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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 31:13 For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side. They conspire against me and plot to take my life.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/31-13.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/19_Psa_031_013.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 31:13 - Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side. 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My enemies conspire against me, plotting to take my life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/31.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />For I hear the whispering of many— terror on every side!— as they scheme together against me, as they plot to take my life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/31.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side. They conspire against me and plot to take my life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/31.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For I have heard the slander of many: fear <i>was</i> on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/31.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For I hear the slander of many; Fear <i>is</i> on every side; While they take counsel together against me, They scheme to take away my life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/31.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For I have heard the slander of many, Terror is on every side; While they took counsel together against me, They schemed to take away my life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/31.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />For I have heard the slander of many, Terror is on every side; While they took counsel together against me, They schemed to take away my life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/31.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />For I have heard the slander of many, Terror is on every side; While they took counsel together against me, They schemed to take away my life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/31.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For I have heard the bad report of many, Terror is on every side; While they took counsel together against me, They schemed to take my life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/31.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />For I have heard the slander <i>and</i> whispering of many, Terror is on every side; While they schemed together against me, They plotted to take away my life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/31.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I have heard the gossip of many; terror is on every side. When they conspired against me, they plotted to take my life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/31.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I have heard the gossip of many; terror is on every side. When they conspired against me, they plotted to take my life. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/31.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For I have heard the defaming of many, Terror on every side: While they took counsel together against me They devised to take away my life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/31.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I hear the crowds whisper, "Everyone is afraid!" They are plotting and scheming to murder me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/31.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For I have heard the defaming of many, terror on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/31.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I have heard the whispering of many people- terror on every side- while they made plans together against me. They were plotting to take my life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/31.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I hear many enemies whispering; terror is all around me. They are making plans against me, plotting to kill me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/31.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />I have heard the slander of many; it is like terror all around me, as they conspire together and plot to take my life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/31.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For I hear what so many are saying, the terrifying news that comes from every direction. When they plot together against me, they figure out how they can take my life. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/31.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For I have heard the slander of many, terror on every side, while they conspire together against me, they plot to take away my life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/31.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/31.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side. They conspire against me and plot to take my life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/31.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For I have heard the slander of many, terror on every side, while they conspire together against me, they plot to take away my life. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/31.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />For I have heard an evil account of many, "" Fear [is] all around. In their being united against me, "" They have devised to take my life,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/31.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> For I have heard an evil account of many, Fear is round about. In their being united against me, To take my life they have devised,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/31.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For I heard the slander of many sojourning round about: in their sitting together against me they purposed to take away my soul.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/31.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For I have heard the blame of many that dwell round about. While they assembled together against me, they consulted to take away my life. