Psalms 11:3

KJV

If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?

KJV (with Strong's)

If the foundations {H8356} be destroyed {H2040}, what can the righteous {H6662} do {H6466}?

Complete Jewish Bible

If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?"

Berean Standard Bible

If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?”

American Standard Version

If the foundations be destroyed, What can the righteous do?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 11:3 poses a profound rhetorical question that captures the essence of human despair when the very structures of truth, justice, and societal order appear to collapse: "If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?" This verse articulates the deep sense of vulnerability experienced by those who strive to live righteously in a world where the established norms and moral underpinnings seem to crumble, prompting a search for ultimate recourse beyond fleeting human systems.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 11 opens with David declaring his unwavering trust in the LORD, despite receiving counsel to flee from his enemies. The preceding verses, [Psalms 11:1](/psalms/11-1 "Psalms 11:1 - David's Trust in the LORD") and [Psalms 11:2](/psalms/11-2 "Psalms 11:2 - The Wicked's Schemes Against the Upright"), vividly paint a picture of imminent danger and the wicked's malicious intent to "privily shoot at the upright in heart." It is against this backdrop of direct threat and moral decay that the question of verse 3 arises, highlighting the apparent helplessness of the righteous when the very structures meant to protect them are undermined. The verse serves as a pivotal point, expressing the human dilemma before the psalm shifts dramatically in [Psalms 11:4](/psalms/11-4 "Psalms 11:4 - The LORD's Throne in Heaven"), where David reaffirms God's ultimate sovereignty and divine judgment as the true answer to the crisis.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the specific historical occasion for Psalm 11 is not explicitly stated, it is a psalm of David, suggesting a period of intense persecution or political instability, such as his flight from King Saul or the rebellion of Absalom. In ancient Israelite society, "foundations" (Hebrew: _shathoth_) referred not merely to physical structures but, more profoundly, to the moral, legal, and spiritual underpinnings of communal life. These included the divinely ordained laws, covenant faithfulness, justice administered by leaders, and the very concept of objective truth. The destruction of these foundations would imply a complete breakdown of the social contract and the divine order, leading to chaos and oppression. The question in the verse reflects the profound anxiety and sense of vulnerability experienced by those who upheld righteousness in a world where such foundational principles were actively being subverted or ignored by those in power.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within the Psalms and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **collapse of order**, where "foundations" symbolize the fundamental principles of truth, justice, and moral integrity, and their "destruction" signifies a complete breakdown of societal norms. Secondly, it highlights the **dilemma of the righteous**, articulating the sense of vulnerability and despair that can overwhelm those who strive to live righteously when the systems meant to uphold truth and justice fail. This raises the question of their recourse or protection. Finally, and most importantly, the verse sets the stage for the overarching theme of **God's unchanging sovereignty**. While the question itself expresses apparent hopelessness, the subsequent verses of [Psalms 11](/psalms/11 "Psalms 11 - Trust in the LORD") powerfully reveal that God remains enthroned in heaven, actively observing and judging. This divine sovereignty provides the ultimate comfort and answer to the dilemma posed in verse 3, shifting the focus from human helplessness to divine omnipotence and justice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Foundations (Hebrew, _shathoth'_):** This term (שָׁתוֹת) is crucial. It does not refer merely to physical structures like buildings, but metaphorically to the deep-seated moral, legal, and spiritual underpinnings of a society, a nation, or even the cosmic order. It encompasses principles of justice, truth, law, and the established norms that ensure stability and righteousness. When these "foundations" are spoken of as being destroyed, it implies an attack on the very concept of objective truth, divine order, and ethical governance.
* **Destroyed (Hebrew, _haras'_):** The verb (הָרַס) means to break down, pull down, throw down, or demolish. It implies a violent or deliberate act of subversion, rather than a natural decay. This suggests an active dismantling of the established order, whether by wicked individuals, corrupt systems, or societal abandonment of core values. The KJV's phrasing powerfully conveys this sense of absolute collapse and intentional ruin.
* **Righteous (Hebrew, _tsaddiq'_):** This term (צַדִּיק) refers to those who are just, upright, innocent, and in right standing with God. They are individuals who strive to live according to God's laws and principles, upholding truth and justice in their conduct. The verse highlights their unique vulnerability when the very structures that should protect and uphold their way of life are systematically dismantled.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If the foundations be destroyed":** This clause presents a hypothetical, yet often experienced, scenario of profound societal or moral collapse. The "foundations" represent the essential principles upon which a just and ordered society is built – truth, justice, law, moral integrity, and the very concept of objective reality. The phrase "be destroyed" implies a systemic breakdown, an active subversion, or a widespread erosion of these fundamental values, leading to chaos, injustice, and a sense of disorientation. It speaks to a situation where the very ground beneath one's feet seems to give way.
* **"what can the righteous do?":** This is a rhetorical question, not seeking an answer from the reader, but expressing a deep sense of despair, vulnerability, and apparent helplessness from a human perspective. It articulates the dilemma faced by those who uphold righteousness when the external structures that are supposed to support and protect them have crumbled. It highlights the perceived lack of recourse, protection, or effective action available to the upright in a morally inverted or chaotic environment. However, within the context of Psalm 11, this question also serves to set up the profound theological answer that follows in subsequent verses, pointing to God's ultimate sovereignty and justice as the true source of hope and action.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Psalms 11:3 is the **Rhetorical Question**. The question "what can the righteous do?" is not posed to elicit an informational answer, but rather to express the profound dilemma, frustration, and sense of powerlessness experienced by the righteous in the face of societal collapse. It serves to highlight the gravity of the situation and to set up the divine answer that follows in the subsequent verses of the psalm, where God's unwavering presence on His throne and His active judgment provide the ultimate resolution. Additionally, the phrase "the foundations" functions as a powerful **Metaphor**, representing not literal building structures but the essential moral, legal, and spiritual principles that underpin a stable and just society. The idea of these foundations being "destroyed" can also be seen as **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extreme nature of the perceived crisis and the depth of the psalmist's concern, suggesting an attack so fundamental that it threatens the very fabric of existence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 11:3 probes the core of human trust, challenging where our ultimate security lies. When the visible structures of society—its laws, its justice systems, its moral consensus—appear to crumble, the righteous are confronted with a profound existential question. Theologically, this verse points us beyond the fragility of human institutions to the unshakeable nature of God Himself. It underscores the biblical truth that while earthly foundations are susceptible to decay and destruction, God's character, His truth, and His kingdom are eternal and immutable. The apparent helplessness of the righteous in the face of societal collapse is meant to drive them to a deeper reliance on the divine, recognizing that God is the ultimate bedrock upon which true security is built. This perspective shifts our focus from what we can do in our limited strength to what God, in His infinite power and justice, will ultimately accomplish.

