Devine Scripture

Psalms 27:12

What does Psalms 27:12 mean?

A plain-English look at Psalms 27:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Psalms 27:12 means

The psalmist vocalizes a profound fear: being abandoned to the malicious intentions of his 'adversaries.' He explains the immediate danger: these enemies are not merely opponents, but 'false witnesses' who bear false testimony against him, aiming to destroy his reputation or life. Furthermore, they are described as those who 'breathe out cruelty,' indicating their violent and merciless nature. This verse reveals the immediate, tangible threats he faces, underscoring the urgency of his prayer for deliverance.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Deliver me not over unto the will of mine adversaries: For false witnesses are risen up against me, And such as breathe out cruelty.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Deliver me not over unto the will of mine adversaries: For false witnesses are risen up against me, And such as breathe out cruelty.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Do not give me into their hands, because false witnesses have come out against me, and men breathing destruction.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Give me not to the will of my adversaries, For risen against me have false witnesses, And they breathe out violence to me.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Not available in this translation

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Deliver me not over to the will of mine adversaries; for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out violence.

Context

This verse elaborates on the reason for the prayer for guidance in verse 11, detailing the specific dangers posed by his enemies. It shifts from a general request for direction to a direct plea for protection from the concrete schemes of his adversaries, emphasizing their deceptive and cruel nature. This adds intensity and specificity to his earlier declarations about enemies and strengthens the need for divine intervention.

v.11Teach me thy way, O Jehovah; And lead me in a plain path, Because of mine enemies.

v.12This passage

v.13I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of Jehovah In the land of the living.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Psalms 35:11

    Unrighteous witnesses rise up; They ask me of things that I know not.

  • Psalms 41:11

    By this I know that thou delightest in me, Because mine enemy doth not triumph over me.

  • Psalms 38:16

    For I said, Lest they rejoice over me: When my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me.

  • 1 Samuel 22:9

    Then answered Doeg the Edomite, who stood by the servants of Saul, and said, I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub.

  • Matthew 26:59

    Now the chief priests and the whole council sought false witness against Jesus, that they might put him to death;

  • 1 Samuel 26:19

    Now therefore, I pray thee, let my lord the king hear the words of his servant. If it be Jehovah that hath stirred thee up against me, let him accept an offering: but if it be the children of men, cursed be they before Jehovah; for they have driven me out this day that I should not cleave unto the inheritance of Jehovah, saying, Go, serve other gods.

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