Psalms 9:3
Psalms 9:3 in Multiple Translations
When my enemies retreat, they stumble and perish before You.
When mine enemies are turned back, they shall fall and perish at thy presence.
When mine enemies turn back, They stumble and perish at thy presence.
When my haters are turned back, they will be broken and overcome before you.
Those who hate me retreat; they fall back and die when you confront them.
For that mine enemies are turned backe: they shall fall, and perish at thy presence.
In mine enemies turning backward, they stumble and perish from Thy face.
When my enemies turn back, they stumble and perish in your presence.
When my enemies are turned back, they shall fall and perish at thy presence.
I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing to thy name, O thou most high.
When my enemies realize that you are very powerful, they stumble, and then they are killed.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 9:3
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 9:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֶשְׂמְחָ֣ה
וְ/אֶעֶלְצָ֣ה
בָ֑/ךְ
אֲזַמְּרָ֖ה
שִׁמְ/ךָ֣
עֶלְיֽוֹן
אֶשְׂמְחָ֣ה
sâmach
H8055
to rejoice
V-Qal-1cs
וְ/אֶעֶלְצָ֣ה
ʻâlats
H5970
to rejoice
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
בָ֑/ךְ
Prep | Suff
אֲזַמְּרָ֖ה
zâmar
H2167
to sing
V-Piel-1cs
שִׁמְ/ךָ֣
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms | Suff
עֶלְיֽוֹן
ʻelyôwn
H5945
high
Adj
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 9:3
אֶשְׂמְחָ֣ה
sâmach
H8055
"to rejoice"
V-Qal-1cs
This verb means to rejoice or be glad, often used in a religious sense, like when the Israelites rejoiced at the dedication of the temple in 1 Kings 8:66.
Definition: 1) to rejoice, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to rejoice 1a2) to rejoice (arrogantly), exult (at) 1a3) to rejoice (religiously) 1b) (Piel) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to rejoice, gladden, make glad
Usage: Occurs in 148 OT verses. KJV: cheer up, be (make) glad, (have, make) joy(-ful), be (make) merry, (cause to, make to) rejoice, [idiom] very. See also: Exodus 4:14; Psalms 92:5; Psalms 5:12.
וְ/אֶעֶלְצָ֣ה
ʻâlats
H5970
"to rejoice"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
To rejoice or jump for joy is what this Hebrew word means, like when the Psalmist writes about rejoicing in God's salvation in Psalm 13:5. It's an expression of triumphant joy or celebration. This word is used to describe a strong feeling of happiness.
Definition: 1) to rejoice, exult 1a) (Qal) to exult
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: be joyful, rejoice, triumph. See also: 1 Samuel 2:1; Psalms 25:2; Psalms 5:12.
בָ֑/ךְ
""
Prep | Suff
אֲזַמְּרָ֖ה
zâmar
H2167
"to sing"
V-Piel-1cs
This word means to sing or make music, often with praise and celebration. In the Psalms, it describes singing with instruments and voice, giving thanks to God. It's about joyful noise and worship.
Definition: 1) to sing, sing praise, make music 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to make music, sing 1a2) to play a musical instrument Aramaic equivalent: ze.mar (זְמָר "music" H2170)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: give praise, sing forth praises, psalms. See also: Judges 5:3; Psalms 68:5; Psalms 7:18.
שִׁמְ/ךָ֣
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
עֶלְיֽוֹן
ʻelyôwn
H5945
"high"
Adj
The Most High, a name for God emphasizing His supreme power and authority. It appears in Psalm 57:2, where David cries out to the Most High God for help, showing trust in God's power. This name highlights God's lofty position above all things.
Definition: adj 1) high, upper 1a) of Davidic king exalted above monarchs
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: (Most, on) high(-er, -est), upper(-most). See also: Genesis 14:18; Psalms 47:3; Psalms 7:18.
Study Notes — Psalms 9:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 9:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 9:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 9:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 9:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 9:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 9:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 9:3
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 9:3
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 9:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 9:3
- Sermons on Psalms 9:3
Context — I Will Give Thanks to the LORD
1I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart; I will recount all Your wonders.
2I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High.
3When my enemies retreat, they stumble and perish before You.
4For You have upheld my just cause; You sit on Your throne judging righteously. 5You have rebuked the nations; You have destroyed the wicked; You have erased their name forever and ever.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Thessalonians 1:9 | They will suffer the penalty of eternal destruction, separated from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His might, |
| 2 | Revelation 6:12–17 | And when I saw the Lamb open the sixth seal, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black like sackcloth of goat hair, and the whole moon turned blood red, and the stars of the sky fell to the earth like unripe figs dropping from a tree shaken by a great wind. The sky receded like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved from its place. Then the kings of the earth, the nobles, the commanders, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and free man hid in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. And they said to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the One seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb. For the great day of Their wrath has come, and who is able to withstand it?” |
| 3 | Psalms 80:16 | Your vine has been cut down and burned; they perish at the rebuke of Your countenance. |
| 4 | Revelation 20:11 | Then I saw a great white throne and the One seated on it. Earth and heaven fled from His presence, and no place was found for them. |
| 5 | Psalms 76:7 | You alone are to be feared. When You are angry, who can stand before You? |
| 6 | Psalms 68:1–2 | God arises. His enemies are scattered, and those who hate Him flee His presence. As smoke is blown away, You will drive them out; as wax melts before the fire, the wicked will perish in the presence of God. |
| 7 | Isaiah 64:3 | When You did awesome works that we did not expect, You came down, and the mountains trembled at Your presence. |
Psalms 9:3 Summary
This verse means that when our enemies try to run away from God, they will ultimately trip and fall, and God will be the one who brings them down. This is because God is our defender and judge, and He will always do what is right and just, as seen in Psalms 37:5-6. We can trust in God's power and sovereignty, even when we face opposition or danger, and we can be confident that He will bring us victory in the end (Romans 8:37). By trusting in God, we can have peace and confidence, even in the midst of struggles and challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for enemies to 'retreat' in Psalms 9:3?
