Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version I am in the midst of lions; I am forced to dwell among ravenous beasts— men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords. New Living Translation I am surrounded by fierce lions who greedily devour human prey— whose teeth pierce like spears and arrows, and whose tongues cut like swords. English Standard Version My soul is in the midst of lions; I lie down amid fiery beasts— the children of man, whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords. Berean Standard Bible My soul is among the lions; I lie down with ravenous beasts—with men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords. King James Bible 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. New King James Version My soul is among lions; I lie among the sons of men Who are set on fire, Whose teeth are spears and arrows, And their tongue a sharp sword. New American Standard Bible My soul is among lions; I must lie among those who devour, Among sons of mankind whose teeth are spears and arrows, And their tongue is a sharp sword. NASB 1995 My soul is among lions; I must lie among those who breathe forth fire, Even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows And their tongue a sharp sword. NASB 1977 My soul is among lions; I must lie among those who breathe forth fire, Even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, And their tongue a sharp sword. Legacy Standard Bible My soul is among lions; I am lying down among those who breathe forth fire, Sons of men whose teeth are spears and arrows And their tongue a sharp sword. Amplified Bible My life is among lions; I must lie among those who breathe out fire— The sons of men whose teeth are spears and arrows, And their tongue a sharp sword. Christian Standard Bible I am surrounded by lions; I lie down among devouring lions — people whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords. Holman Christian Standard Bible I am surrounded by lions; I lie down with those who devour men. Their teeth are spears and arrows; their tongues are sharp swords. American Standard Version My soul is among lions; I lie among them that are set on fire, Even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, And their tongue a sharp sword. Contemporary English Version My enemies are fierce, much worse than lions! They have spears and arrows instead of teeth, and they have sharp swords instead of tongues. English Revised Version My soul is among lions; I lie among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword. GOD'S WORD® Translation My soul is surrounded by lions. I must lie down with man-eating lions. Their teeth are spears and arrows. Their tongues are sharp swords. Good News Translation I am surrounded by enemies, who are like lions hungry for human flesh. Their teeth are like spears and arrows; their tongues are like sharp swords. International Standard Version I am surrounded by lions. I lie down with those who burn with fire— that is, with people whose teeth are like spears and arrows— whose tongues are like sharp swords. NET Bible I am surrounded by lions; I lie down among those who want to devour me; men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are a sharp sword. New Heart English Bible My soul is among lions. I lie among those who are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword. Webster's Bible Translation 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleMy soul is among the lions; I lie down with ravenous beasts—with men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords. World English Bible My soul is among lions. I lie among those who are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionMy soul [is] in the midst of lions, "" I lie down [among] flames—sons of men, "" Their teeth [are] a spear and arrows, "" And their tongue a sharp sword. Young's Literal Translation My soul is in the midst of lions, I lie down among flames -- sons of men, Their teeth are a spear and arrows, And their tongue a sharp sword. Smith's Literal Translation My soul is in the midst of lions: I shall lie down with the flaming, the sons of man, their teeth spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims Bibleand he hath delivered my soul from the midst of the young lions. I slept troubled. The sons of men, whose teeth are weapons and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible I must lie down in the midst of lions hungry for human prey. Their teeth are spears and arrows; their tongue, a sharpened sword. New Revised Standard Version I lie down among lions that greedily devour human prey; their teeth are spears and arrows, their tongues sharp swords. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleHe has delivered my life from the vicious as I slept in fear, and from the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongues sharp swords. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he saved my soul from the dogs and I slept as I was troubled. The teeth of the children of men are spears and arrows and their tongue like a sharp sword. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917My soul is among lions, I do lie down among them that are aflame; Even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, And their tongue a sharp sword. Brenton Septuagint Translation and he has delivered my soul from the midst of lions' whelps: I lay down to sleep, though troubled. As for the sons of men, their teeth are arms and missile weapons, and their tongue a sharp sword. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context In You My Soul Takes Refuge…3He reaches down from heaven and saves me; He rebukes those who trample me. Selah God sends forth His loving devotion and His truth. 4My soul is among the lions; I lie down with ravenous beasts— with men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords. 5Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; may Your glory cover all the earth.… Cross References Psalm 7:2 or they will shred my soul like a lion and tear me to pieces with no one to rescue me. Psalm 10:9 He lies in wait like a lion in a thicket; he lurks to seize the oppressed; he catches the lowly in his net. Psalm 17:12 like a lion greedy for prey, like a young lion lurking in ambush. Psalm 22:13 They open their jaws against me like lions that roar and maul. Psalm 35:17 How long, O Lord, will You look on? Rescue my soul from their ravages, my precious life from these lions. Psalm 55:21 His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed. Psalm 58:6 O God, shatter their teeth in their mouths; O LORD, tear out the fangs of the lions. Psalm 64:3-4 who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows, / ambushing the innocent in seclusion, shooting suddenly, without fear. Psalm 140:3 They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips. Selah Proverbs 30:14 there is a generation whose teeth are swords and whose jaws are knives, devouring the oppressed from the earth and the needy from among men. Jeremiah 5:6 Therefore a lion from the forest will strike them down, a wolf from the desert will ravage them. A leopard will lie in wait near their cities, and everyone who ventures out will be torn to pieces. For their rebellious acts are many, and their unfaithful deeds are numerous. Ezekiel 22:25 The conspiracy of the princes in her midst is like a roaring lion tearing its prey. They devour the people, seize the treasures and precious things, and multiply the widows within her. Hosea 13:7-8 So like a lion I will pounce on them; like a leopard I will lurk by the path. / Like a bear robbed of her cubs I will attack them, and I will tear open their chests. There I will devour them like a lion, like a wild beast tearing them apart. Daniel 6:24 At the command of the king, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought and thrown into the den of lions—they and their children and wives. And before they had reached the bottom of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones. Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. Treasury of Scripture 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. among Psalm 10:9 He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lieth in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the poor, when he draweth him into his net. Psalm 17:12,13 Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places… Psalm 22:13-16 They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion… set Judges 9:20 But if not, let fire come out from Abimelech, and devour the men of Shechem, and the house of Millo; and let fire come out from the men of Shechem, and from the house of Millo, and devour Abimelech. James 3:6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. whose Psalm 58:6 Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth: break out the great teeth of the young lions, O LORD. John 4:10,11 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water… Proverbs 30:14 There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men. tongue Psalm 52:2 Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp rasor, working deceitfully. Psalm 55:21 The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords. Psalm 64:3 Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words: Jump to Previous Aflame Arrows Breathe Devour Fire Flames Forth Greedily Lions Midst Ravenous Sharp Soul Spear Spears Sword Teeth Tongue TonguesJump to Next Aflame Arrows Breathe Devour Fire Flames Forth Greedily Lions Midst Ravenous Sharp Soul Spear Spears Sword Teeth Tongue TonguesPsalm 57 1. David in prayer fleeing unto God, complains of his dangerous case7. He encourages himself to praise God My soul is among the lions; This phrase evokes a vivid image of danger and vulnerability. In biblical times, lions were common in the region and symbolized power and ferocity. The psalmist, likely David, uses this metaphor to describe his perilous situation, possibly when he was fleeing from Saul. Lions are often used in Scripture to represent enemies or threats (e.g., Daniel 6:16-24). This imagery underscores the intensity of the psalmist's distress and his reliance on God for protection. I lie down with ravenous beasts— with men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe author of this psalm, David, is expressing his distress and seeking God's protection. This psalm is traditionally understood to have been written when David was fleeing from King Saul and hiding in a cave. 2. Lions and Ravenous Beasts These are metaphorical representations of David's enemies, who are fierce and threatening. The imagery conveys the danger and hostility he faces. 3. Cave of Adullam While not mentioned directly in this verse, the context of the psalm is linked to David's time hiding in caves, such as the Cave of Adullam, during his flight from Saul. Teaching Points Trust in God's ProtectionDespite being surrounded by danger, David places his trust in God. Believers today can find comfort in knowing that God is a refuge in times of trouble. The Power of Words The imagery of tongues as sharp swords highlights the destructive potential of words. Christians are called to use their words to build up rather than tear down. Spiritual Warfare The metaphor of lions and beasts can be seen as a representation of spiritual battles. Believers must be vigilant and rely on God's strength to overcome spiritual adversaries. Perseverance in Trials David's experience teaches us the importance of perseverance and faithfulness during trials. God is faithful to deliver those who seek Him earnestly. Community Support Just as David had his mighty men and supporters, Christians are encouraged to seek and provide support within the body of Christ during challenging times. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 57How can I be bold through faith in God? Is the reference to enemies being like “lions” in Psalm 57:4 simply poetic imagery, or does it exaggerate any verifiable historical threat David faced? What is the biblical significance of shepherds? What proof exists that David truly authored Psalm 64, given the lack of concrete historical records to confirm its original context?(4) Them that are set on fire.--Rather, greedy ones (literally, lickers) in apposition to lions. The verse expresses the insecurity of the poet, who, his dwelling being in the midst of foes, must go to sleep every night with the sense of danger all round him. (See LXX.) How grandly the refrain in Psalm 57:8 rises from such a situation.Verse 4. - My soul is among lions (comp. Psalm 7:2; Psalm 10:9; Psalm 17:12; Psalm 22:21, etc.). And I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men - literally, I lie on firebands, sons of men - whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword. David occupies the cave (of Adullam?), while around him prowl lion-like men, whose fury is like that of firebrands, who threaten to devour him with their sharp teeth, and to pierce his soul with their cruel tongues. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew My soulנַפְשִׁ֤י ׀ (nap̄·šî) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion [is] among בְּת֥וֹךְ (bə·ṯō·wḵ) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 8432: A bisection, the centre the lions; לְבָאִם֮ (lə·ḇā·’im) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3833: To roar, a lion, I lie down אֶשְׁכְּבָ֪ה (’eš·kə·ḇāh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular Strong's 7901: To lie down with ravenous beasts לֹ֫הֲטִ֥ים (lō·hă·ṭîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 3857: To blaze up, flame whose teeth שִׁ֭נֵּיהֶם (nê·hem) Noun - cdc | third person masculine plural Strong's 8127: A tooth, ivory, a cliff are spears חֲנִ֣ית (ḥă·nîṯ) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 2595: A lance and arrows, וְחִצִּ֑ים (wə·ḥiṣ·ṣîm) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 2671: A piercer, an arrow, a wound, thunderbolt, the shaft of a, spear whose tongues וּ֝לְשׁוֹנָ֗ם (ū·lə·šō·w·nām) Conjunctive waw | Noun - common singular construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 3956: The tongue are sharp חַדָּֽה׃ (ḥad·dāh) Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 2299: Sharp swords. חֶ֣רֶב (ḥe·reḇ) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 2719: Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword Links Psalm 57:4 NIVPsalm 57:4 NLT Psalm 57:4 ESV Psalm 57:4 NASB Psalm 57:4 KJV Psalm 57:4 BibleApps.com Psalm 57:4 Biblia Paralela Psalm 57:4 Chinese Bible Psalm 57:4 French Bible Psalm 57:4 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Psalm 57:4 My soul is among lions (Psalm Ps Psa.) |
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