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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 54:3 For strangers rise up against me, and ruthless men seek my life--men with no regard for God. Selah</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/54-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/19_Psa_054_003.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 54:3 - Vindicate Me by Your Might" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For strangers rise up against me, and ruthless men seek my life--men with no regard for God. 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They care nothing for God. Interlude<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/54.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />For strangers have risen against me; ruthless men seek my life; they do not set God before themselves. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/54.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />For strangers rise up against me, and ruthless men seek my life—men with no regard for God. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/54.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For strangers are risen up against me, and oppressors seek after my soul: they have not set God before them. Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/54.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For strangers have risen up against me, And oppressors have sought after my life; They have not set God before them. Selah</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/54.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For strangers have risen against me And violent men have sought my life; They have not set God before them. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/54.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />For strangers have risen against me And violent men have sought my life; They have not set God before them. Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/54.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />For strangers have risen against me, And violent men have sought my life; They have not set God before them. Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/54.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For strangers have risen against me And ruthless men have sought my life; They have not set God before them. Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/54.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />For strangers have risen against me And violent men have sought my life; They have not set God before them. Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/54.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For strangers rise up against me, and violent men intend to kill me. They do not let God guide them. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/54.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For strangers rise up against me, and violent men seek my life. They have no regard for God. Selah <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/54.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For strangers are risen up against me, And violent men have sought after my soul: They have not set God before them. [Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/54.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Cruel strangers have attacked and want me dead. Not one of them cares about you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/54.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For strangers are risen up against me, and violent men have sought after my soul: they have not set God before them. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/54.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Strangers have attacked me. Ruthless people seek my life. They do not think about God. [Selah] <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/54.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Proud people are coming to attack me; cruel people are trying to kill me--those who do not care about God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/54.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />For the arrogant have arisen against me; oppressors have sought to take my life. They do not keep God in mind! Interlude<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/54.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />For strangers rise up against me, and ruthless men seek my life?men with no regard for God. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/54.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For foreigners attack me; ruthless men, who do not respect God, seek my life. (Selah) <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/54.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For strangers have risen up against me. Violent men have sought after my soul. They haven't set God before them. Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/54.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For strangers have risen up against me, and oppressors seek after my soul: they have not set God before them. Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/54.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For strangers have risen up against me. Violent men have sought after my soul. They haven’t set God before them. Selah. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/54.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />For strangers have risen up against me "" And terrible ones have sought my soul, "" They have not set God before them. Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/54.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> For strangers have risen up against me And terrible ones have sought my soul, They have not set God before them. Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/54.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For strangers rose up against me, and the powerful sought out my soul: they set not God before them. Silence.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/54.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For strangers have risen up against me; and the mighty have sought after my soul: and they have not set God before their eyes. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/54.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 53:5>For strangers have risen up against me, and the strong have sought my soul. And they have not set God before their eyes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/54.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Strangers have risen against me; the ruthless seek my life; they do not keep God before them. <i>Selah</i> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/54.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />For the insolent have risen against me, the ruthless seek my life; they do not set God before them. Selah<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/54.