Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version For I hear many whispering, “Terror on every side!” They conspire against me and plot to take my life. New Living Translation I have heard the many rumors about me, and I am surrounded by terror. My enemies conspire against me, plotting to take my life. English Standard Version For I hear the whispering of many— terror on every side!— as they scheme together against me, as they plot to take my life. Berean Standard Bible For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side. They conspire against me and plot to take my life. Berean Literal Bible For I have heard the slander of many, terror from round about, in their taking counsel together against me; they have plotted to take my life. King James Bible For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life. New King James Version For I hear the slander of many; Fear is on every side; While they take counsel together against me, They scheme to take away my life. New American Standard Bible For I have heard the slander of many, Terror is on every side; While they took counsel together against me, They schemed to take away my life. NASB 1995 For I have heard the slander of many, Terror is on every side; While they took counsel together against me, They schemed to take away my life. NASB 1977 For I have heard the slander of many, Terror is on every side; While they took counsel together against me, They schemed to take away my life. Legacy Standard Bible For I have heard the bad report of many, Terror is on every side; While they took counsel together against me, They schemed to take my life. Amplified Bible For I have heard the slander and whispering of many, Terror is on every side; While they schemed together against me, They plotted to take away my life. Berean Annotated Bible For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side. They conspire against me and plot to take my life. Christian Standard Bible I have heard the gossip of many; terror is on every side. When they conspired against me, they plotted to take my life. Holman Christian Standard Bible I have heard the gossip of many; terror is on every side. When they conspired against me, they plotted to take my life. American Standard Version For I have heard the defaming of many, Terror on every side: While they took counsel together against me They devised to take away my life. Contemporary English Version I hear the crowds whisper, "Everyone is afraid!" They are plotting and scheming to murder me. English Revised Version For I have heard the defaming of many, terror on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life. GOD'S WORD® Translation I have heard the whispering of many people- terror on every side- while they made plans together against me. They were plotting to take my life. Good News Translation I hear many enemies whispering; terror is all around me. They are making plans against me, plotting to kill me. International Standard Version I have heard the slander of many; it is like terror all around me, as they conspire together and plot to take my life. NET Bible For I hear what so many are saying, the terrifying news that comes from every direction. When they plot together against me, they figure out how they can take my life. New Heart English Bible For I have heard the slander of many, terror on every side, while they conspire together against me, they plot to take away my life. Webster's Bible Translation For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleFor I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side. They conspire against me and plot to take my life. World English Bible For I have heard the slander of many, terror on every side, while they conspire together against me, they plot to take away my life. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionFor I have heard an evil account of many, "" Fear [is] all around. In their being united against me, "" They have devised to take my life, Berean Literal Bible For I have heard the slander of many, terror from round about, in their taking counsel together against me; they have plotted to take my life. Young's Literal Translation For I have heard an evil account of many, Fear is round about. In their being united against me, To take my life they have devised, Smith's Literal Translation For I heard the slander of many sojourning round about: in their sitting together against me they purposed to take away my soul. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor I have heard the blame of many that dwell round about. While they assembled together against me, they consulted to take away my life. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible I hear the whispers of the crowd; terrors are all around me. They conspire together against me; they plot to take my life. New Revised Standard Version For I hear the whispering of many— terror all around!— as they scheme together against me, as they plot to take my life. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor I have heard of the complicity of many persons; while they connived together against me, they schemed to take away my life. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Because I heard the scheme of many when they counseled against me together and they conceived to take my life. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917For I have heard the whispering of many, Terror on every side; While they took counsel together against me, They devised to take away my life. Brenton Septuagint Translation For I heard the slander of many that dwelt round about: when they were gathered together against me, they took counsel to take my life. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit…12I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind. I am like a broken vessel. 13For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side. They conspire against me and plot to take my life. 14But I trust in You, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.”