Psalm 57:4

Translations

Modern

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.

Traditional

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.

Literal

My soul is in the midst of lions; I lie down among flames—the sons of men, their teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue is a sharp sword.

Latin

…et eripuit animam meam de medio catulorum leonum. Dormivi conturbatus. Filii hominum dentes eorum arma et sagittæ, et lingua eorum gladius acutus.

Original

Hebrew

English

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.

Notes

Psalms 57:3–4

These verses are a prayer for rescue from strong enemies. The metaphor of fierce lions describes human foes. The psalmist feels unable to escape them without God's help (see also Psalms 35:11–21; 124:6).

Psalms 57:1–11

The psalmist asks for mercy and protection, then expresses trust and confidence in the Lord (Psalm 57:1–4). When the wicked fall into their own traps (Psalm 57:6), the psalmist will praise the Lord (57:7–10).

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 58:6
O God, shatter their teeth in their mouths; O LORD, tear out the fangs of the lions.
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.
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.
Proverbs 12:18
Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Psalm 64:3
…who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows,
John 4:10–11
Jesus answered, “If you knew the gift of God and who is asking you for a drink, you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”
Daniel 6:22–24
My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, for I was found innocent in His sight, and I have done no wrong against you, O king.”
Psalm 52:2
Your tongue devises destruction like a sharpened razor, O worker of deceit.
Proverbs 25:18
Like a club or sword or sharp arrow is a man who bears false witness against his neighbor.
Proverbs 28:15
Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.
Psalm 17:12–13
…like a lion greedy for prey, like a young lion lurking in ambush.

Psalm 57:4

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Translations

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