Psalms 27:2
What does Psalms 27:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 27:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 27:2 means
Here, the psalmist recalls a specific past experience of deliverance, illustrating the truth of his declaration in verse 1. He describes his enemies as malevolent 'evil-doers' intent on his destruction, using the vivid imagery of beasts devouring flesh. Yet, despite their aggressive intent and the apparent danger, these adversaries did not prevail. Instead, they 'stumbled and fell,' indicating a divinely orchestrated defeat. This past victory serves as tangible proof that God truly is his light, salvation, and strength.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000When evil-doers came upon me to eat up my flesh, Even mine adversaries and my foes, they stumbled and fell.
KJV
King James Version · 1611When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901When evil-doers came upon me to eat up my flesh, Even mine adversaries and my foes, they stumbled and fell.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949When evil-doers, even my haters, came on me to put an end to me, they were broken and put to shame.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862When evil doers come near to me to eat my flesh, My adversaries and mine enemies to me, They have stumbled and fallen.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Hear, O Lord, the voice of my supplication, when I pray to thee; when I lift up my hands to thy holy temple.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890When evil-doers, mine adversaries and mine enemies, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.
Context
Following the general declaration of trust in verse 1, this verse offers concrete evidence from the psalmist's past. It transitions from a theological statement to a historical recounting, showing *how* God has proven Himself faithful. This example of past deliverance prepares the reader for the psalmist's further declarations of confidence, grounding them in experiential reality rather than mere assertion.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 8:15
And many shall stumble thereon, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken.
- Psalms 22:16
For dogs have compassed me: A company of evil-doers have inclosed me; They pierced my hands and my feet.
- Psalms 118:12
They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: In the name of Jehovah I will cut them off.
- Psalms 9:3
When mine enemies turn back, They stumble and perish at thy presence.
- Psalms 14:4
Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge, Who eat up my peopleasthey eat bread, And call not upon Jehovah?
- Psalms 62:3
How long will ye set upon a man, That ye may slay him, all of you, Like a leaning wall, like a tottering fence?
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Psalms 27
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Psalms 27.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Courage
The Bible often speaks of courage, urging believers to be strong and brave in the face of fear and adversity
Topic
Bible Verses About Discouragement
When life’s challenges weigh heavily on our hearts, the Bible offers comfort, hope, and guidance to overcome discouragement.
Topic
Bible Verses About God as Light
Exploring how God reveals Himself as light, symbolizing His holiness, truth, and presence in scripture
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Stuck in Life
When nothing's moving and you don't know why — verses for the in-between.
Verses for
Bible Verses for a Panic Attack at Night
Steady, slow verses to pray when your chest is tight and the house is dark.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Anxiety Before a Job Interview
Quiet your nerves and walk in with steady steps — six verses to pray on the way.