King James Version

What Does Psalms 31:4 Mean?

Psalms 31:4 in the King James Version says “Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 31 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength.

Psalms 31:4 · KJV


Context

2

Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me. my: Heb. to me for a rock of strength

3

For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.

4

Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength.

5

Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.

6

I have hated them that regard lying vanities: but I trust in the LORD.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The prayer 'Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength' asks for deliverance from hidden traps. Enemies set nets secretly; only God can rescue from unseen dangers. The basis: 'thou art my strength.' Reformed theology emphasizes that believers lack strength to escape spiritual dangers—Satan, world, flesh lay nets that human wisdom cannot detect or strength escape. Only divine power delivers from hidden snares.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Hunters used hidden nets and traps to catch prey. David's enemies similarly plotted secretly against him. Spiritual warfare includes unseen snares requiring divine revelation and power to escape.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'nets laid privily' threaten your spiritual life that only God can reveal?
  2. How does recognizing God as your 'strength' change how you face hidden dangers?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
תּוֹצִיאֵ֗נִי1 of 8

Pull me out

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

מֵרֶ֣שֶׁת2 of 8

of the net

H7568

a net (as catching animals)

ז֭וּ3 of 8

that

H2098

this or that

טָ֣מְנוּ4 of 8

they have laid privily

H2934

to hide (by covering over)

לִ֑י5 of 8
H0
כִּֽי6 of 8
H3588

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

אַ֝תָּה7 of 8
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

מָֽעוּזִּֽי׃8 of 8

for me for thou art my strength

H4581

a fortified place; figuratively, a defense


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 31:4 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 31:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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