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/31.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 30:14>For I have heard the harsh criticism of many who linger in the area. While assembled together against me in that place, they deliberated on how to take away my life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/31.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />I hear the whispers of the crowd; terrors are all around me. They conspire together against me; they plot to take my life. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/31.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />For I hear the whispering of many— terror all around!— as they scheme together against me, as they plot to take my life.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/31.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For I have heard of the complicity of many persons; while they connived together against me, they schemed to take away my life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/31.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Because I heard the scheme of many when they counseled against me together and they conceived to take my life.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/31.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />For I have heard the whispering of many, Terror on every side; While they took counsel together against me, They devised to take away my life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/31.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />For I heard the slander of many that dwelt round about: when they were gathered together against me, they took counsel to take my life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/31-13.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=3277" 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/31.htm">Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">12</span>I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind. I am like a broken vessel. <span class="reftext">13</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">For</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: šā·ma‘·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">I hear</a> <a href="/hebrew/1681.htm" title="1681: dib·baṯ (N-fsc) -- Whispering, defamation, evil report. From dabab; slander.">the slander</a> <a href="/hebrew/7227.htm" title="7227: rab·bîm (Adj-mp) -- Much, many, great. By contracted from rabab; abundant.">of many;</a> <a href="/hebrew/4032.htm" title="4032: mā·ḡō·wr (N-ms) -- Fear, terror. Or maguwr; from guwr in the sense of fearing; a fright.">there is terror</a> <a href="/hebrew/5439.htm" title="5439: mis·sā·ḇîḇ (Prep-m:: Adv) -- Circuit, round about. Or cbiybah; from cabab; a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly around.">on every side.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3245.htm" title="3245: bə·hiw·wā·sə·ḏām (Prep-b:: V-Nifal-Inf:: 3mp) -- A primitive root; to set; intensively, to found; reflexively, to sit down together, i.e. Settle, consult.">They conspire</a> <a href="/hebrew/3162.htm" title="3162: ya·ḥaḏ (Adv) -- Unitedness. From yachad; properly, a unit, i.e. unitedly."></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/2161.htm" title="2161: zā·mā·mū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To consider, purpose, devise. A primitive root; to plan, usually in a bad sense.">and plot</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: lā·qa·ḥaṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">to take</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> </span><span class="reftext">14</span>But I trust in You, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.”…<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="/jeremiah/20-10.htm">Jeremiah 20:10</a></span><br />For I have heard the whispering of many: “Terror is on every side! Report him; let us report him!” All my trusted friends watch for my fall: “Perhaps he will be deceived so that we may prevail against him and take our vengeance upon him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/2-22.htm">Lamentations 2:22</a></span><br />You summoned my terrors on every side, as for the day of an appointed feast. In the day of the LORD’s anger no one escaped or survived; my enemy has destroyed those I nurtured and reared.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-59.htm">Matthew 26:59-61</a></span><br />Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death. / But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward / and declared, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/14-55.htm">Mark 14:55-59</a></span><br />Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but they did not find any. / For many bore false witness against Jesus, but their testimony was inconsistent. / Then some men stood up and testified falsely against Him: ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/22-2.htm">Luke 22:2-6</a></span><br />and the chief priests and scribes were looking for a way to put Jesus to death, for they feared the people. / Then Satan entered Judas Iscariot, who was one of the Twelve. / And Judas went to discuss with the chief priests and temple officers how he might betray Jesus to them. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/11-53.htm">John 11:53</a></span><br />So from that day on they plotted to kill Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-18.htm">John 15:18-21</a></span><br />If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. / If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. / Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/23-12.htm">Acts 23:12-15</a></span><br />When daylight came, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. / More than forty of them were involved in this plot. / They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have bound ourselves with a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/25-3.htm">Acts 25:3</a></span><br />to grant them a concession against Paul by summoning him to Jerusalem, because they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-26.htm">2 Corinthians 11:26</a></span><br />In my frequent journeys, I have been in danger from rivers and from bandits, in danger from my countrymen and from the Gentiles, in danger in the city and in the country, in danger on the sea and among false brothers,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/4-14.htm">2 Timothy 4:14-15</a></span><br />Alexander the coppersmith did great harm to me. The Lord will repay him according to his deeds. / You too should beware of him, for he has vigorously opposed our message.