King James Version

What Does Psalms 57:6 Mean?

Psalms 57:6 in the King James Version says “They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof t...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 57 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Psalms 57:6 · KJV

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The image of enemies falling into their own pit demonstrates the principle of lex talionis (law of retribution) operating under divine providence. Proverbs repeatedly affirms this pattern (Proverbs 26:27), fulfilled paradigmatically in Haman's hanging on his own gallows (Esther 7:10). This reveals God's poetic justice—the wicked's schemes rebound upon themselves.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient warfare involved literal pits and snares to trap enemies. David's experience included evading Saul's traps and seeing Saul repeatedly endangered by his own schemes (e.g., Saul endangered by Philistines while pursuing David, 1 Samuel 23:27-28).

Reflection Questions

  1. How have you witnessed the principle of wickedness rebounding on the wicked?
  2. What does God's justice operating through natural consequences reveal about moral order?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
רֶ֤שֶׁת׀1 of 11

“a net”

H7568

a net (as catching animals)

הֵכִ֣ינוּ2 of 11

“They have prepared”

H3559

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

לִפְעָמַי֮3 of 11

“for my steps”

H6471

a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)

כָּפַ֪ף4 of 11

“is bowed down”

H3721

to curve

נַ֫פְשִׁ֥י5 of 11

“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

כָּר֣וּ6 of 11

“they have digged”

H3738

properly, to dig; figuratively, to plot; generally, to bore or open

לְפָנַ֣י7 of 11

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

שִׁיחָ֑ה8 of 11

“a pit”

H7882

a pit-fall

נָפְל֖וּ9 of 11

“whereof they are fallen”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

בְתוֹכָ֣הּ10 of 11

“me into the midst”

H8432

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

סֶֽלָה׃11 of 11

“themselves Selah”

H5542

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

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 57:6 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 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 145:14Psalms 7:15-16Proverbs 28:10Micah 7:2Psalms 35:7-8Psalms 140:5

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