King James Version

What Does Psalms 17:13 Mean?

Psalms 17:13 in the King James Version says “Arise, O LORD, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, which is thy sword: disappoint: Heb. prev...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 17 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Arise, O LORD, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, which is thy sword: disappoint: Heb. prevent his face which is: or, by”

Psalms 17:13 · KJV

Context

11

They have now compassed us in our steps: they have set their eyes bowing down to the earth;

12

Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places. Like: Heb. The likeness of him (that is, of every one of them) is as a lion that desireth to ravin lurking: Heb. sitting

13

Arise, O LORD, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, which is thy sword: disappoint: Heb. prevent his face which is: or, by

14

From men which are thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes. which are: or, by they: or, their children are full

15

As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
David prays for God to 'confront' and 'subdue' his enemies with God's sword. The Hebrew 'qadam' (confront) means to meet face-to-face. This imprecatory prayer appeals to divine justice, trusting God as warrior-king. The 'sword' represents God's judgment. Reformed theology understands such prayers as prophetic declarations of certain judgment, not personal vengeance—they express confidence in God's justice while entrusting vindication to Him.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Written during military conflict when David needed divine intervention. Ancient warfare imagery applied to spiritual reality—God as divine warrior fighting for His people (Exodus 15:3).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you balance praying for justice with leaving vengeance to God?
  2. What does it mean to trust God as your defender rather than defending yourself?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
קוּמָ֤ה1 of 9

“Arise”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

יְהוָ֗ה2 of 9

“O LORD”

H3068

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

קַדְּמָ֣ה3 of 9

“disappoint”

H6923

to project (one self), i.e., precede; hence, to anticipate, hasten, meet (usually for help)

פָ֭נָיו4 of 9

“him”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הַכְרִיעֵ֑הוּ5 of 9

“cast him down”

H3766

to bend the knee; by implication, to sink, to prostrate

פַּלְּטָ֥ה6 of 9

“deliver”

H6403

to slip out, i.e., escape; causatively, to deliver

נַ֝פְשִׁ֗י7 of 9

“my soul”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

מֵרָשָׁ֥ע8 of 9

“from the wicked”

H7563

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

חַרְבֶּֽךָ׃9 of 9

“which is thy sword”

H2719

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

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 17:13 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 17:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 44:26Psalms 7:11-13Psalms 44:23Psalms 3:7Psalms 7:6Psalms 22:20

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