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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 118:12 They swarmed around me like bees, but they were extinguished like burning thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/118-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/19_Psa_118_012.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 118:12 - Give Thanks to the LORD, for He is Good" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="They swarmed around me like bees, but they were extinguished like burning thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off." /><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> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><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/118-12.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/118-12.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/118.htm">Chapter 118</a> > Verse 12</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="/ad12.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/118-11.htm" title="Psalm 118:11">◄</a> Psalm 118:12 <a href="/psalms/118-13.htm" title="Psalm 118:13">►</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/118.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/118.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />They swarmed around me like bees, but they were consumed as quickly as burning thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/118.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />They swarmed around me like bees; they blazed against me like a crackling fire. But I destroyed them all with the authority of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/118.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />They surrounded me like bees; they went out like a fire among thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/118.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />They swarmed around me like bees, but they were extinguished like burning thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/118.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/118.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />They surrounded me like bees; They were quenched like a fire of thorns; For in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/118.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />They surrounded me like bees; They were extinguished like a fire of thorn bushes; In the name of the LORD I will certainly fend them off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/118.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />They surrounded me like bees; They were extinguished as a fire of thorns; In the name of the LORD I will surely cut them off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/118.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />They surrounded me like bees; They were extinguished as a fire of thorns; In the name of the LORD I will surely cut them off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/118.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />They surrounded me like bees; They were extinguished as a fire of thorns; In the name of Yahweh I will surely cut them off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/118.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />They swarmed around me like bees; They flare up <i>and</i> are extinguished like a fire of thorns; In the name of the LORD I will surely cut them off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/118.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They surrounded me like bees; they were extinguished like a fire among thorns; in the name of the LORD I destroyed them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/118.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They surrounded me like bees; they were extinguished like a fire among thorns; in the name of Yahweh I destroyed them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/118.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: In the name of Jehovah I will cut them off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/118.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />They swarmed around like bees, but by the power of the LORD, I got rid of them and their fiery sting. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/118.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: in the name of the LORD I will cut them off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/118.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />They swarmed around me like bees, but they were extinguished like burning thornbushes. [So armed] with the name of the LORD, I defeated them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/118.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />They swarmed around me like bees, but they burned out as quickly as a brush fire; by the power of the LORD I destroyed them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/118.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />They surrounded me like bees; but they will be extinguished like burning thorns. In the name of the LORD I will defeat them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/118.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />They surrounded me like bees. But they disappeared as quickly as a fire among thorns. Indeed, in the name of the LORD I pushed them away. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/118.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />They surrounded me like bees. They blazed like a fire among thorns. In the name of the LORD I cut them off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/118.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />They encompassed me like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/118.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />They swarmed around me like bees, but they were extinguished like burning thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/118.