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/4-4.htm">1 Peter 4:4</a></span><br />Because of this, they consider it strange of you not to plunge with them into the same flood of reckless indiscretion, and they heap abuse on you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/23-12.htm">1 Samuel 23:12</a></span><br />So David asked, “Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me and my men into the hand of Saul?” “They will,” said the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/24-9.htm">1 Samuel 24:9</a></span><br />and said to Saul, “Why do you listen to the words of men who say, ‘Look, David intends to harm you’?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/17-1.htm">2 Samuel 17:1-4</a></span><br />Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. / I will attack him while he is weak and weary; I will throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will flee; I will strike down only the king / and bring all the people back to you as a bride returning to her husband. You seek the life of only one man; then all the people will be at peace.” ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.</p><p class="hdg">I have</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/55-10.htm">Psalm 55:10</a></b></br> Day and night they go about it upon the walls thereof: mischief also and sorrow <i>are</i> in the midst of it.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/101-5.htm">Psalm 101:5</a></b></br> Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/22-8.htm">1 Samuel 22:8-10</a></b></br> That all of you have conspired against me, and <i>there is</i> none that sheweth me that my son hath made a league with the son of Jesse, and <i>there is</i> none of you that is sorry for me, or sheweth unto me that my son hath stirred up my servant against me, to lie in wait, as at this day? … </p><p class="hdg">fear</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/56-1.htm">Psalm 56:1-3</a></b></br> To the chief Musician upon Jonathelemrechokim, Michtam of David, when the Philistines took him in Gath. Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/57-4.htm">Psalm 57:4</a></b></br> My soul <i>is</i> among lions: <i>and</i> I lie <i>even among</i> them that are set on fire, <i>even</i> the sons of men, whose teeth <i>are</i> spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/6-25.htm">Jeremiah 6:25</a></b></br> Go not forth into the field, nor walk by the way; for the sword of the enemy <i>and</i> fear <i>is</i> on every side.</p><p class="hdg">while</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/19-10.htm">1 Samuel 19:10-17</a></b></br> And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the javelin; but he slipped away out of Saul's presence, and he smote the javelin into the wall: and David fled, and escaped that night… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/20-33.htm">1 Samuel 20:33</a></b></br> And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/23-19.htm">1 Samuel 23:19,20</a></b></br> Then came up the Ziphites to Saul to Gibeah, saying, Doth not David hide himself with us in strong holds in the wood, in the hill of Hachilah, which <i>is</i> on the south of Jeshimon? … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/10-15.htm">Account</a> <a href="/psalms/2-1.htm">Conspire</a> <a href="/psalms/25-14.htm">Counsel</a> <a href="/jeremiah/20-10.htm">Defaming</a> <a href="/psalms/21-11.htm">Devised</a> <a href="/psalms/28-4.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/psalms/31-6.htm">False.</a> <a href="/psalms/31-11.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/psalms/30-10.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/psalms/28-6.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/psalms/31-10.htm">Life</a> <a href="/psalms/21-11.htm">Plot</a> <a href="/psalms/27-6.htm">Round</a> <a href="/psalms/26-10.htm">Scheme</a> <a href="/esther/9-24.htm">Schemed</a> <a href="/psalms/12-8.htm">Side</a> <a href="/psalms/15-3.htm">Slander</a> <a href="/numbers/36-5.htm">Statements</a> <a href="/job/42-3.htm">Talking</a> <a href="/psalms/14-5.htm">Terror</a> <a href="/psalms/19-9.htm">Together</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-19.htm">Whispering</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/40-17.htm">Account</a> <a href="/psalms/56-6.htm">Conspire</a> <a href="/psalms/32-8.htm">Counsel</a> <a href="/jeremiah/20-10.htm">Defaming</a> <a href="/psalms/140-2.htm">Devised</a> <a href="/psalms/31-18.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/psalms/31-18.htm">False.</a> <a href="/psalms/31-19.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/psalms/31-22.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/psalms/31-22.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/psalms/31-15.htm">Life</a> <a href="/psalms/35-4.htm">Plot</a> <a href="/psalms/32-7.htm">Round</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-25.htm">Scheme</a> <a href="/john/11-53.htm">Schemed</a> <a href="/psalms/35-1.htm">Side</a> <a href="/psalms/38-20.htm">Slander</a> <a href="/psalms/50-20.htm">Statements</a> <a href="/psalms/35-28.htm">Talking</a> <a href="/psalms/48-5.htm">Terror</a> <a href="/psalms/33-7.htm">Together</a> <a href="/lamentations/3-62.htm">Whispering</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 31</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/31-1.htm">David, showing his confidence in God, craves his help</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/31-7.htm">He rejoices in his mercy</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/31-9.htm">He prays in his calamity</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/31-19.htm">He praises God for his goodness</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/31.