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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/17-11.htm" title="Psalm 17:11">◄</a> Psalm 17:12 <a href="/psalms/17-13.htm" title="Psalm 17:13">►</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/17.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/17.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />They are like a lion hungry for prey, like a fierce lion crouching in cover.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/17.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />They are like hungry lions, eager to tear me apart— like young lions hiding in ambush.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/17.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />He is like a lion eager to tear, as a young lion lurking in ambush.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />like a lion greedy for prey, like a young lion lurking in ambush.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/17.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Like as a lion <i>that</i> is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/17.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />As a lion is eager to tear his prey, And like a young lion lurking in secret places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />He is like a lion that is eager to tear, And as a young lion lurking in secret places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/17.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />He is like a lion that is eager to tear, And as a young lion lurking in hiding places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />He is like a lion that is eager to tear, And as a young lion lurking in hiding places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />He is like a lion that is eager to tear, And as a young lion lurking in hiding places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />He is like a lion eager to tear [his prey], And like a young lion lurking in hiding places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They are like a lion eager to tear, like a young lion lurking in ambush.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They are like a lion eager to tear, like a young lion lurking in ambush. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/17.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />He is like a lion that is greedy of his prey, And as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />They are like hungry lions hunting for food, or like young lions hiding in ambush. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/17.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />He is like a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Each one of them is like a lion eager to tear [its prey] apart and like a young lion crouching in hiding places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/17.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />They are like lions, waiting for me, wanting to tear me to pieces. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/17.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Like a lion they desire to rip us to pieces, like a young lion waiting in ambush.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />like a lion greedy for prey, like a young lion lurking in ambush.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/17.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />He is like a lion that wants to tear its prey to bits, like a young lion crouching in hidden places. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He is like a lion that is greedy of his prey, as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/17.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He is like a lion that is greedy of his prey, as it were a young lion lurking in secret places. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />His likeness as a lion desirous to tear, "" As a young lion dwelling in secret places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> His likeness as a lion desirous to tear, As a young lion dwelling in secret places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />His likeness as a lion will long for the prey, and as a young lion dwelling in secret places.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />They have taken me, as a lion prepared for the prey; and as a young lion dwelling in secret places. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 16:12>They have taken me, like a lion ready for the prey, and like a young lion dwelling in hiding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/17.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Like lions eager for prey, like a young lion lurking in ambush. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />They are like a lion eager to tear, like a young lion lurking in ambush.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />They are like a lion that is eager to prey, and like a young lion lurking in secret places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/17.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />They are like a lion which seeks to tear apart and like a lion's whelp which sits in a secret place.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/17.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />He is like a lion that is eager to tear in pieces, And like a young lion lurking in secret places.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/17.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />They laid wait for me as a lion ready for prey, and like a lion's whelp dwelling in secret <i>places</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/17-12.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=1439" 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/17.htm">Hear My Righteous Plea</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">11</span>They have tracked us down, and now surround us; their eyes are set to cast us to the ground, <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1825.htm" title="1825: dim·yō·nōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Likeness. From damah; resemblance."></a> <a href="/hebrew/738.htm" title="738: kə·’ar·yêh (Prep-k:: N-ms) -- A lion. Or earyeh; from 'arah; a lion.">like a lion</a> <a href="/hebrew/3700.htm" title="3700: yiḵ·sō·wp̄ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To long (for). A primitive root; properly, to become pale, i.e. to pine after; also to fear.">greedy</a> <a href="/hebrew/2963.htm" title="2963: liṭ·rō·wp̄ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To tear, rend, pluck. A primitive root; to pluck off or pull to pieces; causatively to supply with food.">for prey,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3715.htm" title="3715: wə·ḵiḵ·p̄îr (Conj-w, Prep-k:: N-ms) -- Young lion. From kaphar; a village; also a young lion.">like a young lion</a> <a href="/hebrew/3427.htm" title="3427: yō·šêḇ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry.">lurking</a> <a href="/hebrew/4565.htm" title="4565: bə·mis·tā·rîm (Prep-b:: N-mp) -- A secret place, hiding place. From cathar; properly, a concealer, i.e. A covert.">in ambush.