King James Version
What Does Psalms 57:6 Mean?
“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.”
Context
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.
7
My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise. fixed: or, prepared
8
Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(6) **A net.**—For this image, so common in Hebrew hymns, see Psalm 9:15, &c, and for that of the *pit, *Psalm 7:15, &c
**My soul is bowed down.**—The verb so rendered is everywhere else transitive. So LXX. and Vulg. here, “And have pressed down my soul.” Despite the grammar, Ewald alters “my soul” into “their soul.” But no conjecture of the kind restores the parallelism, which is here hopelessly lost. We expect,
They have prepared a net for my steps;
They are caught in it themselves.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 57:6 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 57:6
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge