King James Version

What Does Psalms 86:14 Mean?

Psalms 86:14 in the King James Version says “O God, the proud are risen against me, and the assemblies of violent men have sought after my soul; and have not set the...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 86 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“O God, the proud are risen against me, and the assemblies of violent men have sought after my soul; and have not set thee before them. violent: Heb. terrible”

Psalms 86:14 · KJV

Context

12

I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.

13

For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell. hell: or, grave

14

O God, the proud are risen against me, and the assemblies of violent men have sought after my soul; and have not set thee before them. violent: Heb. terrible

15

But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering , and plenteous in mercy and truth.

16

O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; give thy strength unto thy servant, and save the son of thine handmaid.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
O God, the proud are risen against me (אֱלֹהִים זֵדִים קָמוּ־עָלַי, Elohim zedim kamu-alai)—Zedim means proud, arrogant, insolent ones; kamu means they have risen up. And the assemblies of violent men have sought after my soul (וַעֲדַת עָרִיצִים בִּקְשׁוּ נַפְשִׁי, va-adat aritzim bikshu nafshi)—Adat means assembly, group, company; aritzim means violent, ruthless, terrifying ones. And have not set thee before them (וְלֹא שָׂמוּךָ לְנֶגְדָּם, ve-lo samukha le-negdam)—They haven't placed God before their eyes; they act as if God doesn't exist or matter.

After praising God's mercy (vv. 12-13), David returns to describing his enemies. The problem isn't just their violence but their godlessness—they have not set thee before them. This is practical atheism: living as if God won't judge. Psalm 10:4, 14:1, and 36:1 describe similar attitudes. Their very godlessness emboldens their violence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Throughout David's life, enemies conspired—Saul and his court, Absalom and his followers, surrounding nations. Many operated without fear of God. The "assemblies" suggests organized opposition, not random attacks. This pattern continues wherever the church faces organized persecution.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you respond when opponents act as if God doesn't exist or won't hold them accountable?
  2. What does it mean to "set God before you" in practical, daily terms?
  3. How does recognizing your enemies' godlessness help you pray for them rather than merely condemn them?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
אֱלֹהִ֤ים׀1 of 11

“O 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

זֵ֘דִ֤ים2 of 11

“the proud”

H2086

arrogant

קָֽמוּ3 of 11

“are risen”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

עָלַ֗י4 of 11
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

וַעֲדַ֣ת5 of 11

“against me and the assemblies”

H5712

a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)

עָ֭רִיצִים6 of 11

“of violent”

H6184

fearful, i.e., powerful or tyrannical

בִּקְשׁ֣וּ7 of 11

“men have sought”

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

נַפְשִׁ֑י8 of 11

“after 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

וְלֹ֖א9 of 11
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

שָׂמ֣וּךָ10 of 11

“and have not set”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

לְנֶגְדָּֽם׃11 of 11
H5048

a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

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 86:14 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 86:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 54:3Matthew 26:3-4Psalms 36:1Matthew 27:1-2Psalms 14:4Acts 4:27-28

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