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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 56:2 My enemies pursue me all day long, for many proudly assail me.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/56-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/19_Psa_056_002.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 56:2 - Be Merciful to Me, O God" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="My enemies pursue me all day long, for many proudly assail me." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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in their pride many are attacking me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/56.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />I am constantly hounded by those who slander me, and many are boldly attacking me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/56.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />my enemies trample on me all day long, for many attack me proudly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/56.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />My enemies pursue me all day long, for many proudly assail me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/56.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Mine enemies would daily swallow <i>me</i> up: for <i>they be</i> many that fight against me, O thou most High.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/56.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />My enemies would hound <i>me</i> all day, For <i>there are</i> many who fight against me, O Most High.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/56.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />My enemies have trampled upon me all day long, For they are many who fight proudly against me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/56.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />My foes have trampled upon me all day long, For they are many who fight proudly against me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/56.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />My foes have trampled upon me all day long, For they are many who fight proudly against me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/56.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />My foes have trampled upon me all day long, For many attack me proudly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/56.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />My enemies have trampled upon me all day long, For they are many who fight proudly against me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/56.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />My adversaries trample me all day, for many arrogantly fight against me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/56.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />My adversaries trample me all day, for many arrogantly fight against me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/56.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Mine enemies would swallow me up all the day long; For they are many that fight proudly against me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/56.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Many of them are pursuing and attacking me, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/56.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Mine enemies would swallow me up all the day long: for they be many that fight proudly against me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/56.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />All day long my enemies spy on me. They harass me. There are so many fighting against me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/56.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />All day long my opponents attack me. There are so many who fight against me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/56.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Those who watch me all day have harassed me, for there are many who fight against me out of conceit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/56.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />My enemies pursue me all day long, for many proudly assail me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/56.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Those who anticipate my defeat attack me all day long. Indeed, many are fighting against me, O Exalted One. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/56.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />My enemies want to swallow me up all day long, for they are many who fight proudly against me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/56.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />My enemies would daily swallow me up: for they are many that fight against me, O thou Most High.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/56.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />My enemies want to swallow me up all day long, for they are many who fight proudly against me. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/56.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />My enemies have swallowed up all the day, "" For many [are] fighting against me, O Most High,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/56.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Mine enemies have swallowed up all the day, For many are fighting against me, O most High,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/56.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Mine enemies panted after me all the day: for many warring against me proudly.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/56.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />My enemies have trodden on me all the day long; for they are many that make war against me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/56.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 55:2>Have mercy on me, O God, because man has trampled over me. All day long, he has afflicted me by fighting against me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/56.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />My foes treat me harshly all the day; yes, many are my attackers. O Most High,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/56.