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />They surrounded me like bees. They are quenched like the burning thorns. In Yahweh’s name I cut them off. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/118.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />They surrounded me as bees, "" They have been extinguished as a fire of thorns, "" In the Name of YHWH I surely cut them off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/118.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> They compassed me about as bees, They have been extinguished as a fire of thorns, In the name of Jehovah I surely cut them off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/118.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />They surrounded me as bees; they were quenched as the fire of thorns: in the name of Jehovah for I will destroy them.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/118.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />They surrounded me like bees, and they burned like fire among thorns: and in the name of the Lord I was revenged on them <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/118.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 117:12>They surrounded me like a swarm, and they burned like fire among the thorns. And, in the name of the Lord, I have been avenged over them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/118.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />They surrounded me like bees; they burned up like fire among thorns; in the LORD’s name I cut them off. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/118.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />They surrounded me like bees; they blazed like a fire of thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off!<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/118.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />They surrounded me like hornets; they are quenched like the fire of stubble; for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/118.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />They surrounded me like wasps and were extinguished like a grass fire, and in The Name of LORD JEHOVAH I destroyed them!<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/118.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />They compass me about like bees; They are quenched as the fire of thorns; Verily, in the name of the LORD I will cut them off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/118.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />They compassed me about as bees <i>do</i> a honeycomb, and they burst into flame as fire among thorns: but in the name of the Lord I repulsed them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/118-12.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=14833" 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/118.htm">Give Thanks to the LORD, for He is Good</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">11</span>They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5437.htm" title="5437: sab·bū·nî (V-Qal-Perf-3cp:: 1cs) -- A primitive root; to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively.">They swarmed around me</a> <a href="/hebrew/1682.htm" title="1682: ḵiḏ·ḇō·w·rîm (Prep-k:: N-fp) -- A bee. Or dborah; from dabar; the bee.">like bees,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1846.htm" title="1846: dō·‘ă·ḵū (V-Pual-Perf-3cp) -- To go out, be extinguished. A primitive root; to be extinguished; figuratively, to expire or be dried up.">but they were extinguished</a> <a href="/hebrew/784.htm" title="784: kə·’êš (Prep-k:: N-csc) -- A fire. A primitive word; fire.">like burning</a> <a href="/hebrew/6975.htm" title="6975: qō·w·ṣîm (N-mp) -- A thorn, thornbush. Or qots; from quwts; a thorn.">thorns;</a> <a href="/hebrew/8034.htm" title="8034: bə·šêm (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- A primitive word; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character.">in the name</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">of the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/4135.htm" title="4135: ’ă·mî·lam (V-Hifil-Imperf-1cs:: 3mp) -- To circumcise. A primitive root; to cut short, i.e. Curtail; by implication, to blunt; figuratively, to destroy.">I cut them off.</a> </span><span class="reftext">13</span>I was pushed so hard I was falling, but the LORD helped me.…<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/50-9.htm">Isaiah 50:9</a></span><br />Surely the Lord GOD helps Me. Who is there to condemn Me? See, they will all wear out like a garment; the moths will devour them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/41-11.htm">Isaiah 41:11-12</a></span><br />Behold, all who rage against you will be ashamed and disgraced; those who contend with you will be reduced to nothing and will perish. / You will seek them but will not find them. Those who wage war against you will come to nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-8.htm">2 Corinthians 4:8-9</a></span><br />We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; / persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-31.htm">Romans 8:31</a></span><br />What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/4-17.htm">2 Timothy 4:17-18</a></span><br />But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles would hear it. So I was delivered from the mouth of the lion. / And the Lord will rescue me from every evil action and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/15-9.htm">Exodus 15:9-10</a></span><br />The enemy declared, ‘I will pursue, I will overtake. I will divide the spoils; I will gorge myself on them. I will draw my sword; my hand will destroy them.’ / But You blew with Your breath, and the sea covered them. They sank like lead in the mighty waters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/28-7.htm">Deuteronomy 28:7</a></span><br />The LORD will cause the enemies who rise up against you to be defeated before you. They will march out against you in one direction but flee from you in seven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/17-45.htm">1 Samuel 17:45-47</a></span><br />But David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. / This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand. This day I will strike you down, cut off your head, and give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the creatures of the earth. Then the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. / And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/54-17.htm">Isaiah 54:17</a></span><br />No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/7-8.htm">Micah 7:8-10</a></span><br />Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will arise; though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light. / Because I have sinned against Him, I must endure the rage of the LORD, until He argues my case and executes justice for me. He will bring me into the light; I will see His righteousness. / Then my enemy will see and will be covered with shame—she who said to me, “Where is the LORD your God?” My eyes will see her; at that time she will be trampled like mud in the streets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/12-3.htm">Zechariah 12:3</a></span><br />On that day, when all the nations of the earth gather against her, I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who would heave it away will be severely injured.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-28.htm">Matthew 10:28</a></span><br />Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/10-19.htm">Luke 10:19</a></span><br />Behold, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will harm you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/16-33.htm">John 16:33</a></span><br />I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/18-9.htm">Acts 18:9-10</a></span><br />One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking; do not be silent. / For I am with you and no one will lay a hand on you, because I have many people in this city.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">They compassed me about like bees: they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.</p><p class="hdg">like bees</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/1-44.htm">Deuteronomy 1:44</a></b></br> And the Amorites, which dwelt in that mountain, came out against you, and chased you, as bees do, and destroyed you in Seir, <i>even</i> unto Hormah.</p><p class="hdg">quenched</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/83-14.htm">Psalm 83:14,15</a></b></br> As the fire burneth a wood, and as the flame setteth the mountains on fire; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-6.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:6</a></b></br> For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so <i>is</i> the laughter of the fool: this also <i>is</i> vanity.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/27-4.htm">Isaiah 27:4</a></b></br> Fury <i>is</i> not in me: who would set the briers <i>and</i> thorns against me in battle? I would go through them, I would burn them together.</p><p class="hdg">in the name</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/8-9.htm">Psalm 8:9</a></b></br> O LORD our Lord, how excellent <i>is</i> thy name in all the earth!</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/20-1.htm">Psalm 20:1,5</a></b></br> To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/17-45.htm">1 Samuel 17:45</a></b></br> Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.</p><p class="hdg">destroy them.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/14-25.htm">Bees</a> <a href="/psalms/106-18.htm">Blazed</a> <a href="/psalms/106-40.htm">Burning</a> <a href="/psalms/118-11.htm">Compass</a> <a href="/psalms/118-11.htm">Compassed</a> <a href="/psalms/118-11.htm">Cut</a> <a href="/psalms/118-11.htm">Destroy</a> <a href="/job/42-17.htm">Died</a> <a href="/psalms/118-11.htm">Encompassed</a> <a href="/job/18-6.htm">Extinguished</a> <a href="/psalms/106-18.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/34-25.htm">Quenched</a> <a href="/psalms/106-13.htm">Quickly</a> <a href="/psalms/118-11.htm">Round</a> <a href="/psalms/118-11.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/psalms/118-11.htm">Surrounded</a> <a href="/psalms/105-30.htm">Swarmed</a> <a href="/psalms/58-9.htm">Thorns</a> <a href="/psalms/118-11.htm">Verily</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/7-18.htm">Bees</a> <a href="/numbers/11-10.htm">Blazed</a> <a href="/psalms/119-53.htm">Burning</a> <a href="/psalms/140-9.htm">Compass</a> <a href="/lamentations/3-5.htm">Compassed</a> <a href="/psalms/119-139.htm">Cut</a> <a href="/psalms/119-95.htm">Destroy</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-2.htm">Died</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-14.htm">Encompassed</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-9.htm">Extinguished</a> <a href="/psalms/120-4.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/isaiah/29-8.htm">Quenched</a> <a href="/psalms/119-32.htm">Quickly</a> <a href="/psalms/119-61.htm">Round</a> <a href="/psalms/126-6.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/psalms/119-61.htm">Surrounded</a> <a href="/genesis/1-21.htm">Swarmed</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-19.htm">Thorns</a> <a href="/isaiah/16-7.htm">Verily</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 118</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/118-1.htm">An exhortation to praise God for his mercy</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/118-5.htm">The psalmist by his experience shows how good it is to trust in God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/118-19.htm">Under the type of the psalmist the coming of Christ in his kingdom is expressed</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/118.