Psalms 13:4

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; [and] those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Then my enemy would say, "I was able to beat him"; and my adversaries would rejoice at my downfall.

Berean Standard Bible:

lest my enemy say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes rejoice when I fall.

American Standard Version:

Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; Lest mine adversaries rejoice when I am moved.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Lest mine enemy^{H341} say^{H559}, I have prevailed^{H3201} against him; and those that trouble^{H6862} me rejoice^{H1523} when I am moved^{H4131}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Psalms 13:4

Psalm 13:4, part of a lament psalm traditionally attributed to King David, reflects the raw emotions of an individual in deep distress, crying out to God. The historical context of the Psalms is rooted in the life experiences of ancient Israelites, including their personal struggles, national trials, and religious expressions. In this verse, the psalmist expresses a fear common to the human experience—that of being overcome by enemies or adversaries.

The themes present in this verse include the fear of defeat and the shame associated with one's enemies triumphing. The psalmist is concerned not just with the personal implications of being bested by foes, but also with the potential rejoicing of those who trouble him. This reflects a broader concern for one's reputation and the moral or spiritual victory, beyond mere physical survival or success. The verse speaks to the vulnerability one feels when facing opposition and the desire for divine intervention to prevent such a personal and spiritual setback.

In the ancient Near Eastern context, where honor and shame were central to social dynamics, the prospect of enemies gloating over one's misfortune would have been particularly distressing. The psalmist's plea is thus both a personal cry for help and a petition for God to uphold his cause, thereby preserving his honor and the honor of God, whose representative he is. This verse underscores the importance of divine support in the face of adversity and the belief that God's involvement can alter the outcomes of human conflicts, ensuring that righteousness prevails over wickedness.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H341
   There are 481 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֹיֵב
   Transliteration: ʼôyêb
   Pronunciation: o-yabe'
   Description: or (fully) אוֹיֵב; active participle of אָיַב; hating; an adversary; enemy, foe.
   
2. Strong's Number: H559
   There are 4434 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָמַר
   Transliteration: ʼâmar
   Pronunciation: aw-mar'
   Description: a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet.
   
3. Strong's Number: H3201
   There are 182 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יָכֹל
   Transliteration: yâkôl
   Pronunciation: yaw-kole'
   Description: or (fuller) יָכוֹל; a primitive root; to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might); be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer.
   
4. Strong's Number: H6862
   There are 102 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: צַר
   Transliteration: tsar
   Pronunciation: tsar
   Description: or צָר; from צָרַר; compare as in צֹר; narrow; (as a noun) a tight place (usually figuratively, i.e. trouble); also a pebble ; (transitive) an opponent (as crowding); adversary, afflicted(-tion), anguish, close, distress, enemy, flint, foe, narrow, small, sorrow, strait, tribulation, trouble.
   
5. Strong's Number: H1523
   There are 44 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: גִּיל
   Transliteration: gîyl
   Pronunciation: gheel
   Description: or (by permutation) גּוּל; a primitive root; properly, to spin round (under the influence of any violent emotion), i.e. usually rejoice, or (as cringing) fear; be glad, joy, be joyful, rejoice.
   
6. Strong's Number: H4131
   There are 36 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מוֹט
   Transliteration: môwṭ
   Pronunciation: mote
   Description: a primitive root; to waver; by implication, to slip, shake, fall; be carried, cast, be out of course, be fallen in decay, [idiom] exceedingly, fall(-ing down), be (re-) moved, be ready, shake, slide, slip.