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />my enemies trample on me all day long, for many fight against me. O Most High,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/56.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Mine enemies have daily trodden me under foot; for many warriors have risen against me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/56.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />My enemies have trodden upon me all day.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/56.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />They that lie in wait for me would swallow me up all the day; For they are many that fight against me, O Most High,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/56.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Mine enemies have trodden me down all the day from the dawning of the day; for there are many warring against me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/56-2.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=6609" 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/56.htm">Be Merciful to Me, O God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>For the choirmaster. To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.” A Miktam of David, when the Philistines seized him in Gath. Be merciful to me, O God, for men are hounding me; all day they press their attack. <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/8324.htm" title="8324: wr·ray (N-mpc:: 1cs) -- To be hostile. A primitive root; to be hostile.">My enemies</a> <a href="/hebrew/7602.htm" title="7602: šā·’ă·p̄ū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- A primitive root; to inhale eagerly; figuratively, to cover; by implication, to be angry; also to hasten.">pursue me</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: hay·yō·wm (Art:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">day long,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/7227.htm" title="7227: rab·bîm (Adj-mp) -- Much, many, great. By contracted from rabab; abundant.">many</a> <a href="/hebrew/4791.htm" title="4791: mā·rō·wm (N-ms) -- Height. From ruwm; altitude, i.e. Concretely, abstractly (elation), or adverbially (aloft).">proudly</a> <a href="/hebrew/3898.htm" title="3898: lō·ḥă·mîm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To feed on, to consume, to battle. A primitive root; to feed on; figuratively, to consume; by implication, to battle.">assail</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">me.</a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.…<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="/psalms/57-3.htm">Psalm 57:3</a></span><br />He reaches down from heaven and saves me; He rebukes those who trample me. Selah God sends forth His loving devotion and His truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/59-1.htm">Psalm 59:1-2</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when Saul sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise against me. / Deliver me from workers of iniquity, and save me from men of bloodshed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/3-1.htm">Psalm 3:1</a></span><br />A Psalm of David, when he fled from his son Absalom. O LORD, how my foes have increased! How many rise up against me!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/118-11.htm">Psalm 118:11-12</a></span><br />They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. / They swarmed around me like bees, but they were extinguished like burning thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="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/31-13.htm">Psalm 31:13</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="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/35-15.htm">Psalm 35:15</a></span><br />But when I stumbled, they assembled in glee; they gathered together against me. Assailants I did not know slandered me without ceasing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/41-5.htm">Psalm 41:5-6</a></span><br />My enemies say with malice: “When will he die and be forgotten?” / My visitor speaks falsehood; he gathers slander in his heart; he goes out and spreads it abroad.<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/69-4.htm">Psalm 69:4</a></span><br />Those who hate me without cause outnumber the hairs of my head; many are those who would destroy me—my enemies for no reason. Though I did not steal, I must repay.<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/59-19.htm">Isaiah 59:19</a></span><br />So shall they fear the name of the LORD where the sun sets, and His glory where it rises. For He will come like a raging flood, driven by the breath of the LORD.<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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/3-52.htm">Lamentations 3:52</a></span><br />Without cause my enemies hunted me like a bird.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-11.htm">Matthew 5:11</a></span><br />Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">My enemies would daily swallow me up: for they be many that fight against me, O you most High.</p><p class="hdg">enemies [heb.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/54-5.htm">Psalm 54:5</a></b></br> He shall reward evil unto mine enemies: cut them off in thy truth.</p><p class="hdg">many</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/3-1.htm">Psalm 3:1</a></b></br> A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many <i>are</i> they that rise up against me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/118-10.htm">Psalm 118:10-12</a></b></br> All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/4-25.htm">Acts 4:25-27</a></b></br> Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? … </p><p class="hdg">most</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/9-2.htm">Psalm 9:2</a></b></br> I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/91-1.htm">Psalm 91:1</a></b></br> He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/92-1.htm">Psalm 92:1,8</a></b></br> A Psalm <i>or</i> Song for the sabbath day. <i>It is a</i> good <i>thing</i> to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/54-3.htm">Attacking</a> <a href="/psalms/56-1.htm">Daily</a> <a href="/psalms/54-5.htm">End</a> <a href="/psalms/55-15.htm">Enemies</a> <a href="/psalms/35-1.htm">Fight</a> <a href="/psalms/54-7.htm">Foes</a> <a href="/psalms/54-4.htm">Great</a> <a href="/psalms/54-7.htm">Haters</a> <a href="/psalms/31-23.htm">Haughtily</a> <a href="/psalms/50-14.htm">High</a> <a href="/psalms/54-5.htm">Lie</a> <a href="/psalms/40-3.htm">Numbers</a> <a href="/psalms/49-18.htm">Pride</a> <a href="/psalms/31-23.htm">Proudly</a> <a href="/psalms/38-20.htm">Pursue</a> <a href="/psalms/45-3.