… Cross References For I hear the slander of many; 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.” Psalm 41:5 My enemies say with malice: “When will he die and be forgotten?” Psalm 109:2 For wicked and deceitful mouths open against me; they speak against me with lying tongues. there is terror on every side. Jeremiah 6:25 Do not go out to the fields; do not walk the road. For the enemy has a sword; terror is on every side. Jeremiah 46:5 Why am I seeing this? They are terrified, they are retreating; their warriors are defeated, they flee in haste without looking back; terror is on every side!” declares the LORD. Jeremiah 49:29 They will take their tents and flocks, their tent curtains and all their goods. They will take their camels for themselves. They will shout to them: ‘Terror is on every side!’ They conspire against me 2 Chronicles 24:21 But they conspired against Zechariah, and by order of the king, they stoned him in the courtyard of the house of the LORD. 2 Samuel 15:12 While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from his hometown of Giloh. So the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept increasing. Psalm 2:2 The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed One: and plot to take my life. 1 Samuel 23:15 While David was in Horesh in the Wilderness of Ziph, he saw that Saul had come out to take his life. 1 Samuel 19:1 Then Saul ordered his son Jonathan and all his servants to kill David. But Jonathan delighted greatly in David, Matthew 26:4 and they conspired to arrest Jesus covertly and kill Him. Lamentations 2:22 You summoned my terrors on every side, as for the day of an appointed feast. In the day of the LORD’s anger no one escaped or survived; my enemy has destroyed those I nurtured and reared. Matthew 26:59-61 Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death. / But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward / and declared, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’” Mark 14:55-59 Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but they did not find any. / For many bore false witness against Jesus, but their testimony was inconsistent. / Then some men stood up and testified falsely against Him: … Luke 22:2-6 and the chief priests and scribes were looking for a way to put Jesus to death, for they feared the people. / Then Satan entered Judas Iscariot, who was one of the Twelve. / And Judas went to discuss with the chief priests and temple officers how he might betray Jesus to them. … Treasury of Scripture For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life. I have Psalm 55:10 Day and night they go about it upon the walls thereof: mischief also and sorrow are in the midst of it. Psalm 101:5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer. 1 Samuel 22:8-10 That all of you have conspired against me, and there is none that sheweth me that my son hath made a league with the son of Jesse, and there is none of you that is sorry for me, or sheweth unto me that my son hath stirred up my servant against me, to lie in wait, as at this day? … fear Psalm 56:1-3 To the chief Musician upon Jonathelemrechokim, Michtam of David, when the Philistines took him in Gath. Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me… Psalm 57:4 My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword. Jeremiah 6:25 Go not forth into the field, nor walk by the way; for the sword of the enemy and fear is on every side. while 1 Samuel 19:10-17 And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the javelin; but he slipped away out of Saul's presence, and he smote the javelin into the wall: and David fled, and escaped that night… 1 Samuel 20:33 And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David. 1 Samuel 23:19,20 Then came up the Ziphites to Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth not David hide himself with us in strong holds in the wood, in the hill of Hachilah, which is on the south of Jeshimon? … Jump to Previous Account Conspire Counsel Defaming Devised Evil False. Fear Hear Heard Life Plot Round Scheme Schemed Side Slander Statements Talking Terror Together WhisperingJump to Next Account Conspire Counsel Defaming Devised Evil False. Fear Hear Heard Life Plot Round Scheme Schemed Side Slander Statements Talking Terror Together WhisperingPsalm 31 1. David, showing his confidence in God, craves his help7. He rejoices in his mercy 9. He prays in his calamity 19. He praises God for his goodness For I hear the slander of many; This phrase reflects the experience of being falsely accused or maligned by others. In biblical times, slander was a serious offense, often leading to social ostracism or legal consequences. The psalmist, traditionally believed to be David, frequently faced slander from his enemies, including King Saul and others who opposed his rule. This experience of slander is echoed in the life of Jesus Christ, who was also falsely accused by religious leaders (Matthew 26:59-61). The theme of enduring slander and trusting in God for vindication is a recurring motif in the Psalms (Psalm 109:2-3). there is terror on every side. They conspire against me and plot to take my life. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 31, David is expressing his distress and seeking refuge in God amidst his adversaries. 2. Enemies/Adversaries The unspecified individuals or groups who are slandering and conspiring against David, creating a sense of terror. 3. Terror on Every Side A phrase indicating the overwhelming nature of the threats and fears surrounding David. 4. Conspiracy The organized effort by David's enemies to harm him, reflecting the intense opposition he faced. 5. Plot to Take My Life The ultimate threat against David, highlighting the severity of his situation and his reliance on God for deliverance. Teaching Points Trust in God's ProtectionDespite the overwhelming threats, believers are encouraged to trust in God's ability to protect and deliver them from their enemies. The Reality of Opposition Followers of God should be prepared for opposition and slander, understanding that these challenges are part of the spiritual journey. Prayer as a Refuge In times of distress, turning to God in prayer is a powerful way to find peace and strength amidst adversity. God's Sovereignty Over Plots No matter how well-organized the plans against us may be, God's sovereignty ensures that His purposes will prevail. Endurance Through Trials The experiences of biblical figures like David and Jesus remind us that enduring trials with faith can lead to spiritual growth and deeper reliance on God. