Psalm 54:3

Translations

Modern

For strangers rise up against me, and ruthless men seek my life—men with no regard for God. Selah

Traditional

For strangers are risen up against me, and oppressors seek after my soul: they have not set God before them. Selah.

Literal

For strangers have risen up against me, and terrible ones have sought my soul; they have not put God before them. Selah

Latin

Quoniam alieni insurrexerunt adversum me, et fortes quæsierunt animam meam, et non proposuerunt Deum ante conspectum suum.

Original

Hebrew

English

For strangers rise up against me, and ruthless men seek my life—men with no regard for God. Selah

Notes

Psalms 54:3

The strangers were excluded from the covenant community (see Psalm 109:11; Proverbs 5:10).
Proud and violent people do not respect God or others (see Psalms 35:11, 25; 86:14; Proverbs 11:16).

Psalms 54:1–7

This personal lament was caused by violent and godless people (Psalm 54:3). The psalmist prays to God and focuses on God's help (54:4). He asks God to save him from evil and judge his enemies (Psalm 54:5, 7).

Psalms 51:1–65:13

These psalms of David share a common theme. They reflect on the experience of evil. In Psalm 51, the psalmist admits his wrongdoing and asks for God's forgiveness. Psalms 52–64 express sorrow over specific evils David faced. A song of praise (Psalm 65) brings David's laments to an end.

Theme notes and profiles

David

Related verses

Psalm 86:14
The arrogant rise against me, O God; a band of ruthless men seeks my life; they have no regard for You.
Psalm 36:1
For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David, the servant of the LORD. An oracle is in my heart regarding the transgression of the wicked man: There is no fear of God before his eyes.
John 16:3
They will do these things because they have not known the Father or Me.
Psalm 53:4
Will the workers of iniquity never learn? They devour my people like bread; they refuse to call upon God.
Psalm 69:8
I have become a stranger to my brothers and a foreigner to my mother’s sons,
Psalm 59:3–5
See how they lie in wait for me. Fierce men conspire against me for no transgression or sin of my own, O LORD.
Psalm 16:8
I have set the LORD always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Psalm 40:14
May those who seek my life be ashamed and confounded; may those who wish me harm be repelled and humiliated.
Job 19:13–15
He has removed my brothers from me; my acquaintances have abandoned me.
Psalm 22:16
For dogs surround me; a band of evil men encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet.
Matthew 27:20–23
But the chief priests and elders persuaded the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus put to death.

Parallels

1 Samuel 23:7–29

People

Selah: A musical or liturgical term of uncertain meaning

Glossary

David Music Neginah, Neginoth Psalms, Book of Ziphims

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Prayer In Godlessness: General Scriptures Concerning

Psalm 54:3

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Related verses?

Parallels?