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/titus/2-3.htm">Slanderers</a> <a href="/psalms/56-1.htm">Swallow</a> <a href="/psalms/35-25.htm">Swallowed</a> <a href="/psalms/56-1.htm">Trample</a> <a href="/psalms/56-1.htm">Trampled</a> <a href="/psalms/54-5.htm">Wait</a> <a href="/psalms/35-25.htm">Want</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/86-14.htm">Attacking</a> <a href="/psalms/61-8.htm">Daily</a> <a href="/psalms/58-8.htm">End</a> <a href="/psalms/56-9.htm">Enemies</a> <a href="/psalms/78-9.htm">Fight</a> <a href="/psalms/59-10.htm">Foes</a> <a href="/psalms/57-6.htm">Great</a> <a href="/psalms/56-9.htm">Haters</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-23.htm">Haughtily</a> <a href="/psalms/57-2.htm">High</a> <a href="/psalms/59-3.htm">Lie</a> <a href="/psalms/71-15.htm">Numbers</a> <a href="/psalms/59-12.htm">Pride</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-5.htm">Proudly</a> <a href="/psalms/71-11.htm">Pursue</a> <a href="/psalms/57-6.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/psalms/140-11.htm">Slanderers</a> <a href="/psalms/57-3.htm">Swallow</a> <a href="/psalms/106-17.htm">Swallowed</a> <a href="/psalms/57-3.htm">Trample</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-26.htm">Trampled</a> <a href="/psalms/56-6.htm">Wait</a> <a href="/psalms/69-4.htm">Want</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 56</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/56-1.htm">David, praying to God in confidence of his word, complains of his enemies,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/56-9.htm">He professes his confidence in God's word, and promises to praise him</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/56.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/56.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>My enemies pursue me all day long</b><br>This phrase reflects the constant and relentless nature of David's adversaries. Historically, David faced numerous enemies, including King Saul, who pursued him out of jealousy and fear of losing his throne. The phrase "all day long" emphasizes the unceasing pressure and danger David experienced. This relentless pursuit can be seen as a type of 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. The persistence of David's enemies also foreshadows the continuous opposition Jesus faced from religious leaders throughout His ministry.<p><b>for many proudly assail me</b><br>The word "proudly" indicates the arrogance and self-confidence of David's enemies. This pride can be linked to the broader biblical theme of God opposing the proud but giving grace to the humble, as seen in <a href="/james/4-6.htm">James 4:6</a>. The historical context of David's life shows that his adversaries often underestimated him, not recognizing God's anointing and protection over him. This mirrors the way Jesus was underestimated and opposed by the proud religious leaders of His time. The phrase also connects to the prophecy in <a href="/psalms/2.htm">Psalm 2</a>, where the nations and peoples plot in vain against the Lord's anointed, highlighting the futility of opposing God's chosen ones.<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/56.htm">Psalm 56</a>, David is expressing his trust in God amidst persecution. This psalm is attributed to the time when the Philistines seized him in Gath.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/philistines.htm">Philistines</a></b><br>A group of people who were often in conflict with Israel. In this context, they captured David, which led to his plea for God's help.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/gath.htm">Gath</a></b><br>A Philistine city where David sought refuge from King Saul, only to find himself in danger again.<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 being surrounded by enemies, David places his trust in God. This teaches us to rely on God's protection in our own times of trouble.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/prayer_in_times_of_fear.htm">Prayer in Times of Fear</a></b><br>David's response to fear is prayer. We are encouraged to turn to God in prayer when we face our own fears and uncertainties.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_over_adversaries.htm">God's Sovereignty Over Adversaries</a></b><br>David acknowledges that God is in control, even over his enemies. This reminds us that no matter how powerful our adversaries seem, God is greater.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_over_fear.htm">Faith Over Fear</a></b><br>David's faith in God overcomes his fear of man. We are called to cultivate a faith that trusts God more than we fear human threats.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_god's_word.htm">The Power of God's Word</a></b><br>David's confidence is rooted in God's promises. We should immerse ourselves in Scripture to strengthen our faith and trust in God's promises.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_56.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 56</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_linking_psalm_56_to_gath.htm">Is there any archaeological or historical evidence linking David’s words in Psalm 56 specifically to his time in Gath? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_of_angels_driving_enemies_away.htm">Psalm 35:5-6 - Is there any historical or archaeological evidence supporting the idea of an angel physically driving enemies away like chaff?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_psalm_56_13_contradict_tragic_deaths.htm">Does the deliverance from death proclaimed in Psalm 56:13 contradict other biblical accounts of faithful figures who died tragically?</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><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/56.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) <span class= "bld">Swallow me up.