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For strangers are risen up against me, and the mighty seek after my life; they have disregarded thee, O God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/54.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Because foreigners stood up against me and the mighty have sought my soul and have not considered you, oh, God!<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/54.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />For strangers are risen up against me, And violent men have sought after my soul; They have not set God before them. Selah <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/54.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />For strangers have risen up against me, and mighty men have sought my life: they have not set God before them. Pause.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/54-3.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=6370" 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/54.htm">Vindicate Me by Your Might</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>Hear my prayer, O God; listen to the words of my mouth. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">For</a> <a href="/hebrew/2114.htm" title="2114: zā·rîm (Adj-mp) -- A primitive root; to turn aside; hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically to commit adultery.">strangers</a> <a href="/hebrew/6965.htm" title="6965: qā·mū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To arise, stand up, stand. A primitive root; to rise.">rise up</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ā·lay (Prep:: 1cs) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">against me,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6184.htm" title="6184: wə·‘ā·rî·ṣîm (Conj-w:: Adj-mp) -- Awe-inspiring, terror-striking. From arats; fearful, i.e. Powerful or tyrannical.">and ruthless</a> <a href="/hebrew/1245.htm" title="1245: biq·šū (V-Piel-Perf-3cp) -- To seek. A primitive root; to search out; by implication, to strive after.">men seek</a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: nap̄·šî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">my life—</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">men with no</a> <a href="/hebrew/7760.htm" title="7760: śā·mū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To put, place, set. Or siym; a primitive root; to put.">regard</a> <a href="/hebrew/5048.htm" title="5048: lə·neḡ·dām (Prep-l:: 3mp) -- From nagad; a front, i.e. Part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually over against or before."></a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">for God.</a> <a href="/hebrew/5542.htm" title="5542: se·lāh (Interjection) -- To lift up, exalt. From calah; suspension, i.e. Pause.">Selah</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>Surely God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my soul.…<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_samuel/23-19.htm">1 Samuel 23:19</a></span><br />Then the Ziphites came up to Saul at Gibeah and said, “Is not David hiding among us in the strongholds at Horesh, on the hill of Hachilah south of Jeshimon?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/26-1.htm">1 Samuel 26:1</a></span><br />Then the Ziphites came to Saul at Gibeah and said, “Is not David hiding on the hill of Hachilah, opposite Jeshimon?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/86-14.htm">Psalm 86:14</a></span><br />The arrogant rise against me, O God; a band of ruthless men seeks my life; they have no regard for You.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/140-1.htm">Psalm 140:1-2</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men. Protect me from men of violence, / who devise evil in their hearts and stir up war all day long.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/59-3.htm">Psalm 59:3</a></span><br />See how they lie in wait for me. Fierce men conspire against me for no transgression or sin of my own, O LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/10-2.htm">Psalm 10:2-3</a></span><br />In pride the wicked pursue the needy; let them be caught in the schemes they devise. / For the wicked man boasts in the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/17-9.htm">Psalm 17:9</a></span><br />from the wicked who assail me, from my mortal enemies who surround me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/35-7.htm">Psalm 35:7</a></span><br />For without cause they laid their net for me; without reason they dug a pit for my soul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/41-5.htm">Psalm 41:5</a></span><br />My enemies say with malice: “When will he die and be forgotten?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/56-5.htm">Psalm 56:5-6</a></span><br />All day long they twist my words; all their thoughts are on my demise. / They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps while they wait to take my life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/64-1.htm">Psalm 64:1-2</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. Hear, O God, my voice of complaint; preserve my life from dread of the enemy. / Hide me from the scheming of the wicked, from the mob of workers of iniquity,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/71-10.htm">Psalm 71:10-11</a></span><br />For my enemies speak against me, and those who lie in wait for my life conspire, / saying, “God has forsaken him; pursue him and seize him, for there is no one to rescue him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/109-3.htm">Psalm 109:3</a></span><br />They surround me with hateful words and attack me without cause.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/29-20.htm">Isaiah 29:20</a></span><br />For the ruthless will vanish, the mockers will disappear, and all who look for evil will be cut down—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/18-18.htm">Jeremiah 18:18</a></span><br />Then some said, “Come, let us make plans against Jeremiah, for the law will never be lost to the priest, nor counsel to the wise, nor an oracle to the prophet. Come, let us denounce him and pay no heed to any of his words.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For strangers are risen up against me, and oppressors seek after my soul: they have not set God before them. Selah.</p><p class="hdg">strangers</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/69-8.htm">Psalm 69:8</a></b></br> I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother's children.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/86-14.htm">Psalm 86:14</a></b></br> O God, the proud are risen against me, and the assemblies of violent <i>men</i> have sought after my soul; and have not set thee before them.