him and want to hurt him, but he is trusting in God to protect him, as seen in Psalms 71:12. This verse reminds us that we are not alone when people are mean to us or try to hurt us, because God is always with us and will help us, as stated in Hebrews 13:5 and Deuteronomy 31:6. We can trust in God's love and power, just like the psalmist did, and know that He will be our rock and our salvation, as seen in Psalms 62:2 and 2 Samuel 22:47. By trusting in God, we can have peace and confidence, even in difficult times, as seen in Philippians 4:7 and Isaiah 26:3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do the enemies of the psalmist speak against him?
The enemies of the psalmist speak against him because they are opposed to his faith and his trust in God, as seen in Psalms 71:8 where he declares his mouth is filled with God's praise, and they seek to destroy him, as stated in Psalms 71:10.
What does it mean to 'lie in wait' for someone's life?
To 'lie in wait' for someone's life means to secretly plot or plan to harm or destroy them, as seen in Psalms 71:10, and is similar to the actions of those who sought to harm David in Psalms 38:12 and 1 Samuel 23:9-12.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the psalm?
This verse is part of the psalmist's prayer to God for help and protection in his old age, as seen in Psalms 71:9, and is a cry for God to be near and to rescue him from his enemies, as stated in Psalms 71:12.
What can we learn from the psalmist's experience?
We can learn from the psalmist's experience that even in the face of opposition and danger, we can trust in God's power and love, as stated in Romans 8:28 and Psalms 23:4, and that He will be our rock and our salvation, as seen in Psalms 62:2 and 2 Samuel 22:47.
Reflection Questions
- How do you respond when people speak against you or seek to harm you, and what can you learn from the psalmist's example?
- What are some ways that you can 'lie in wait' for God's deliverance, rather than relying on your own strength or the help of others?
- How can you trust in God's goodness and love, even when faced with opposition or danger, as seen in Psalms 23:4 and Romans 8:28?
- What are some ways that you can 'fill your mouth with God's praise', as the psalmist did in Psalms 71:8, and how can this help you to trust in God's power and love?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 71:10
For mine enemies speak against, me,.... Or "say unto me" (y) what is expressed in the following verse, "God hath forsaken him"; and so these words are a reason of the above petitions: or "mine
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 71:10
For mine enemies speak against me; and they that lay wait for my soul take counsel together, For mine enemies speak against me ... God hath forsaken him: persecute and take him.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 71:10
Lay wait for my soul, or watch it, that they may find occasion to destroy it, and that it may not escape their hands.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 71:10
Psalms 71:10 For mine enemies speak against me; and they that lay wait for my soul take counsel together,Ver. 10. For mine enemies] Who, rather than their lives, would bereave me of mine; these would double murder me, first by detraction, and then by deadly practice.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 71:10
(9-11) This piece may be compared with Psalms 41:6-8. The formal “saying” (Psalms 71:11), introducing a quotation, is an indication of a late date, the early literature employing no signs of quotation. (See, e.g., Psalms 68:12; Psalms 68:26.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 71:10
Verse 10. Lay wait for my soul] They seek to destroy my life.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 71:10
10. against me] R.V. concerning me. Cp. Psalms 3:2; Psalms 41:5. What they say follows in Psalms 71:11. they that lay wait for my soul] Or, they that watch for my life.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 71:10
For mine enemies speak against me - That is, they said substantially, as it is stated in Psalms 71:11, that God had forsaken him, and that therefore, they would arise and punish him, or treat him as an outcast from God.
Sermons on Psalms 71:10
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Hidden Workers by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about the significance of living a great life even in mediocrity, drawing inspiration from John the Baptist who did no miracles but bore witness to the L |
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(John) the Jewish Council by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of learning from the teachings of Jesus and not relying on personal abilities or popularity. He shares a story of how even in |
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John 11:53 to End. Christ Retires to Ephraim. by Favell Lee Mortimer | Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the wicked suggestion of Caiaphas leading to the plot to put Jesus to death, emphasizing the guilt of those who propose evil schemes and the cons |
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Jesus Predicts Judas's Betrayal and Peter's Denial John 13:18-38 by David Servant | David Servant delves into the responsibility for Christ's betrayal, explaining that Judas bore most of the responsibility, Satan bore some, and Christ bore none. The Scriptures for |
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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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Exposition on Psalm 59 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches about the conversion of the Jews and Gentiles, highlighting the importance of humility and the dangers of pride. He discusses the sins of the Jews, their bli |