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/118.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>They swarmed around me like bees</b><br>This phrase evokes an image of being surrounded by numerous and persistent enemies, much like a swarm of bees. In ancient Israel, bees were common and known for their aggressive defense of their hives. The imagery suggests a situation of overwhelming odds and relentless attack. Biblically, bees are mentioned in <a href="/deuteronomy/1-44.htm">Deuteronomy 1:44</a>, where the Amorites chased the Israelites as bees do, indicating a fierce and determined pursuit. This reflects the psalmist's experience of being besieged by adversaries, a common theme in the Psalms where the faithful often face overwhelming opposition.<p><b>but they were extinguished like burning thorns</b><br>Thorns, when set on fire, burn quickly and with intense heat but are soon consumed. This metaphor suggests that while the enemies were initially fierce and threatening, their threat was ultimately short-lived and easily overcome. In biblical times, thorns were often used as fuel for quick fires, symbolizing the temporary nature of the enemies' power. This imagery is echoed in <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-6.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:6</a>, where the laughter of fools is compared to the crackling of thorns under a pot, emphasizing the fleeting nature of their threat. The psalmist's confidence in God's deliverance is highlighted here, as the enemies' efforts are rendered futile.<p><b>in the name of the LORD I cut them off</b><br>Invoking the name of the LORD signifies reliance on divine power and authority. In the Old Testament, the name of the LORD represents His character, presence, and power. The phrase "I cut them off" indicates a decisive victory over the enemies, achieved not by human strength but through divine intervention. This reflects the covenant relationship between God and His people, where God acts as the protector and deliverer. The phrase resonates with the story of David and Goliath in <a href="/1_samuel/17.htm">1 Samuel 17</a>, where David declares that he comes against Goliath in the name of the LORD, underscoring the theme of triumph through faith in God's power.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_psalmist.htm">The Psalmist</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed to King David, the psalmist is the speaker who describes being surrounded by enemies and finding deliverance through the LORD.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/enemies.htm">Enemies</a></b><br>Represented metaphorically as bees, these are the adversaries that surround the psalmist, symbolizing overwhelming and persistent threats.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD</a></b><br>The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who provides strength and deliverance to the psalmist.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/b/bees.htm">Bees</a></b><br>Used metaphorically to describe the numerous and aggressive nature of the psalmist's enemies.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/b/burning_thorns.htm">Burning Thorns</a></b><br>A metaphor for the temporary and ultimately ineffective nature of the enemies' threats.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/r/reliance_on_god's_name.htm">Reliance on God's Name</a></b><br>The psalmist's victory is attributed to the name of the LORD. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's power and presence in times of trouble.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/temporary_nature_of_adversity.htm">Temporary Nature of Adversity</a></b><br>Just as burning thorns are quickly extinguished, the challenges and threats we face are temporary when viewed in light of God's eternal power.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/m/metaphors_of_faith.htm">Metaphors of Faith</a></b><br>The use of vivid imagery (bees and thorns) helps us understand the nature of spiritual battles and the assurance of God's deliverance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_warfare.htm">Spiritual Warfare</a></b><br>The psalmist's experience is a reminder of the spiritual battles Christians face and the importance of standing firm in faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/v/victory_through_god.htm">Victory through God</a></b><br>The ultimate victory over adversaries comes not through human strength but through divine intervention and reliance on God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_118.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 118</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_it_credible_one_prevailed_alone.htm">(Psalm 118:10–12) How credible is the claim that a single individual or nation was surrounded by so many enemies yet prevailed without clear historical or archaeological evidence? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_we_'bless_the_lord'.htm">How does Psalm 134's call to 'bless the Lord' fit with passages like Genesis 12:2, where only God imparts blessing?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_non-theistic_societies_thrive.htm">Psalm 33:12 says a nation is blessed when it worships the Lord; why, then, do many non-theistic societies thrive, while some religious nations struggle?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/day_26_insights_on_spiritual_growth.htm">What events define the Triumphal Entry in Volume 23?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/118.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) <span class= "bld">Like bees.