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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 11:3 If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/11-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/19_Psa_011_003.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 11:3 - In the LORD I Take Refuge" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/11-3.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/11-3.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/11.htm">Chapter 11</a> > Verse 3</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/11-2.htm" title="Psalm 11:2">◄</a> Psalm 11:3 <a href="/psalms/11-4.htm" title="Psalm 11:4">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/11.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/11.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/11.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The foundations of law and order have collapsed. What can the righteous do?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/11.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/11.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/11.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/11.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />If the foundations are destroyed, What can the righteous do?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/11.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“If the foundations are destroyed, What can the righteous do?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/11.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />If the foundations are destroyed, What can the righteous do?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/11.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />If the foundations are destroyed, What can the righteous do?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/11.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />If the foundations are destroyed, What can the righteous do?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/11.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“If the foundations [of a godly society] are destroyed, What can the righteous do?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/11.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do? ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/11.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/11.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />If the foundations be destroyed, What can the righteous do?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/11.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />What can an honest person do when everything crumbles?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/11.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/11.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When the foundations [of life] are undermined, what can a righteous person do?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/11.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />There is nothing a good person can do when everything falls apart." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/11.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/11.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do??<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/11.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When the foundations are destroyed, what can the godly accomplish?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/11.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/11.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/11.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do? <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/11.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />When the foundations are destroyed, "" The righteous—what has he done?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/11.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> When the foundations are destroyed, The righteous -- what hath he done?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/11.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />If the pillars shall be pulled down, what did the just one?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/11.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For they have destroyed the things which thou hast made: but what has the just man done? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/11.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 10:4>For they have destroyed the things that you have completed. But what has the just one done?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/11.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />If foundations are destroyed, what can the just one do?” <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/11.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/11.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For if they have destroyed the foundations which the LORD has prepared, what can the righteous do?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/11.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Because they have overthrown that which you have prepared, but what is the righteous doing?<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/11.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />When the foundations are destroyed, What hath the righteous wrought?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/11.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />For they have pulled down what thou didst frame, but what has the righteous done?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/11-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=986" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/11.htm">In the LORD I Take Refuge</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>For behold, the wicked bend their bows. They set their arrow on the string to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">If</a> <a href="/hebrew/8356.htm" title="8356: haš·šā·ṯō·wṯ (Art:: N-mp) -- Foundation, stay (of society). From shiyth; a basis, i.e. political or moral support.">the foundations</a> <a href="/hebrew/2040.htm" title="2040: yê·hā·rê·sūn (V-Nifal-Imperf-3mp:: Pn) -- To throw down, break or tear down. A primitive root; to pull down or in pieces, break, &? Destroy.">are destroyed,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: mah- (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">what</a> <a href="/hebrew/6662.htm" title="6662: ṣad·dîq (Adj-ms) -- Just, righteous. From tsadaq; just.">can the righteous</a> <a href="/hebrew/6466.htm" title="6466: pā·‘āl (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- Do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, especially to practise.">do?”</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD is on His heavenly throne. His eyes are watching closely; they examine the sons of men.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/5-20.htm">Isaiah 5:20</a></span><br />Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who turn darkness to light and light to darkness, who replace bitter with sweet and sweet with bitter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/28-2.htm">Proverbs 28:2</a></span><br />A land in rebellion has many rulers, but a man of understanding and knowledge maintains order.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/22-30.htm">Ezekiel 22:30</a></span><br />I searched for a man among them to repair the wall and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, so that I should not destroy it. But I found no one.