In this context, 'retreat' means to turn back or flee, indicating that the enemies of the psalmist are trying to escape God's judgment, as seen in Psalms 68:1, where God is said to scatter His enemies.
How do the enemies 'stumble and perish' before God?
This phrase suggests that when the enemies of God's people try to flee, they ultimately fall and are defeated by God's powerful hand, much like the armies of Pharaoh were defeated in Exodus 14:27-28.
Is this verse encouraging revenge against our enemies?
No, this verse is not about taking revenge, but rather about trusting in God's sovereignty and justice, as seen in Romans 12:19, where we are told not to avenge ourselves, but to leave room for God's wrath.
How can I apply this verse to my own life when facing enemies or opposition?
You can apply this verse by remembering that God is your defender and judge, and that He will ultimately vindicate you, as promised in Psalms 37:5-6, where we are told to commit our way to God and trust in Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have seen God defeat my enemies or bring me victory in my life, and how can I give thanks for those experiences?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and justice when faced with opposition or persecution, and what promises can I hold onto in those times?
- In what ways do I need to surrender my desire for revenge or retaliation, and instead leave room for God's wrath, as instructed in Romans 12:19?
- How can I use this verse to encourage and comfort others who are facing their own enemies or struggles, and what role can I play in supporting and praying for them?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 9:3
When mine enemies are turned back,.... As the Philistines were, when Goliath their champion was dead; and as the men that came to apprehend Christ, David's antitype, went backwards and fell to the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 9:3
When mine enemies are turned back, they shall fall and perish at thy presence. They shall fall ... at thy presence. The mere glance of God is enough to destroy every enemy.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 9:3
When they are discomfited and put to flight, they shall not save themselves by flight, and reserve themselves to do further mischief, but shall stumble as it were at gall-traps by thee laid in their way, and shall be pursued, and overtaken, and cut off, upon thy appearance against them. One angry look of thine is able to confound and destroy them. Heb. from thy face, because thou didst march in the head of our armies, and against them. They could not stand before thee. So he ascribes the honour of his victories to God only, and to his presence and assistance.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 9:3
Psalms 9:3 When mine enemies are turned back, they shall fall and perish at thy presence.Ver. 3. When mine enemies] This, Tremellius maketh to be the form of praise which the psalmist professeth that he will sing to God, and rendereth it thus, That mine enemies returning back are fallen, &c. And perish at thy presence] The victory is of God, and to him alone to be ascribed. The Romans in their triumphs presented a palm to Jupiter. The Grecians also thankfully ascribed to Jupiter their deliverance from the Persians, wrought by Themistocles, and there hence called him ελευθεριος, that is, deliverer.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 9:3
(3) When.—Literally, in the turning of mine enemies back, which may be either when they turned, or because they turned, or possibly with both ideas combined. The older versions have when. Psalms 9:2-3 form one sentence, “I will be glad and rejoice in thee . . . when mine enemies are turned back, (when) they fall and perish at thy presence.” Fall.—Better, stumble through weakness. So the LXX., “are weak.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 9:3
Verse 3. When mine enemies are turned back] It is a sure sign of a nearly approaching complete conquest over sin, when, by resistance to its influences, it begins to lose its power. That is the time to follow on to know the Lord.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 9:3
1–4. The Psalmist’s purpose to praise Jehovah for the recent manifestation of His righteous judgement in the defeat of His enemies. Each of the four lines in Psalms 9:1-2 begins with Aleph, the first letter of the alphabet.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 9:3
When mine enemies are turned back - Who these enemies were, the psalmist does not say.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 9:3
3-6. A graphic description of the desolating effect of the war.
Sermons on Psalms 9:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Hell! by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about his father's transformation from an alcoholic to a devout believer in God. After repenting from his sinful life, his fathe |
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If You Stand Before God Today by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the lack of enthusiasm and excitement among believers when it comes to studying and hearing God's word. He shares a personal anecdote about |
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The Apostate Evangelical Church of Today by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency and responsibility of warning the lost about the dangers they face. He compares the blind leaders of the blind to those who lack |
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Hell - Keith David by From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons | In this sermon, the speaker, Keith David, shares about his father's passionate preaching of the word of God. His father was deeply committed to warning souls about the judgments of |
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3 Things Jesus Said About Hell by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman addresses the difficult topic of hell in his sermon '3 Things Jesus Said About Hell,' emphasizing that Jesus spoke more about hell than any other biblical figure. He |
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Jesus Forsaken by God by R.B. Jones | R.B. Jones preaches on the profound agony of Jesus on the cross, illustrating it as a representation of the torment of hell for those who reject Him. He emphasizes that the physica |
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The Punishment of the Wicked Dreadful and Interminable. by Edward Payson | Edward Payson preaches a powerful sermon on the eternal punishment that awaits impenitent sinners in a future state, emphasizing the importance of preaching the whole truth of the |