King James Version

What Does Psalms 3:1 Mean?

Psalms 3:1 in the King James Version says “A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that ri...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.”

Psalms 3:1 · KJV

Context

1

A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.

2

Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.

3

But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. for: or, about

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Psalm 3's superscription attributes it to David's flight from Absalom (2 Samuel 15-18)—one of Scripture's most painful family betrayals. The opening lament 'LORD, how are they increased' expresses shock at multiplying enemies. The Hebrew rabbah (increased/multiplied) suggests exponential growth—trouble not diminishing but expanding. The parallel 'many are they that rise up' uses qum (rise, stand) depicting active, aggressive opposition.

The repetition of 'many' emphasizes overwhelming odds—David faces not isolated opposition but coordinated rebellion. Historically, this refers to Absalom's successful coup that turned Israel's armies and populace against their rightful king. Prophetically, this foreshadows Christ's experience: betrayed by Judas, abandoned by disciples, condemned by religious leaders and crowds who once welcomed Him.

The address 'LORD' (Yahweh) invokes covenant relationship—despite betrayal, David appeals to the faithful God. This establishes the psalm's theology: human faithlessness contrasts with divine faithfulness. The interrogative 'how' doesn't seek information but expresses emotional distress—a cry of anguish. Yet this complaint is directed to God, demonstrating faith: David doesn't despair but prays, modeling proper response to overwhelming adversity.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Absalom's rebellion began with calculated subversion—standing at city gates, intercepting those seeking justice, and undermining confidence in David's rule (2 Samuel 15:1-6). Over four years, he 'stole the hearts of the men of Israel.' The coup's success forced David to flee Jerusalem barefoot, weeping, covered head in mourning (2 Samuel 15:30). Former loyal subjects joined Absalom; even David's trusted counselor Ahithophel defected (2 Samuel 15:12).

This historical crisis produced some of Scripture's most poignant psalms—prayers forged in desperate flight. David's vulnerability—displaced from throne and capital, uncertain of survival—makes this psalm profoundly human. Yet it transcends David's personal crisis, providing language for all believers facing betrayal and overwhelming opposition. The early church recognized Jesus as the ultimate 'David' betrayed by His own people, fleeing (in sense) from those He came to save, yet trusting the Father. Every Christian facing multiplied troubles finds voice in this ancient lament.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does David's example of immediately turning to God in crisis inform Christian responses to betrayal or overwhelming adversity?
  2. What does the multiplication of enemies teach about spiritual warfare's progressive nature, and how should believers prepare?
  3. In what ways did Christ experience the reality of this verse more fully than David, and how does this provide comfort?
  4. How can believers maintain covenant confidence in God ('LORD') when circumstances seem to contradict divine promises?
  5. What is the value of honest lament before God, as modeled in this verse, versus trying to maintain false cheerfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
יְ֭הוָה1 of 7

“LORD”

H3068

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

מָֽה2 of 7
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

רַבּ֣וּ3 of 7

“how are they increased”

H7231

properly, to cast together , i.e., increase, especially in number; to multiply by the myriad

צָרָ֑י4 of 7

“that trouble”

H6862

a pebble (as in h6864)

רַ֝בִּ֗ים5 of 7

“me! many”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

קָמִ֥ים6 of 7

“are they that rise up”

H6965

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

עָלָֽי׃7 of 7
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

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 3:1 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 3:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 17:72 Samuel 17:11-132 Samuel 16:152 Samuel 15:1-18Matthew 27:25Matthew 10:21

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