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/59-14.htm">Isaiah 59:14-15</a></span><br />So justice is turned away, and righteousness stands at a distance. For truth has stumbled in the public square, and honesty cannot enter. / Truth is missing, and whoever turns from evil becomes prey. The LORD looked and was displeased that there was no justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/5-1.htm">Jeremiah 5:1</a></span><br />“Go up and down the streets of Jerusalem. Look now and take note; search her squares. If you can find a single person, anyone who acts justly, anyone who seeks the truth, then I will forgive the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/7-2.htm">Micah 7:2-4</a></span><br />The godly man has perished from the earth; there is no one upright among men. They all lie in wait for blood; they hunt one another with a net. / Both hands are skilled at evil; the prince and the judge demand a bribe. When the powerful utters his evil desire, they all conspire together. / The best of them is like a brier; the most upright is sharper than a hedge of thorns. The day for your watchmen has come, the day of your visitation. Now is the time of their confusion.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/habakkuk/1-4.htm">Habakkuk 1:4</a></span><br />Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/82-5.htm">Psalm 82:5</a></span><br />They do not know or understand; they wander in the darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/3-12.htm">Isaiah 3:12</a></span><br />Youths oppress My people, and women rule over them. O My people, your guides mislead you; they turn you from your paths.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/24-5.htm">Isaiah 24:5</a></span><br />The earth is defiled by its people; they have transgressed the laws; they have overstepped the decrees and broken the everlasting covenant.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-1.htm">2 Timothy 3:1-5</a></span><br />But understand this: In the last days terrible times will come. / For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, / unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/24-12.htm">Matthew 24:12</a></span><br />Because of the multiplication of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_thessalonians/2-3.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:3</a></span><br />Let no one deceive you in any way, for it will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness—the son of destruction—is revealed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/1-18.htm">Romans 1:18-32</a></span><br />The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness. / For what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. / For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from His workmanship, so that men are without excuse. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/4-1.htm">1 Timothy 4:1-2</a></span><br />Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, / influenced by the hypocrisy of liars, whose consciences are seared with a hot iron.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?</p><p class="hdg">If the</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/75-3.htm">Psalm 75:3</a></b></br> The earth and all the inhabitants thereof are dissolved: I bear up the pillars of it. Selah.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/82-5.htm">Psalm 82:5</a></b></br> They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/58-12.htm">Isaiah 58:12</a></b></br> And <i>they that shall be</i> of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.</p><p class="hdg">what</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/19-13.htm">2 Kings 19:13-18</a></b></br> Where <i>is</i> the king of Hamath, and the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivah? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/22-12.htm">2 Kings 22:12-14</a></b></br> And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Michaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king's, saying, … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/32-13.htm">2 Chronicles 32:13-15</a></b></br> Know ye not what I and my fathers have done unto all the people of <i>other</i> lands? were the gods of the nations of those lands any ways able to deliver their lands out of mine hand? … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/38-6.htm">Bases</a> <a href="/psalms/10-15.htm">Broken</a> <a href="/psalms/9-6.htm">Destroyed</a> <a href="/job/38-6.htm">Foundations</a> <a href="/psalms/9-4.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/psalms/11-2.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/job/36-23.htm">Wrought</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/18-7.htm">Bases</a> <a href="/psalms/18-34.htm">Broken</a> <a href="/psalms/18-37.htm">Destroyed</a> <a href="/psalms/18-7.htm">Foundations</a> <a href="/psalms/11-5.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/psalms/11-5.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/psalms/22-31.htm">Wrought</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 11</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/11-1.htm">David encourages himself in God against his enemies</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/11-4.htm">The providence and justice of God</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/11.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/11.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>If the foundations are destroyed</b><br>This phrase suggests a scenario where the fundamental principles or moral order of society are under threat. In biblical context, "foundations" often refer to the law, justice, and righteousness that uphold a community. The imagery of destroyed foundations can be linked to the collapse of societal structures, as seen in the fall of Jerusalem (<a href="/lamentations/4.htm">Lamentations 4:1-2</a>). Historically, Israel faced numerous periods of moral and spiritual decline, such as during the time of the Judges when "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (<a href="/judges/21-25.htm">Judges 21:25</a>). This phrase can also be seen as a metaphor for spiritual truths being undermined, which is a recurring theme in the prophetic books where false prophets and idolatry lead people astray (<a href="/jeremiah/23-11.htm">Jeremiah 23:11-14</a>).<p><b>what can the righteous do?</b><br>This question reflects a sense of helplessness or urgency among those who strive to live according to God's will when faced with societal decay. The righteous, in biblical terms, are those who live by faith and adhere to God's commandments (<a href="/habakkuk/2-4.htm">Habakkuk 2:4</a>). The rhetorical nature of the question implies that without a solid foundation, the righteous may feel powerless. However, throughout scripture, the righteous are encouraged to trust in God despite adverse circumstances (<a href="/psalms/37-39.htm">Psalm 37:39-40</a>). This phrase also points to the ultimate reliance on God as the true foundation, as seen in the New Testament where Jesus is described as the cornerstone (<a href="/ephesians/2-20.htm">Ephesians 2:20</a>). The righteous are called to stand firm in their faith, drawing strength from God's promises and the hope of His ultimate justice and restoration (<a href="/isaiah/28-16.htm">Isaiah 28:16</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of this Psalm, David was the second king of Israel, known for his deep faith and reliance on God amidst trials.