</span>--The root idea of the Hebrew word so rendered is by no means clear. In many passages where it is used the meaning given here by the LXX., "trample on," will suit the context quite as well as, or even better than, the meaning, "pant after," given in the Lexicons. (See <a href="/job/5-5.htm" title="Whose harvest the hungry eats up, and takes it even out of the thorns, and the robber swallows up their substance.">Job 5:5</a>; <a href="/isaiah/42-14.htm" title="I have long time held my peace; I have been still, and refrained myself: now will I cry like a travailing woman; I will destroy and devour at once.">Isaiah 42:14</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-5.htm" title="The sun also rises, and the sun goes down, and hastens to his place where he arose.">Ecclesiastes 1:5</a>; <a href="/amos/2-7.htm" title="That pant after the dust of the earth on the head of the poor, and turn aside the way of the meek: and a man and his father will go in to the same maid, to profane my holy name:">Amos 2:7</a>; <a href="/amos/8-4.htm" title="Hear this, O you that swallow up the needy, even to make the poor of the land to fail,">Amos 8:4</a>.) And this sense of bruising by trampling also suits the cognate verb, <span class= "ital">sh-ph, </span>used only three times (<a href="/genesis/3-15.htm" title="And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; it shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.">Genesis 3:15</a>; <a href="/job/9-17.htm" title="For he breaks me with a tempest, and multiplies my wounds without cause.">Job 9:17</a>; <a href="/psalms/139-11.htm" title="If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.">Psalm 139:11</a>). Symmachus also here has "bruise," or "grind." On the other hand in <a href="/psalms/119-131.htm" title="I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for your commandments.">Psalm 119:131</a>; <a href="/job/7-2.htm" title="As a servant earnestly desires the shadow, and as an hireling looks for the reward of his work:">Job 7:2</a>, &c, we want the idea of "haste" or "desire." Possibly the original meaning of "trample" may have passed through the sense of physical haste to that of passion. Or we may even get the sense of "greedily devouring" by the exactly similar process by which we come to talk of devouring the road with speed. The same verb is used in the next verse with an object. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/56.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Mine enemies</span>; literally, <span class="accented">my watchers</span> - those who keep a continual guard over me. If David had been seized and made a prisoner by the Philistine lords, this expression would be very appropriate. <span class="cmt_word">Would daily swallow me up;</span> rather, pant <span class="accented">after me all day. <span class="cmt_word"></span>For they be many that fight against me.</span> The "lords of the Philistines" were, doubtless, "many;" they seem to have, all of them, opposed themselves to David (<a href="/1_samuel/29-2.htm">1 Samuel 29:2-9</a>). <span class="cmt_word">O thou Most High.</span> This rendering is now generally abandoned, since <span class="accented">marom</span> (<span class="hebrew">מָרום</span>), "height," is nowhere else used in this sense. Dr. Kay, Hengstenberg, and the Revised Version render "proudly;" Professor Cheyne, "with high looks." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/56-2.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">My enemies</span><br /><span class="heb">שׁ֭וֹרְרַי</span> <span class="translit">(wr·ray)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8324.htm">Strong's 8324: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be hostile</span><br /><br /><span class="word">pursue me</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁאֲפ֣וּ</span> <span class="translit">(šā·’ă·p̄ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7602.htm">Strong's 7602: </a> </span><span class="str2">To inhale eagerly, to cover, to be angry, to hasten</span><br /><br /><span class="word">all</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">day long,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַיּ֑וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(hay·yō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</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">many</span><br /><span class="heb">רַבִּ֨ים</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">proudly</span><br /><span class="heb">מָרֽוֹם׃</span> <span class="translit">(mā·rō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4791.htm">Strong's 4791: </a> </span><span class="str2">Altitude</span><br /><br /><span class="word">assail</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹחֲמִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(lō·ḥă·mîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3898.htm">Strong's 3898: </a> </span><span class="str2">To feed on, to consume, to battle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">me.</span><br /><span class="heb">לִ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(lî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/56-2.htm">Psalm 56:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/56-2.htm">Psalm 56:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/56-2.htm">Psalm 56:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/56-2.htm">Psalm 56:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/56-2.htm">Psalm 56:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/56-2.htm">Psalm 56:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/56-2.htm">Psalm 56:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/56-2.htm">Psalm 56:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/56-2.htm">Psalm 56:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/56-2.htm">Psalm 56:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/56-2.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 56:2 My enemies want to swallow me up (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/56-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 56:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 56:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/56-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 56:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 56:3" /></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>