King James Version

What Does Psalms 118:11 Mean?

Psalms 118:11 in the King James Version says “They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 118 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.”

Psalms 118:11 · KJV

Context

9

It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.

10

All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them. destroy: Heb. cut them off

11

They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.

12

They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. destroy: Heb. cut down

13

Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me.

Read Psalms 118 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. The threefold repetition of s'vavuni (they surrounded me) in verses 10-12 intensifies the description of siege conditions. Hebrew repetition signals emphasis, urgency, and completeness—the psalmist is utterly surrounded with no human escape route. The doubling within this single verse (s'vavuni, gam s'vavuni) stresses the totality of encirclement: completely surrounded, hemmed in, trapped.

Yet the refrain remains identical: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them (b'shem YHWH ki amilam). The repetition of both threat and response creates liturgical rhythm suitable for corporate worship—congregation recounting desperate circumstances while repeatedly affirming confident trust in God's name. This pattern appears throughout Psalms: dire circumstances described in detail followed by unchanging confidence in divine deliverance (Psalms 3, 27, 46, 91). The constancy of the refrain despite intensifying threats demonstrates that faith's foundation isn't circumstantial optimism but theological conviction rooted in God's character and covenant promises.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Siege warfare was ancient Near East's most common military tactic. Jerusalem itself endured multiple sieges: by Assyria under Hezekiah (2 Kings 18-19), by Babylon under Zedekiah (2 Kings 25:1-2), by Rome in AD 70. David experienced being surrounded at Keilah (1 Samuel 23:1-14) and pursued through wilderness. The psalm's imagery would resonate viscerally with post-exilic Israelites who remembered Babylonian siege, exile, and miraculous return. The New Testament uses similar imagery for spiritual siege: believers are "troubled on every side" yet not distressed, "perplexed" yet not in despair (2 Corinthians 4:8-9), facing schemes of the devil requiring God's full armor (Ephesians 6:11-18).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does repetition in prayer and worship reinforce faith when circumstances intensify rather than improve?
  2. What does it mean practically to 'destroy enemies in the LORD's name' rather than through human retaliation?
  3. How can believers maintain unchanging confidence in God's deliverance when circumstances grow progressively worse?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
סְבָב֑וּנִי1 of 7

“They compassed me about”

H5437

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

גַם2 of 7
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

סְבָב֑וּנִי3 of 7

“They compassed me about”

H5437

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

בְּשֵׁ֥ם4 of 7

“but in the name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

יְ֝הוָ֗ה5 of 7

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

כִּ֣י6 of 7
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֲמִילַֽם׃7 of 7

“I will destroy”

H4135

to cut short, i.e., curtail (specifically the prepuce, i.e., to circumcise); by implication, to blunt; figuratively, to destroy

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 118:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 118:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 88:171 Samuel 23:26Psalms 22:12-161 Chronicles 19:10

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 118 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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