Psalms 71:11
Psalms 71:11 in Multiple Translations
saying, “God has forsaken him; pursue him and seize him, for there is no one to rescue him.”
Saying, God hath forsaken him: persecute and take him; for there is none to deliver him.
Saying, God hath forsaken him: Pursue and take him; for there is none to deliver.
Saying, God has given him up; go after him and take him, for he has no helper.
They say, “God has given up on him. Let's go after him because there's no one to save him.”
Saying, God hath forsaken him: pursue and take him, for there is none to deliuer him.
Saying, 'God hath forsaken him, Pursue and catch him, for there is no deliverer.'
saying, “God has forsaken him. Pursue and take him, for no one will rescue him.”
Saying, God hath forsaken him: persecute and take him; for there is none to deliver him .
And all kings of the earth shall adore him: all nations shall serve him.
They say about me, “God has abandoned him; so now we can pursue him and seize him, because there is no one who will rescue him.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 71:11
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 71:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֵ֭/אמֹר
אֱלֹהִ֣ים
עֲזָב֑/וֹ
רִֽדְפ֥וּ
וְ֝/תִפְשׂ֗וּ/הוּ
כִּי
אֵ֥ין
מַצִּֽיל
לֵ֭/אמֹר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֱלֹהִ֣ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
עֲזָב֑/וֹ
ʻâzab
H5800
Forsaken
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
רִֽדְפ֥וּ
râdaph
H7291
to pursue
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
וְ֝/תִפְשׂ֗וּ/הוּ
tâphas
H8610
to capture
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp | Suff
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֵ֥ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
מַצִּֽיל
nâtsal
H5337
to rescue
V-Hiphil
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 71:11
לֵ֭/אמֹר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
אֱלֹהִ֣ים
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.
עֲזָב֑/וֹ
ʻâzab
H5800
"Forsaken"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms | Suff
Forsaken means to loosen or relinquish something, often implying abandonment. In the Bible, the word appears in Psalm 22:1, where David cries out to God, saying my God, why have you forsaken me. The term signifies a sense of desperation and isolation.
Definition: This name means to restore, repair Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 206 OT verses. KJV: commit self, fail, forsake, fortify, help, leave (destitute, off), refuse, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:24; Nehemiah 5:10; Psalms 9:11.
רִֽדְפ֥וּ
râdaph
H7291
"to pursue"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
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.
וְ֝/תִפְשׂ֗וּ/הוּ
tâphas
H8610
"to capture"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2mp | Suff
To capture or seize something, like in 1 Kings 13:4, where a prophet grabs the king's altar. It means to take hold of or grasp something firmly.
Definition: 1) to catch, handle, lay hold, take hold of, seize, wield 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lay hold of, seize, arrest, catch 1a2) to grasp (in order to) wield, wield, use skilfully 1b) (Niphal) to be seized, be arrested, be caught, be taken, captured 1c) (Piel) to catch, grasp (with the hands)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: catch, handle, (lay, take) hold (on, over), stop, [idiom] surely, surprise, take. See also: Genesis 4:21; Jeremiah 2:8; Psalms 10:2.
כִּי
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.
אֵ֥ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
מַצִּֽיל
nâtsal
H5337
"to rescue"
V-Hiphil
To rescue means to snatch away or deliver from danger. It can also mean to strip or plunder, depending on the context, and appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to snatch away, deliver, rescue, save, strip, plunder 1a)(Niphal) 1a1) to tear oneself away, deliver oneself 1a2) to be torn out or away, be delivered 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to strip off, spoil 1b2) to deliver 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to take away, snatch away 1c2) to rescue, recover 1c3) to deliver (from enemies or troubles or death) 1c4) to deliver from sin and guilt 1d) (Hophal) to be plucked out 1e) (Hithpael) to strip oneself Aramaic equivalent: ne.tsal (נְצַל "to rescue" H5338)
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, defend, deliver (self), escape, [idiom] without fail, part, pluck, preserve, recover, rescue, rid, save, spoil, strip, [idiom] surely, take (out). See also: Genesis 31:9; Psalms 40:14; Psalms 7:2.
Study Notes — Psalms 71:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 71:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 71:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 71:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 71:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 71:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 71:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 71:11
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 71:11
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 71:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 71:11
- Sermons on Psalms 71:11
Context — Be My Rock of Refuge
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. 13May the accusers of my soul be ashamed and consumed; may those who seek my harm be covered with scorn and disgrace.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 7:2 | or they will shred my soul like a lion and tear me to pieces with no one to rescue me. |
| 2 | Psalms 3:2 | Many say of me, “God will not deliver him.” Selah |
| 3 | Matthew 27:46 | About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” |
| 4 | Daniel 3:15 | Now, if you are ready, as soon as you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the statue I have made. But if you refuse to worship, you will be thrown at once into the blazing fiery furnace. Then what god will be able to deliver you from my hands?” |
| 5 | Psalms 41:7–8 | All who hate me whisper against me; they imagine the worst for me: “A vile disease has been poured into him; he will never get up from where he lies!” |
| 6 | Matthew 27:42–43 | “He saved others, but He cannot save Himself. He is the King of Israel! Let Him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in Him. He trusts in God. Let God deliver Him now if He wants Him. For He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” |
| 7 | Matthew 27:49 | But the others said, “Leave Him alone. Let us see if Elijah comes to save Him.” |
| 8 | Psalms 50:22 | Now consider this, you who forget God, lest I tear you to pieces, with no one to rescue you: |
| 9 | Psalms 37:28 | For the LORD loves justice and will not forsake His saints. They are preserved forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off. |
| 10 | Psalms 37:25 | I once was young and now am old, yet never have I seen the righteous abandoned or their children begging for bread. |
Psalms 71:11 Summary
[This verse shows that the enemies of the psalmist think God has abandoned him, so they believe they can easily defeat him because he has no one to rescue him, but this mindset is contrary to God's promises like those found in Psalms 34:17-20 and Hebrews 13:5. The psalmist's situation teaches us that even when others think we are alone and without help, God is always with us and can rescue us, a promise also seen in Isaiah 41:10 where God strengthens and helps us. We should remember that our feelings of being forsaken are not a reflection of God's true character or His promises to us, and we can always call out to Him for help, as the psalmist does in Psalms 71:12, trusting in His faithfulness.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean when the enemies of the psalmist say God has forsaken him?