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/31.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>For I hear the slander of many;</b><br>This phrase reflects the experience of being falsely accused or maligned by others. In biblical times, slander was a serious offense, often leading to social ostracism or legal consequences. The psalmist, traditionally believed to be David, frequently faced slander from his enemies, including King Saul and others who opposed his rule. This experience of slander is echoed in the life of Jesus Christ, who was also falsely accused by religious leaders (<a href="/matthew/26-59.htm">Matthew 26:59-61</a>). The theme of enduring slander and trusting in God for vindication is a recurring motif in the Psalms (<a href="/psalms/109-2.htm">Psalm 109:2-3</a>).<p><b>there is terror on every side.</b><br>This expression conveys a sense of being surrounded by danger and fear. The phrase "terror on every side" is used multiple times in the Old Testament, often in contexts of impending judgment or warfare (<a href="/jeremiah/6-25.htm">Jeremiah 6:25, 20</a>:3). It suggests a situation where the psalmist feels besieged by threats, both physical and emotional. Historically, David faced numerous threats from surrounding nations and internal rebellion, which could have inspired such imagery. This phrase also resonates with the trials faced by believers who feel overwhelmed by the challenges and hostilities of the world.<p><b>They conspire against me</b><br>Conspiracy against the psalmist indicates a deliberate and coordinated effort by enemies to harm him. In David's life, there were several instances of conspiracy, such as Absalom's rebellion (2 Samuel 15) and the betrayal by Ahithophel (<a href="/2_samuel/16-20.htm">2 Samuel 16:20-23</a>). The notion of conspiracy also points to the spiritual warfare believers face, as described in <a href="/ephesians/6-12.htm">Ephesians 6:12</a>, where the struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces. This reflects the broader biblical theme of the righteous being opposed by the wicked.<p><b>and plot to take my life.</b><br>The ultimate aim of the psalmist's enemies is to destroy him, which underscores the severity of the threat. In the historical context, David's life was often in danger, whether from Saul's attempts to kill him (<a href="/1_samuel/19.htm">1 Samuel 19:1-2</a>) or from other adversaries. This phrase foreshadows the plot against Jesus Christ, whose life was sought by those who opposed His ministry (<a href="/john/11-53.htm">John 11:53</a>). The psalmist's plea for deliverance from such plots is a testament to his reliance on God's protection and justice, a theme that is central to the message of the Psalms.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/31.htm">Psalm 31</a>, David is expressing his distress and seeking refuge in God amidst his adversaries.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/enemies/adversaries.htm">Enemies/Adversaries</a></b><br>The unspecified individuals or groups who are slandering and conspiring against David, creating a sense of terror.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/terror_on_every_side.htm">Terror on Every Side</a></b><br>A phrase indicating the overwhelming nature of the threats and fears surrounding David.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/c/conspiracy.htm">Conspiracy</a></b><br>The organized effort by David's enemies to harm him, reflecting the intense opposition he faced.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/p/plot_to_take_my_life.htm">Plot to Take My Life</a></b><br>The ultimate threat against David, highlighting the severity of his situation and his reliance on God for deliverance.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_protection.htm">Trust in God's Protection</a></b><br>Despite the overwhelming threats, believers are encouraged to trust in God's ability to protect and deliver them from their enemies.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_opposition.htm">The Reality of Opposition</a></b><br>Followers of God should be prepared for opposition and slander, understanding that these challenges are part of the spiritual journey.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/prayer_as_a_refuge.htm">Prayer as a Refuge</a></b><br>In times of distress, turning to God in prayer is a powerful way to find peace and strength amidst adversity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_over_plots.htm">God's Sovereignty Over Plots</a></b><br>No matter how well-organized the plans against us may be, God's sovereignty ensures that His purposes will prevail.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/endurance_through_trials.htm">Endurance Through Trials</a></b><br>The experiences of biblical figures like David and Jesus remind us that enduring trials with faith can lead to spiritual growth and deeper reliance on God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_31.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 31</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_bible's_stance_on_slander.htm">What is the Bible's stance on slander?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_plead_for_godand#8217;s_attention_in_psalm_13_2.htm">Why does the psalmist plead for God's attention in Psalm 13:2 if other biblical texts claim God never abandons the faithful?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_psalm_109_oppose_love_for_enemies.htm">If Jesus taught love for enemies (Matthew 5:44), why does Psalm 109 appear to endorse the exact opposite stance?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_reconcile_god's_rule_with_oppression.htm">How can we reconcile God's ultimate kingship with the continuing oppression seen throughout history? (Psalm 10:16-18)</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/31.