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_righteous.htm">The Righteous</a></b><br>Refers to those who live in accordance with God's laws and seek to maintain a relationship with Him, often facing challenges and opposition.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/f/foundations.htm">Foundations</a></b><br>Symbolic of the moral and spiritual principles that uphold society and individual lives, rooted in God's truth and justice.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wicked.htm">The Wicked</a></b><br>Those who oppose God's ways, often seeking to undermine the moral and spiritual order established by God.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord's_temple.htm">The Lord's Temple</a></b><br>While not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of the Psalm suggests a focus on God's presence and His sovereign oversight from His holy temple.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_foundations.htm">The Importance of Foundations</a></b><br>Just as a building requires a solid foundation to stand, so too does a society or individual life need a strong moral and spiritual base. This foundation is rooted in God's truth and righteousness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_righteous.htm">The Role of the Righteous</a></b><br>In times when moral and spiritual foundations are under attack, the righteous are called to stand firm in their faith, trusting in God's sovereignty and justice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_justice.htm">God's Sovereignty and Justice</a></b><br>Despite the apparent destruction of foundations, God remains in control. Believers can find comfort in His unchanging nature and His ultimate plan for justice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/active_faith_in_troubling_times.htm">Active Faith in Troubling Times</a></b><br>The righteous are not called to passivity but to active faith, seeking God's guidance and strength to uphold His principles in their lives and communities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/b/building_on_christ,_the_cornerstone.htm">Building on Christ, the Cornerstone</a></b><br>Believers are encouraged to build their lives on the foundation of Jesus Christ, ensuring that their faith and actions align with His teachings.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_11.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 11</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_psalm_11_3_align_with_progress.htm">How can Psalm 11:3’s concern about “foundations” be reconciled with historical and scientific evidence for societal progress rather than total collapse? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_christians_lead_with_integrity.htm">How should Christians live and lead with integrity?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_god_overly_powerful_and_controlling.htm">Is God characterized by excessive power and control?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/did_they_trade_god's_truth_for_a_lie.htm">What defines the meekness of wisdom?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/11.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) <span class= "bld">The foundations.</span>--By this word must be understood the principles of morality, which are the foundation of society. Symmachus and Jerome render "laws." But the rendering "What could the righteous do?" is doubtful. The image is of a house shattered by an earthquake (comp. <a href="/psalms/82-5.htm" title="They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course.">Psalm 82:5</a>); in such a case how find safety? The LXX. and Vulg. have "Since they have destroyed what thou hast established, what has the righteous done?" The order of the Hebrew words seems to support this rendering, "While morality has been overthrown, the righteous what has <span class= "ital">he </span>done?" A suggested emendation, involving but a slight change in the Hebrew letters, would produce, however, a far better sense: "If the foundations be destroyed, what will become of the <span class= "ital">tower, </span>or <span class= "ital">superstructure?"<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/11.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?</span> The word translated" foundations" is a rare one, only occurring here and in <a href="/isaiah/19-10.htm">Isaiah 19:10</a>. The meaning of "foundations," first given to it by Aquila, is now generally adopted. We must suppose the timid friends to be still speaking, and to mean that, under the lawless rule of Saul, the very foundations of society and of moral order were swept away; the righteous (<span class="hebrew">צַדִּיק</span>, a collective) had done and could do nothing to prevent it. What remained for David, but to withdraw from a community where there was neither law nor order, where the first magistrate commanded (<a href="/1_samuel/19-1.htm">1 Samuel 19:1</a>) and attempted (<a href="/1_samuel/19-10.htm">1 Samuel 19:10</a>) assassination? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/11-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">If</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the foundations</span><br /><span class="heb">הַ֭שָּׁתוֹת</span> <span class="translit">(haš·šā·ṯō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8356.htm">Strong's 8356: </a> </span><span class="str2">A basis, political, moral support</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are destroyed,</span><br /><span class="heb">יֵֽהָרֵס֑וּן</span> <span class="translit">(yê·hā·rê·sūn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | Paragogic nun<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2040.htm">Strong's 2040: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pull down, in pieces, break, & destroy</span><br /><br /><span class="word">what</span><br /><span class="heb">מַה־</span> <span class="translit">(mah-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">can the righteous</span><br /><span class="heb">צַ֝דִּ֗יק</span> <span class="translit">(ṣad·dîq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6662.htm">Strong's 6662: </a> </span><span class="str2">Just, righteous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">do?”</span><br /><span class="heb">פָּעָֽל׃</span> <span class="translit">(pā·‘āl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6466.htm">Strong's 6466: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make, to practise</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/11-3.htm">Psalm 11:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/11-3.htm">Psalm 11:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/11-3.htm">Psalm 11:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/11-3.htm">Psalm 11:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/11-3.htm">Psalm 11:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/11-3.htm">Psalm 11:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/11-3.htm">Psalm 11:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/11-3.htm">Psalm 11:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/11-3.htm">Psalm 11:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/11-3.htm">Psalm 11:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/11-3.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 11:3 If the foundations are destroyed what can (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/11-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 11:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 11:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/11-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 11:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 11:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>