</a> </span><span class="reftext">13</span>Arise, O LORD, confront them! Bring them to their knees; deliver me from the wicked by Your sword,…<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="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8</a></span><br />Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/12-9.htm">Revelation 12:9-10</a></span><br />And the great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. / And I heard a loud voice in heaven saying: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ. For the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down—he who accuses them day and night before our God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/10-10.htm">John 10:10</a></span><br />The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-15.htm">Matthew 7:15</a></span><br />Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/4-17.htm">2 Timothy 4:17</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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/20-29.htm">Acts 20:29</a></span><br />I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-3.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:3</a></span><br />While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/22-31.htm">Luke 22:31</a></span><br />Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you like wheat.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-14.htm">2 Corinthians 11:14</a></span><br />And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-11.htm">Ephesians 6:11-12</a></span><br />Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. / For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/49-9.htm">Genesis 49:9</a></span><br />Judah is a young lion—my son, you return from the prey. Like a lion he crouches and lies down; like a lioness, who dares to rouse him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/13-7.htm">Hosea 13:7-8</a></span><br />So like a lion I will pounce on them; like a leopard I will lurk by the path. / Like a bear robbed of her cubs I will attack them, and I will tear open their chests. There I will devour them like a lion, like a wild beast tearing them apart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/6-24.htm">Daniel 6:24</a></span><br />At the command of the king, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought and thrown into the den of lions—they and their children and wives. And before they had reached the bottom of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/31-4.htm">Isaiah 31:4</a></span><br />For this is what the LORD has said to me: “Like a lion roaring or a young lion over its prey—and though a band of shepherds is called out against it, it is not terrified by their shouting or subdued by their clamor—so the LORD of Hosts will come down to do battle on Mount Zion and its heights.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/5-6.htm">Jeremiah 5:6</a></span><br />Therefore a lion from the forest will strike them down, a wolf from the desert will ravage them. A leopard will lie in wait near their cities, and everyone who ventures out will be torn to pieces. For their rebellious acts are many, and their unfaithful deeds are numerous.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.</p><p class="hdg">Like, etc.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/7-2.htm">Psalm 7:2</a></b></br> Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending <i>it</i> in pieces, while <i>there is</i> none to deliver.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/22-13.htm">Psalm 22:13</a></b></br> They gaped upon me <i>with</i> their mouths, <i>as</i> a ravening and a roaring lion.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_timothy/4-17.htm">2 Timothy 4:17</a></b></br> Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and <i>that</i> all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.</p><p class="hdg">lurking [Heb.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/10-9.htm">Ambush</a> <a href="/psalms/5-12.htm">Cover</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-13.htm">Crouching</a> <a href="/psalms/17-9.htm">Desiring</a> <a href="/joshua/17-12.htm">Desirous</a> <a href="/job/39-28.htm">Dwelling</a> <a href="/job/5-5.htm">Eager</a> <a href="/psalms/14-4.htm">Food</a> <a href="/psalms/17-7.htm">Great</a> <a href="/psalms/10-3.htm">Greedy</a> <a href="/psalms/10-9.htm">Hiding</a> <a href="/job/24-10.htm">Hungry</a> <a href="/job/28-8.htm">Lion</a> <a href="/psalms/7-2.htm">Pieces</a> <a href="/psalms/16-6.htm">Places</a> <a href="/job/39-29.htm">Prey</a> <a href="/psalms/16-1.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/psalms/7-2.htm">Tear</a> <a href="/psalms/10-9.htm">Waiting</a> <a href="/job/41-5.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/59-3.htm">Ambush</a> <a href="/psalms/27-5.htm">Cover</a> <a href="/ezekiel/25-5.htm">Crouching</a> <a href="/psalms/34-12.htm">Desiring</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-3.htm">Desirous</a> <a href="/psalms/23-6.htm">Dwelling</a> <a href="/psalms/56-6.htm">Eager</a> <a href="/psalms/22-13.htm">Food</a> <a href="/psalms/18-14.htm">Great</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-19.htm">Greedy</a> <a href="/psalms/18-11.htm">Hiding</a> <a href="/psalms/34-10.htm">Hungry</a> <a href="/psalms/22-16.htm">Lion</a> <a href="/psalms/29-5.htm">Pieces</a> <a href="/psalms/18-33.htm">Places</a> <a href="/psalms/22-13.htm">Prey</a> <a href="/psalms/17-14.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/psalms/28-5.htm">Tear</a> <a href="/psalms/25-3.htm">Waiting</a> <a href="/psalms/25-7.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 17</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/17-1.htm">David, in confidence of his integrity, craves defense of God against his enemies</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/17-10.htm">He shows their pride, craft, and eagerness</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/17-13.htm">He prays against them in confidence of his hope</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/17.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/17.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>like a lion greedy for prey</b><br>This phrase evokes the imagery of a lion, a powerful and fearsome predator, symbolizing the intense and relentless pursuit of David's enemies. In biblical times, lions were common in the regions of Israel and were known for their strength and ferocity. The lion is often used in Scripture to represent danger and destruction (e.g., <a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8</a>, where Satan is described as a roaring lion seeking someone to devour). This imagery underscores the threat David feels from his adversaries, who are eager to harm him. The lion's greediness for prey highlights the insatiable and aggressive nature of these enemies, reflecting their determination to destroy David without mercy.<p><b>like a young lion lurking in ambush</b><br>The young lion, or "young lion" in some translations, suggests a creature that is not only strong but also cunning and strategic. Young lions are known for their energy and ability to hide and wait patiently for the right moment to strike. This part of the verse emphasizes the stealth and deceit of David's foes, who are lying in wait to catch him off guard. The concept of ambush indicates a premeditated and calculated attack, further illustrating the danger David faces. This imagery can be connected to other biblical passages where enemies are described as lying in wait (e.g., <a href="/psalms/10-9.htm">Psalm 10:9</a>). The lurking young lion can also be seen as a type of the adversaries of Christ, who plotted against Him in secret, ultimately leading to His crucifixion.