King James Version

What Does Psalms 71:4 Mean?

Psalms 71:4 in the King James Version says “Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 71 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.”

Psalms 71:4 · KJV

Context

2

Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me.

3

Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress. Be: Heb. Be thou to me for a rock of habitation

4

Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.

5

For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth.

6

By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee.

Read Psalms 71 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The plea to be delivered from 'the wicked' and 'unrighteous and cruel man' acknowledges real human threats. Yet the appeal is to God, not human allies or personal strength. The descriptors escalate: wicked (evil), unrighteous (unjust), cruel (violent)—comprehensive opposition. Believers face genuine enemies, but victory comes through divine intervention, not self-defense. Christ faced such opposition perfectly, yet committed Himself to God who judges justly (1 Peter 2:23).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Throughout his life, David faced wicked opponents—Saul, Absalom, surrounding nations. Each threat drove him to deeper dependence on God rather than political maneuvering or military might alone.

Reflection Questions

  1. Who are the 'wicked and unrighteous' opposing God's work in your sphere of influence?
  2. How do you balance practical wisdom in dealing with threats while trusting God as ultimate deliverer?
  3. What does Christ's example of committing Himself to God teach about responding to cruel opposition?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
אֱֽלֹהַ֗י1 of 7

“me O my 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

פַּ֭לְּטֵנִי2 of 7

“Deliver”

H6403

to slip out, i.e., escape; causatively, to deliver

מִיַּ֣ד3 of 7

“out of the hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

רָשָׁ֑ע4 of 7

“of the wicked”

H7563

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

מִכַּ֖ף5 of 7

“out of the hand”

H3709

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

מְעַוֵּ֣ל6 of 7

“of the unrighteous”

H5765

to distort (morally)

וְחוֹמֵץ׃7 of 7

“and cruel man”

H2556

to be pungent; i.e., in taste (sour, i.e., literally fermented, or figuratively, harsh), in color (dazzling)

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 71:4 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 71:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 59:1-2Psalms 140:1-42 Samuel 17:1-2Psalms 17:13Psalms 17:8-92 Samuel 17:21

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