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(13) Again comp. <a href="/jeremiah/20-10.htm" title="For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, say they, and we will report it. All my familiars watched for my halting, saying, Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.">Jeremiah 20:10</a>, which reproduces word for word the first two clauses. The expression rendered "fear on every side" was actually a motto of the prophet (<a href="/jeremiah/6-25.htm" title="Go not forth into the field, nor walk by the way; for the sword of the enemy and fear is on every side.">Jeremiah 6:25</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/20-3.htm" title="And it came to pass on the morrow, that Pashur brought forth Jeremiah out of the stocks. Then said Jeremiah to him, The LORD has not called your name Pashur, but Magormissabib.">Jeremiah 20:3</a>, margin; <a href="/jeremiah/46-5.htm" title="Why have I seen them dismayed and turned away back? and their mighty ones are beaten down, and are fled apace, and look not back: for fear was round about, said the LORD.">Jeremiah 46:5</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/49-29.htm" title="Their tents and their flocks shall they take away: they shall take to themselves their curtains, and all their vessels, and their camels; and they shall cry to them, Fear is on every side.">Jeremiah 49:29</a>. Comp. <a href="/lamentations/2-22.htm" title="You have called as in a solemn day my terrors round about, so that in the day of the LORD's anger none escaped nor remained: those that I have swaddled and brought up has my enemy consumed.">Lamentations 2:22</a>). But the most probable derivation makes the noun mean not <span class= "ital">terror </span>but <span class= "ital">conspiracy, </span>while for <span class= "ital">slander </span>here we must render <span class= "ital">whisper.</span> . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/31.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 13.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">For I have heard the slander of many</span> (see the comment on ver. 11). The calumnies circulated against him had reached David's ears, and these had so affected him that he felt as described in the preceding verse. <span class="cmt_word">Fear was on every side, while they took counsel together against me.</span> Fear was "on every side" - in his own heart, and in the hearts of all his friends - when it came to the point of his enemies holding a formal council, in which the matter discussed was the best mode of proceeding against him to take away his life. The particulars of such a council are given in <a href="/2_samuel/17-1.htm">2 Samuel 17:1-14</a>. <span class="cmt_word">They devised to take away my life.</span> That David's life was sought is apparent from the last clause of ver. 2, "I will smite the king only." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/31-13.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">I hear</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁמַ֨עְתִּי ׀</span> <span class="translit">(šā·ma‘·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear intelligently</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the slander</span><br /><span class="heb">דִּבַּ֥ת</span> <span class="translit">(dib·baṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1681.htm">Strong's 1681: </a> </span><span class="str2">Whispering, defamation, evil report</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of many;</span><br /><span class="heb">רַבִּים֮</span> <span class="translit">(rab·bîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7227.htm">Strong's 7227: </a> </span><span class="str2">Much, many, great</span><br /><br /><span class="word">there is terror</span><br /><span class="heb">מָג֪וֹר</span> <span class="translit">(mā·ḡō·wr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4032.htm">Strong's 4032: </a> </span><span class="str2">Fear, terror</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on every side.</span><br /><span class="heb">מִסָּ֫בִ֥יב</span> <span class="translit">(mis·sā·ḇîḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5439.htm">Strong's 5439: </a> </span><span class="str2">A circle, neighbour, environs, around</span><br /><br /><span class="word">They conspire</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּהִוָּסְדָ֣ם</span> <span class="translit">(bə·hiw·wā·sə·ḏām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3245.htm">Strong's 3245: </a> </span><span class="str2">To set, to found, to sit down together, settle, consult</span><br /><br /><span class="word">against me</span><br /><span class="heb">עָלַ֑י</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] plot</span><br /><span class="heb">זָמָֽמוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(zā·mā·mū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2161.htm">Strong's 2161: </a> </span><span class="str2">To consider, purpose, devise</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to take</span><br /><span class="heb">לָקַ֖חַת</span> <span class="translit">(lā·qa·ḥaṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> </span><span class="str2">To take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my life.</span><br /><span class="heb">נַפְשִׁ֣י</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 /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/31-13.htm">Psalm 31:13 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/31-13.htm">Psalm 31:13 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/31-13.htm">Psalm 31:13 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/31-13.htm">Psalm 31:13 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/31-13.htm">Psalm 31:13 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/31-13.htm">Psalm 31:13 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/31-13.htm">Psalm 31:13 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/31-13.htm">Psalm 31:13 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/31-13.htm">Psalm 31:13 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/31-13.htm">Psalm 31:13 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/31-13.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 31:13 For I have heard the slander (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/31-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 31:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 31:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/31-14.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 31:14"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 31:14" /></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>