King James Version

What Does Psalms 57:3 Mean?

Psalms 57:3 in the King James Version says “He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth hi...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 57 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth. from the: or, he reproacheth him that”

Psalms 57:3 · KJV

SalvationTruth

Context

1

To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave. Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. Altaschith: or, Destroy not

2

I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.

3

He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth. from the: or, he reproacheth him that

4

My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.

5

Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
David's confidence that God 'shall send from heaven' reveals divine intervention from beyond human means. The parallelism between 'mercy and truth' echoes covenant attributes (Exodus 34:6). God's 'sending' anticipates the ultimate sending of Christ (John 3:16). The rebuke of 'him that would swallow me up' uses predatory imagery, showing God's active defense of His elect.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Written when David hid in a cave from Saul (1 Samuel 22:1 or 24:3), this psalm shows faith exercised in literal darkness and confinement. The cave represented both physical refuge and spiritual testing ground.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's 'sending' from heaven manifest in your life beyond direct miracles?
  2. What does God's mercy and truth together reveal about His character?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
יִשְׁלַ֥ח1 of 10

“He shall send”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

מִשָּׁמַ֨יִם׀2 of 10

“from heaven”

H8064

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

וְֽיוֹשִׁיעֵ֗נִי3 of 10

“and save”

H3467

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

חֵרֵ֣ף4 of 10

“me from the reproach”

H2778

to pull off, i.e., (by implication) to expose (as by stripping); specifically, to betroth (as if a surrender); figuratively, to carp at, i.e., defame;

שֹׁאֲפִ֣י5 of 10

“of him that would swallow me up”

H7602

to inhale eagerly; figuratively, to cover; by implication, to be angry; also to hasten

סֶ֑לָה6 of 10

“Selah”

H5542

suspension (of music), i.e., pause

יִשְׁלַ֥ח7 of 10

“He shall send”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים8 of 10

“God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

חַסְדּ֥וֹ9 of 10

“his mercy”

H2617

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

וַאֲמִתּֽוֹ׃10 of 10

“and his truth”

H571

stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

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 57:3 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 57:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 40:11Psalms 43:3Acts 12:11Psalms 144:5-7Psalms 56:1-2Psalms 61:7

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