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/19-13.htm">Job 19:13-15</a></b></br> He hath put my brethren far from me, and mine acquaintance are verily estranged from me… </p><p class="hdg">oppressors</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/22-16.htm">Psalm 22:16</a></b></br> For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/59-3.htm">Psalm 59:3-5</a></b></br> For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not <i>for</i> my transgression, nor <i>for</i> my sin, O LORD… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/27-20.htm">Matthew 27:20-23</a></b></br> But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus… </p><p class="hdg">they have</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/16-8.htm">Psalm 16:8</a></b></br> I have set the LORD always before me: because <i>he is</i> at my right hand, I shall not be moved.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/36-1.htm">Psalm 36:1</a></b></br> To the chief Musician, <i>A Psalm</i> of David the servant of the LORD. The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, <i>that there is</i> no fear of God before his eyes.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/53-4.htm">Psalm 53:4</a></b></br> Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people <i>as</i> they eat bread: they have not called upon God.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_chronicles/28-23.htm">Attacking</a> <a href="/psalms/51-4.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/psalms/5-5.htm">Insolent</a> <a href="/psalms/49-15.htm">Life</a> <a href="/psalms/31-11.htm">Oppressors</a> <a href="/psalms/52-2.htm">Purposing</a> <a href="/psalms/41-1.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/psalms/27-12.htm">Risen</a> <a href="/psalms/37-35.htm">Ruthless</a> <a href="/psalms/53-2.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/psalms/52-5.htm">Selah</a> <a href="/psalms/52-7.htm">Sought</a> <a href="/psalms/51-6.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/psalms/18-45.htm">Strangers</a> <a href="/psalms/47-2.htm">Terrible</a> <a href="/psalms/51-14.htm">Violent</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/56-2.htm">Attacking</a> <a href="/psalms/54-7.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/psalms/75-5.htm">Insolent</a> <a href="/psalms/54-4.htm">Life</a> <a href="/psalms/89-42.htm">Oppressors</a> <a href="/psalms/106-23.htm">Purposing</a> <a href="/psalms/66-18.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/psalms/86-14.htm">Risen</a> <a href="/psalms/71-4.htm">Ruthless</a> <a href="/psalms/56-5.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/psalms/55-7.htm">Selah</a> <a href="/psalms/64-6.htm">Sought</a> <a href="/psalms/54-4.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/psalms/105-12.htm">Strangers</a> <a href="/psalms/65-5.htm">Terrible</a> <a href="/psalms/55-8.htm">Violent</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 54</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/54-1.htm">David, complaining of the Ziphims, prays for salvation</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/54-4.htm">Upon his confidence in God's help he promises sacrifice</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/54.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/54.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>For strangers rise up against me</b><br>This phrase reflects the experience of David, who often faced opposition from those outside his immediate community. In the historical context, "strangers" could refer to foreign enemies or even Israelites who were not aligned with David. This is reminiscent of the time when David was pursued by King Saul and had to seek refuge among the Philistines (1 Samuel 27). The term "strangers" can also symbolize spiritual adversaries, representing forces that oppose God's anointed. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of God's people facing opposition from the world (<a href="/john/15-18.htm">John 15:18-19</a>).<p><b>and ruthless men seek my life—</b><br>The description of "ruthless men" highlights the severity and intensity of the threat David faced. Historically, David encountered many who were merciless, such as Doeg the Edomite, who betrayed him to Saul (<a href="/1_samuel/22-9.htm">1 Samuel 22:9-10</a>). The term "ruthless" suggests a lack of moral restraint, emphasizing the danger posed by those who act without conscience. This can be seen as a type of the ultimate opposition faced by Jesus Christ, who was pursued by those who sought His life without just cause (<a href="/john/11-53.htm">John 11:53</a>).<p><b>men with no regard for God.</b><br>This phrase underscores the spiritual dimension of the conflict. Those who oppose David are characterized by their disregard for God, indicating a deeper rebellion against divine authority. This mirrors the biblical narrative where opposition to God's chosen leaders often reflects a broader rejection of God Himself (<a href="/1_samuel/8-7.htm">1 Samuel 8:7</a>). The lack of regard for God is a recurring theme in Scripture, highlighting the contrast between the righteous and the wicked (<a href="/psalms/14.htm">Psalm 14:1</a>).<p><b>Selah</b><br>The term "Selah" is often interpreted as a pause for reflection, inviting the reader to meditate on the preceding words. It serves as a moment to consider the gravity of the situation and the faithfulness of God in delivering His people. In the context of the Psalms, "Selah" encourages a deeper contemplation of God's sovereignty and the assurance of His protection, even amidst adversity.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The author of the psalm, who often faced persecution and threats from enemies, including King Saul and his own son Absalom.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/strangers.htm">Strangers</a></b><br>Refers to those who are not part of David's community or covenant people, often seen as adversaries or outsiders.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/r/ruthless_men.htm">Ruthless Men</a></b><br>Individuals who are characterized by their lack of compassion and moral restraint, often seeking to harm David.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/z/ziphites.htm">Ziphites</a></b><br>In the context of <a href="/bsb/psalms/54.htm">Psalm 54</a>, these were the people who betrayed David to Saul, as recorded in <a href="/bsb/1_samuel/23.htm">1 Samuel 23</a>.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The central figure in whom David places his trust, contrasting the godlessness of his enemies.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god_amidst_adversity.htm">Trust in God Amidst Adversity</a></b><br>David's response to threats is to turn to God, demonstrating a model of faith and reliance on divine protection.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_the_nature_of_enemies.htm">Understanding the Nature of Enemies</a></b><br>Recognize that opposition often comes from those who do not acknowledge God, and this spiritual reality should inform our response.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/prayer_as_a_weapon.htm">Prayer as a Weapon</a></b><br>David's psalm is a prayer, reminding believers of the power of prayer in confronting challenges and seeking God's intervention.