</span>--The image of the "bees" may be derived from <a href="/deuteronomy/1-44.htm" title="And the Amorites, which dwelled in that mountain, came out against you, and chased you, as bees do, and destroyed you in Seir, even to Hormah.">Deuteronomy 1:44</a> (comp. <a href="/isaiah/7-18.htm" title="And it shall come to pass in that day, that the LORD shall hiss for the fly that is in the uttermost part of the rivers of Egypt, and for the bee that is in the land of Assyria.">Isaiah 7:18</a>), but the LXX. suggest that the poet employed an original and far more expressive image, for they read, "as bees surround the comb." Possibly the word <span class= "ital">comb </span>dropped out of the Hebrew text, because the copyist was thinking of <a href="/deuteronomy/1-44.htm" title="And the Amorites, which dwelled in that mountain, came out against you, and chased you, as bees do, and destroyed you in Seir, even to Hormah.">Deuteronomy 1:44</a>.<p><span class= "bld">The fire of thorns.</span>--See <a href="/psalms/58-9.htm" title="Before your pots can feel the thorns, he shall take them away as with a whirlwind, both living, and in his wrath.">Psalm 58:9</a>, Note. The rapidity with which a fire made of thorns burns gives the point of the comparison. The LXX. and Vulg. gave this more plainly by rendering, "they burnt out like a fire in thorns." Shakespeare may have had this verse in his thought when he wrote:<p>"Shallow jesters and rash bavin (<span class= "ital">i.e., </span>brushwood) wit,<p>Soon kindled and soon burnt."<span class= "ital">--King Henry IV.</span> . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/118.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 12.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">They compassed me about like bees</span>; <span class="accented">i</span>.<span class="accented">e</span>. in vast numbers, and with intense energy, and a furious desire to injure (comp. <a href="/deuteronomy/1-44.htm">Deuteronomy 1:44</a>; and the powerful description of Virgil, 'Georg.,' 4:236-238). <span class="cmt_word">They are quenched as the fire of thorns</span>. Their fury dies away and goes out suddenly, like a fire kindled among thorns, which blazes up with vast heat and noise, but in a short time dies down and disappears. <span class="cmt_word">For in the Name of the Lord I will destroy them</span> (see the comment on ver. 11). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/118-12.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">They swarmed around me</span><br /><span class="heb">סַבּ֤וּנִי</span> <span class="translit">(sab·bū·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5437.htm">Strong's 5437: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn about, go around, surround</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like bees;</span><br /><span class="heb">כִדְבוֹרִ֗ים</span> <span class="translit">(ḵiḏ·ḇō·w·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1682.htm">Strong's 1682: </a> </span><span class="str2">The bee</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they were extinguished</span><br /><span class="heb">דֹּ֭עֲכוּ</span> <span class="translit">(dō·‘ă·ḵū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Pual - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1846.htm">Strong's 1846: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be extinguished, to expire, be dried up</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like a fire</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּאֵ֣שׁ</span> <span class="translit">(kə·’êš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Noun - common singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_784.htm">Strong's 784: </a> </span><span class="str2">A fire</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of thorns;</span><br /><span class="heb">קוֹצִ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(qō·w·ṣîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6975.htm">Strong's 6975: </a> </span><span class="str2">A thorn, thornbush</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the name</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּשֵׁ֥ם</span> <span class="translit">(bə·šêm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8034.htm">Strong's 8034: </a> </span><span class="str2">A name</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְ֝הוָ֗ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I will surely</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">cut them off.</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲמִילַֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·mî·lam)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4135.htm">Strong's 4135: </a> </span><span class="str2">To cut short, curtail, to blunt, to destroy</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/118-12.htm">Psalm 118:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/118-12.htm">Psalm 118:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/118-12.htm">Psalm 118:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/118-12.htm">Psalm 118:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/118-12.htm">Psalm 118:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/118-12.htm">Psalm 118:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/118-12.htm">Psalm 118:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/118-12.htm">Psalm 118:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/118-12.htm">Psalm 118:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/118-12.htm">Psalm 118:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/118-12.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 118:12 They surrounded me like bees (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/118-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 118:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 118:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/118-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 118:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 118:13" /></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>