King James Version

What Does Psalms 31:13 Mean?

Psalms 31:13 in the King James Version says “For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised ...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.”

Psalms 31:13 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

11

I was a reproach among all mine enemies, but especially among my neighbours, and a fear to mine acquaintance: they that did see me without fled from me.

12

I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel. a broken: Heb. a vessel that perisheth

13

For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.

14

But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my God.

15

My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.

Read Psalms 31 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life. Organized opposition—not random hostility but coordinated conspiracy. This reveals how slander, fear, and violence converge when God's servants face worldly opposition, prefiguring conspiracy against Christ.

Slander of many (Hebrew dibbah—defamation, evil report) is verbal assault. Slander isn't direct confrontation but poisonous gossip destroying reputation subtly and systematically. David's enemies undermine him through lies spread throughout community. This weaponization of words is particularly effective in shame-honor cultures.

Fear was on every side uses magor missabib (terror all around)—paralyzing dread from all directions. No safe quarter, no refuge. This psychological warfare precedes physical danger.

While they took counsel together (Hebrew ya'ats—deliberate, devise plans) describes formal conspiracy. Opposition is organized, coordinated, purposeful. They devised to take away my life reveals ultimate goal—not harassment but assassination plot. Reformed theology sees here world's ultimate hostility toward God's elect. This found supreme fulfillment when Jewish and Roman authorities conspired against Christ, using false testimony to justify execution.

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Historical & Cultural Context

David's experience of conspiracy was repeated reality. Saul's court actively plotted his death (1 Samuel 19:1). Absalom's rebellion involved careful organizing and propaganda (2 Samuel 15:1-12).

Legal language suggests formal proceedings. In ancient Near Eastern courts, false testimony was weaponized. Slander served legal functions—destroying credibility before bringing charges. Jesus' trial followed this pattern precisely—Sanhedrin took counsel, false witnesses sought, charge crafted to convince Romans.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does organized opposition to faith differ from random hostility, and how should believers respond?
  2. In what ways does slander serve as weapon against God's people today?
  3. How does conspiracy against David and Christ inform expectations about Christian life?
  4. What comfort comes from knowing believers' lives are secure in Christ despite organized opposition?
  5. How should Christians respond when hearing slander about fellow believers?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
כִּ֤י1 of 12
H3588

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

שָׁמַ֨עְתִּי׀2 of 12

“For I have heard”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

דִּבַּ֥ת3 of 12

“the slander”

H1681

slander

רַבִּים֮4 of 12

“of many”

H7227

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

מָג֪וֹר5 of 12

“fear”

H4032

a fright (objective or subjective)

מִסָּ֫בִ֥יב6 of 12

“was on every side”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

בְּהִוָּסְדָ֣ם7 of 12

“while they took counsel”

H3245

to set (literally or figuratively); intensively, to found; reflexively, to sit down together, i.e., settle, consult

יַ֣חַד8 of 12

“together”

H3162

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

עָלַ֑י9 of 12
H5921

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

לָקַ֖חַת10 of 12

“to take away”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

נַפְשִׁ֣י11 of 12

“my life”

H5315

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

זָמָֽמוּ׃12 of 12

“against me they devised”

H2161

to plan, usually in a bad sense

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 31:13 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 31:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 20:10Matthew 27:1Lamentations 2:221 Samuel 20:33Matthew 26:3-42 Samuel 17:1-4

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