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/17.htm">Psalm 17</a>, David is expressing his plea for God's protection against his enemies. He often uses vivid imagery to describe the threats he faces.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/enemies.htm">Enemies</a></b><br>Though not named specifically in this verse, David's enemies are likened to lions, symbolizing their ferocity and intent to harm.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/l/lion.htm">Lion</a></b><br>A powerful and fearsome predator, the lion is used metaphorically to describe the danger and aggression of David's adversaries.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/ambush.htm">Ambush</a></b><br>This term indicates a hidden or surprise attack, emphasizing the stealth and cunning of David's enemies.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/v/vigilance_against_spiritual_threats.htm">Vigilance Against Spiritual Threats</a></b><br>Just as David was aware of the physical threats from his enemies, Christians must be vigilant against spiritual threats, recognizing the devil's tactics and staying grounded in faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_protection.htm">Trust in God's Protection</a></b><br>Despite the ferocity of his enemies, David's psalm is ultimately a prayer for divine protection. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's ability to safeguard them from harm.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_prayer.htm">The Power of Prayer</a></b><br>David's response to danger is to pray. This teaches the importance of turning to God in times of trouble, seeking His guidance and protection.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/recognizing_the_enemy's_tactics.htm">Recognizing the Enemy's Tactics</a></b><br>Understanding that the enemy often uses stealth and deception, Christians should be discerning and wise, relying on the Holy Spirit for insight.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_17.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 17</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_anointing's_role_in_the_bible.htm">What qualities define a good shepherd in scripture?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_'lions'_in_psalm_57_4_poetic_or_literal.htm">Is the reference to enemies being like “lions” in Psalm 57:4 simply poetic imagery, or does it exaggerate any verifiable historical threat David faced? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_for_persecutions_in_psalm_17_9-12.htm">Where is the historical or archaeological evidence for the specific persecutions mentioned in Psalm 17:9-12?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_blasphemy.htm">How does the Bible describe lions' strength and power?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/17.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) <span class= "bld">Young lion.</span>--Heb., <span class= "ital">kephir. </span>The Hebrew has seven different names for the lion. Milton's description of Satan naturally recurs to the reader--<p>"About them round<p>A lion now he stalks with fiery glare."<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 12.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Like as a lion that is greedy</span> <span class="cmt_word">of his prey;</span> literally, <span class="accented">his likeness</span> [is] <span class="accented">as a lion that is greedy to rend</span> (comp. <a href="/psalms/7-2.htm">Psalm 7:2</a>; <a href="/psalms/10-9.htm">Psalm 10:9</a>; <a href="/psalms/57-4.htm">Psalm 57:4</a>). <span class="cmt_word">And as it were a young lion</span> (<span class="accented">kephir</span>, "a lion in the first burst of youthful vigour") <span class="cmt_word">lurking in</span> <span class="cmt_word">secret places;</span> rather, <span class="accented">crouching.</span> The attitude of the lieu when he is just preparing to spring. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/17-12.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">like a lion</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּ֭אַרְיֵה</span> <span class="translit">(kə·’ar·yêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_738.htm">Strong's 738: </a> </span><span class="str2">A lion</span><br /><br /><span class="word">greedy</span><br /><span class="heb">יִכְס֣וֹף</span> <span class="translit">(yiḵ·sō·wp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3700.htm">Strong's 3700: </a> </span><span class="str2">To become pale, to pine after, to fear</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for prey,</span><br /><span class="heb">לִטְר֑וֹף</span> <span class="translit">(liṭ·rō·wp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2963.htm">Strong's 2963: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pluck off, pull to pieces, to supply with food</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like a young lion</span><br /><span class="heb">וְ֝כִכְפִ֗יר</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḵiḵ·p̄îr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3715.htm">Strong's 3715: </a> </span><span class="str2">A village, a young lion</span><br /><br /><span class="word">lurking</span><br /><span class="heb">יֹשֵׁ֥ב</span> <span class="translit">(yō·šêḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3427.htm">Strong's 3427: </a> </span><span class="str2">To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in ambush.</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּמִסְתָּרִֽים׃</span> <span class="translit">(bə·mis·tā·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4565.htm">Strong's 4565: </a> </span><span class="str2">A secret place, hiding place</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/17-12.htm">Psalm 17:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/17-12.htm">Psalm 17:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/17-12.htm">Psalm 17:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/17-12.htm">Psalm 17:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/17-12.htm">Psalm 17:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/17-12.htm">Psalm 17:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/17-12.htm">Psalm 17:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/17-12.htm">Psalm 17:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/17-12.htm">Psalm 17:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/17-12.htm">Psalm 17:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/17-12.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 17:12 He is like a lion that (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/17-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 17:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 17:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/17-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 17:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 17:13" /></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>