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_over_human_affairs.htm">God's Sovereignty Over Human Affairs</a></b><br>Despite the presence of ruthless men, God's sovereignty assures us that He is in control and will ultimately deliver His people.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_with_integrity.htm">Living with Integrity</a></b><br>In contrast to the godless, believers are called to live with integrity and trust in God's justice.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_54.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 54</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_psalm_54_3_align_with_science.htm">How does Psalm 54:3’s mention of God “not being before them” align with scientific or naturalistic views on divine intervention? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_psalm_54_7_align_with_david's_struggles.htm">How do we reconcile Psalm 54:7’s claim that God delivered the psalmist from all trouble with the ongoing struggles David faced elsewhere in Scripture?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_1_sam_19_align_with_divine_protection.htm">How does 1 Samuel 19 reconcile with accounts in other sections of the Bible where David is portrayed as protected by divine power rather than subterfuge?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_of_'strangers'_in_psalm_54_1-3.htm">In Psalm 54:1-3, where is the archaeological or historical evidence confirming that David's enemies were truly 'strangers' seeking his life?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/54.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) <span class= "bld">For strangers.</span>--This verse, with some variations, occurs again (<a href="/psalms/86-14.htm" title="O God, the proud are risen against me, and the assemblies of violent men have sought after my soul; and have not set you before them.">Psalm 86:14</a>); some MSS. even reading here "proud," instead of "strangers." With the received reading we must understand by the word "foreign oppressors"--though, doubtless, the inscription of the Psalm may be defended by taking the word in a derived sense of those Israelites who have degenerated, and so deserve the name "aliens."<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/54.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">For strangers are risen up against me</span>. David's designation of his foes as "strangers" has been made an argument against the trustworthiness of the "title," since the Ziphites were Israelites of the tribe of Judah (<a href="/joshua/15-55.htm">Joshua 15:55</a>). But he might well call those "strangers" who were treating him as an alien. Comp. <a href="/psalms/120-5.htm">Psalm 120:5</a>, where "the psalmist, heavily oppressed by his countrymen, complains that he dwelt in Mesheeh and Kedar" (Hengstenberg). <span class="cmt_word">And oppressors seek after my soul</span>; or, <span class="accented">my life.</span> The phrase is exactly that used in <a href="/1_samuel/23-15.htm">1 Samuel 23:15</a>, when David was in the wilderness of Ziph, in a wood, and "saw that Saul was come out to <span class="accented">seek his life."</span> <span class="accented"><span class="cmt_word"></span>They have not set God before them</span> (comp. <a href="/psalms/86-14.htm">Psalm 86:14</a>). David, on the contrary, "set the Lord always before him" (<a href="/psalms/16-8.htm">Psalm 16:8</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/54-3.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">For</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֤י</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">strangers</span><br /><span class="heb">זָרִ֨ים ׀</span> <span class="translit">(zā·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2114.htm">Strong's 2114: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn aside, to be a, foreigner, strange, profane, to commit adultery</span><br /><br /><span class="word">rise up</span><br /><span class="heb">קָ֤מוּ</span> <span class="translit">(qā·mū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6965.htm">Strong's 6965: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arise, stand up, stand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">against me,</span><br /><span class="heb">עָלַ֗י</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·lay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and ruthless</span><br /><span class="heb">וְֽ֭עָרִיצִים</span> <span class="translit">(wə·‘ā·rî·ṣîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6184.htm">Strong's 6184: </a> </span><span class="str2">Awe-inspiring, terror-striking</span><br /><br /><span class="word">men seek</span><br /><span class="heb">בִּקְשׁ֣וּ</span> <span class="translit">(biq·šū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1245.htm">Strong's 1245: </a> </span><span class="str2">To search out, to strive after</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my life—</span><br /><span class="heb">נַפְשִׁ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(nap̄·šî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> </span><span class="str2">A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion </span><br /><br /><span class="word">men with no</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֤א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">regard</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׂ֨מוּ</span> <span class="translit">(śā·mū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7760.htm">Strong's 7760: </a> </span><span class="str2">Put -- to put, place, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for God.</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Selah</span><br /><span class="heb">סֶֽלָה׃</span> <span class="translit">(se·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5542.htm">Strong's 5542: </a> </span><span class="str2">Suspension, pause</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/54-3.htm">Psalm 54:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/54-3.htm">Psalm 54:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/54-3.htm">Psalm 54:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/54-3.htm">Psalm 54:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/54-3.htm">Psalm 54:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/54-3.htm">Psalm 54:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/54-3.htm">Psalm 54:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/54-3.htm">Psalm 54:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/54-3.htm">Psalm 54:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/54-3.htm">Psalm 54:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/54-3.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 54:3 For strangers have risen up against me (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/54-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 54:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 54:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/54-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 54:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 54:4" /></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>