This statement reflects the enemies' perception that the psalmist is no longer under God's protection or care, allowing them to pursue and seize him, as stated in Psalms 71:11, a mindset also seen in Job 1:11 where Satan suggests that Job will curse God if his protection is removed.
Is it true that God forsakes His people?
No, according to Hebrews 13:5, God has promised never to leave or forsake His people, and in Psalms 37:25, David affirms that he has never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread, indicating God's faithfulness to His people.
Why do the enemies of the psalmist think there is no one to rescue him?
The enemies' belief that there is no one to rescue the psalmist stems from their assumption that God has abandoned him, leaving him without any means of deliverance, a concept countered by verses like Psalms 34:17-20 which assure rescue for the righteous.
How should we respond when we feel forsaken by God?
When we feel forsaken, we should cry out to God like the psalmist in Psalms 71:12, asking Him not to be far from us and to hurry to our help, trusting in His presence and deliverance as promised in Isaiah 41:10 and Matthew 28:20.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I trust God's presence and rescue in the face of adversity, just like the psalmist?
- How do the words of my enemies or those who oppose me reflect their lack of understanding of God's protection and care for me?
- What are some areas in my life where I feel forsaken or without rescue, and how can I apply the promises of God's presence to those areas?
- In what ways can I stand on the promise of God's never leaving or forsaking me, as stated in Hebrews 13:5, when I face challenges or pressures?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 71:11
Saying, God hath forsaken him,.... Good men may seem to others to be forsaken of God; and they themselves may sometimes think they are; and they may be forsaken for a small moment, when God withdraws
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 71:11
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 71:11
God hath forsaken him, for his adultery, and murder, and other wickednesses, and therefore we shall certainly prevail against him.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 71:11
Psalms 71:11 Saying, God hath forsaken him: persecute and take him; for [there is] none to deliver [him].Ver. 11. God hath forsaken him] For his late sin against Uriah; and as may appear by his present distress, his forlorn proscribed condition.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 71:11
(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 71:11
Verse 11. God hath forsaken him] "God, who has been his special help all through life, and who has guarded him so that no hand could be raised successfully against him, has now cast him off; therefore we shall easily prevail against him. His present adversity shows that God is no longer his friend." Thus men judge. "Secular prosperity is a proof of God's favour: adversity is a proof of his displeasure." But this is not God's way, except in especial judgments, &c. He never manifests his pleasure or displeasure by secular good or ill.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 71:11
11. God hath forsaken him] Cp. Psalms 22:1; Psalms 38:21 b. persecute] R.V. pursue. But cp. Psalms 69:26; Jeremiah 15:15; Jeremiah 17:18; Jeremiah 20:11.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 71:11
Saying, God hath forsaken him - That is, God has given him over; he no longer protects him; he regards him as a wicked man, and we shall therefore, not only be “safe” in our attempts upon his life,
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 71:11
11. Saying, God hath forsaken him—This his enemies reported of him, and thus they reasoned that if God had withdrawn his protection they could attack him with impunity and make him a prey.
Sermons on Psalms 71:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Lion by Harriet N. Cook | Harriet N. Cook delves into the symbolism of the lion in the Bible, highlighting its strength, boldness, and predatory nature as described in various verses. The lion is portrayed |
|
(Biographies) Charles Spurgeon by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of perseverance in preaching, even in the face of adversity and criticism. He encourages preachers to have a long-term perspec |
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(John) 21 - Trial Tragedy of Divine Love by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the movements of Jesus during his trial and crucifixion. The speaker highlights the contrast between the cruelty of Jesus' enemies and the ten |
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It Is Finished by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the profound significance of Jesus' declaration 'It is finished' from John 19:30, asserting that these words encapsulate the culmination of Old Testame |
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(Basics) 23. Another Reason for Failure by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the seriousness of sin and the need for believers to recognize its gravity. He uses the example of Adam and Eve, who were given only one comm |
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Das Neue Wesen (German) by Richard Wurmbrand | The sermon transcript discusses the conditions and demands that the world places on believers in order for them to have faith. It suggests that modernizing theology, incorporating |
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Family Series Part 2 (Honor, the Gateway to Blessings) by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of fathers spending quality time with their children, particularly on weekends. He argues that all truth is revealed truth, m |