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Psalm 31:13?2. How does Psalm 31:13 encourage trust in God during times of adversity? 3. What does "terror on every side" reveal about David's emotional state? 4. How can Psalm 31:13 guide us in handling false accusations today? 5. Which New Testament passages echo themes found in Psalm 31:13? 6. How can we apply David's reliance on God in Psalm 31:13 to our lives? 7. How does Psalm 31:13 reflect the struggles of feeling abandoned by friends and society? 8. What historical context might have influenced the writing of Psalm 31:13? 9. How does Psalm 31:13 relate to the theme of trust in God during adversity? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 31? 11. What is the Bible's stance on slander? 12. Why does the psalmist plead for God's attention in Psalm 13:2 if other biblical texts claim God never abandons the faithful? 13. If Jesus taught love for enemies (Matthew 5:44), why does Psalm 109 appear to endorse the exact opposite stance? 14. How can we reconcile God's ultimate kingship with the continuing oppression seen throughout history? (Psalm 10:16-18) What Does Psalm 31:13 Mean For I hear the slander of many• David’s complaint begins with hostile words. He is not dealing with a single critic but “many,” echoing Psalm 55:3, “Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked.” • Slander wounds the heart; it also seeks to erode trust in God’s servant (Psalm 109:2). • Christ experienced the same when “the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false testimony against Jesus” (Matthew 26:59). there is terror on every side • The hostility is so intense that fear surrounds him like an ambush. Jeremiah borrows this exact phrase: “For I have heard the whispering of many… ‘Terror on every side!’ ” (Jeremiah 20:10). • When fear closes in, believers remember that God remains “a shield around me” (Psalm 3:3). • Even amid panic, the psalmist looks upward, modeling the trust urged in Isaiah 41:10: “Do not fear, for I am with you.” They conspire against me • The opposition is organized, reminiscent of Saul’s pursuit of David in 1 Samuel 23:8 or the plotting of nations in Psalm 2:1–2. • Conspiracy reveals deliberate intent, which God ultimately thwarts: “They plot injustice and say, ‘We have devised a perfect plan!’ … But God will shoot them with arrows” (Psalm 64:6–7). • For believers today, this underscores Ephesians 6:12—the real battle lies behind the visible scheming. and plot to take my life • The threat hits its peak: enemies want David dead, paralleling 1 Samuel 19:10 when Saul “tried to pin David to the wall.” • Yet God preserves His servant; Psalm 118:17 declares, “I will not die, but I will live and proclaim what the LORD has done.” • The verse foreshadows Christ, whose adversaries “consulted together to put Him to death” (John 11:53), yet whose resurrection proves God’s ultimate vindication. summary Psalm 31:13 lays bare the believer’s worst earthly fears—malicious words, overwhelming fear, calculated plots, and mortal danger. David’s honesty invites us to pour out our own distress, while the surrounding psalm assures us of God’s steadfast protection (Psalm 31:14–15). Whether facing rumor, intimidation, or direct threats, we cling to the Lord who hears, vindicates, and preserves life according to His unfailing love. (13) Again comp. Jeremiah 20:10, which reproduces word for word the first two clauses. The expression rendered "fear on every side" was actually a motto of the prophet (Jeremiah 6:25; Jeremiah 20:3, margin; Jeremiah 46:5; Jeremiah 49:29. Comp. Lamentations 2:22). But the most probable derivation makes the noun mean not terror but conspiracy, while for slander here we must render whisper. . . . Verse 13. - For I have heard the slander of many (see the comment on ver. 11). The calumnies circulated against him had reached David's ears, and these had so affected him that he felt as described in the preceding verse. Fear was on every side, while they took counsel together against me. Fear was "on every side" - in his own heart, and in the hearts of all his friends - when it came to the point of his enemies holding a formal council, in which the matter discussed was the best mode of proceeding against him to take away his life. The particulars of such a council are given in 2 Samuel 17:1-14. They devised to take away my life. That David's life was sought is apparent from the last clause of ver. 2, "I will smite the king only."Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Forכִּ֤י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction I hear שָׁמַ֨עְתִּי ׀ (šā·ma‘·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently the slander דִּבַּ֥ת (dib·baṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 1681: Whispering, defamation, evil report of many; רַבִּים֮ (rab·bîm) Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 7227: Much, many, great there is terror מָג֪וֹר (mā·ḡō·wr) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4032: Fear, terror on every side. מִסָּ֫בִ֥יב (mis·sā·ḇîḇ) Preposition-m | Adverb Strong's 5439: A circle, neighbour, environs, around They conspire בְּהִוָּסְדָ֣ם (bə·hiw·wā·sə·ḏām) Preposition-b | Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 3245: To set, to found, to sit down together, settle, consult against me עָלַ֑י (‘ā·lay) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against [and] plot זָמָֽמוּ׃ (zā·mā·mū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 2161: To consider, purpose, devise to take לָקַ֖חַת (lā·qa·ḥaṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 3947: To take my life. נַפְשִׁ֣י (nap̄·šî) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion Links Psalm 31:13 NIVPsalm 31:13 NLT Psalm 31:13 ESV Psalm 31:13 NASB Psalm 31:13 KJV Psalm 31:13 BibleApps.com Psalm 31:13 Biblia Paralela Psalm 31:13 Chinese Bible Psalm 31:13 French Bible Psalm 31:13 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Psalm 31:13 For I have heard the slander (Psalm Ps Psa.) |
    |