King James Version

What Does Psalms 57:4 Mean?

Psalms 57:4 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from Psalms chapter 57 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Psalms 57:4 · KJV


Context

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.

6

They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen themselves. Selah.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The imagery of dwelling 'among them that are set on fire' uses the metaphor of lions and beasts of prey with incendiary weapons. This hyperbolic language captures the intensity of opposition while demonstrating that God preserves His elect even in the furnace. The Hebrew 'lahat' (flame/burn) connects to Daniel's fiery furnace, showing God's presence in, not removal from, extremity.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Lions were literal threats in ancient Palestine's wilderness, making this imagery vivid. The metaphorical extension to human enemies emphasizes their predatory and destructive nature, particularly Saul's relentless pursuit of David.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's preservation in the midst of danger differ from deliverance out of it?
  2. What does it mean that the righteous may be 'set on fire' yet not consumed?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
נַפְשִׁ֤י׀1 of 13

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

בְּת֥וֹךְ2 of 13

is among

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

לְבָאִם֮3 of 13

lions

H3833

a lion (properly, a lioness as the fiercer (although not a roarer;))

אֶשְׁכְּבָ֪ה4 of 13

and I lie

H7901

to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)

לֹ֫הֲטִ֥ים5 of 13

even among them that are set on fire

H3857

properly, to lick, i.e., (by implication) to blaze

בְּֽנֵי6 of 13

even the sons

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אָדָ֗ם7 of 13

of men

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

שִׁ֭נֵּיהֶם8 of 13

whose teeth

H8127

a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff

חֲנִ֣ית9 of 13

are spears

H2595

a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)

וְחִצִּ֑ים10 of 13

and arrows

H2671

properly, a piercer, i.e., an arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, (of god) thunder-bolt; the shaft of a spear

וּ֝לְשׁוֹנָ֗ם11 of 13

and their tongue

H3956

the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,

חֶ֣רֶב12 of 13

sword

H2719

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

חַדָּֽה׃13 of 13

a sharp

H2299

sharp


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 57:4 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 57:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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