* [Psalms 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "Psalms 18:2 - The LORD as My Rock and Fortress")
* [1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ, the Only Foundation")
* [Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In an age often characterized by moral relativism, political polarization, and a widespread disregard for objective truth, Psalms 11:3 resonates with profound relevance. We frequently witness institutions failing, justice being perverted, and fundamental values being openly challenged or eroded. This verse speaks directly to the anxieties and frustrations that arise when the very "foundations" of our society seem to be under attack. For the righteous, this is not a call to despair or passive resignation, but rather an invitation to re-anchor their hope in something far more enduring than any earthly structure. It challenges us to examine where our ultimate trust lies: in human systems, which are inherently fallible, or in the unchanging character and sovereign rule of God. When the world around us shakes, believers are called to stand firm in their faith, to continue living righteously, and to trust in God's ultimate control and His promise to judge the earth. Our strength and our ability to act are derived not from the stability of the world, but from the steadfastness of our God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do you perceive the "foundations" of truth, justice, or morality being challenged or "destroyed" in your contemporary society?**
* **What is your initial emotional or practical response when you witness such societal or moral erosion?**
* **How does the knowledge of God's unchanging sovereignty and His throne in heaven (as revealed in Psalms 11:4) impact your perspective on the dilemma posed in verse 3?**
* **Beyond despair, what specific actions or attitudes can the righteous adopt when facing a perceived breakdown of foundational principles?**

### FAQ
**What are the "foundations" referred to in Psalms 11:3?**

Answer: The "foundations" (Hebrew: _shathoth_) in [Psalms 11:3](/psalms/11-3 "Psalms 11:3 - The Foundations Destroyed") are not literal physical structures but a powerful metaphor. They represent the fundamental moral, legal, and spiritual underpinnings of a society or even the cosmic order. This includes principles of justice, truth, law, ethical governance, and the objective reality that provides stability and meaning. When these are described as "destroyed," it signifies a profound breakdown of societal norms, an attack on established values, and a pervasive sense of chaos or injustice.

**Does this verse imply that the righteous are helpless?**

Answer: No, the verse does not imply that the righteous are ultimately helpless. Rather, the question "what can the righteous do?" is a rhetorical one, expressing a human dilemma and the apparent vulnerability from a limited, earthly perspective. It sets the stage for the powerful theological answer provided immediately in the subsequent verses of [Psalms 11](/psalms/11 "Psalms 11 - Trust in God's Sovereignty"). [Psalms 11:4](/psalms/11-4 "Psalms 11:4 - The LORD's Throne in Heaven") declares, "The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD's throne is in heaven," immediately shifting the focus to God's ultimate control, His watchful eye, and His divine judgment. The righteous are not helpless because their ultimate refuge and hope are in the sovereign God, not in the stability of earthly systems.

**How does this verse relate to contemporary issues?**

Answer: [Psalms 11:3](/psalms/11-3 "Psalms 11:3 - The Foundations Destroyed") remains profoundly relevant in contemporary society. It speaks directly to modern anxieties concerning moral relativism, political instability, the erosion of truth in public discourse, and challenges to fundamental human values. In an era where trust in institutions may be low and societal norms seem to shift rapidly, the verse articulates the feeling of disorientation when the "foundations" appear to crumble. It prompts believers to look beyond fleeting human systems and find their ultimate anchor in the unchanging character and eternal kingdom of God, reminding them that true security is found in Him alone.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 11:3, with its poignant question about the righteous's recourse when foundations crumble, finds its ultimate and most profound answer in Jesus Christ. He is the true, unshakeable foundation upon which all things are built, and the one in whom the righteous find their complete security and purpose. While earthly systems and human institutions are inherently fragile and destined to fail, [1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ, the Only Foundation") declares, "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." He is the cornerstone rejected by builders but chosen by God, as prophesied and fulfilled (see [1 Peter 2:6-7](/1_peter/2-6 "1 Peter 2:6-7 - Christ, the Living Stone")). The dilemma of the righteous—what can they do when the world falls apart?—is resolved in Christ, who is our righteousness, our refuge, and our ultimate hope. He is the wise builder's rock, upon whom one can build a life that will withstand any storm, unlike the foolish builder's house on sand (as taught in [Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders")). Even when earthly kingdoms and their foundations are shaken, the kingdom of Christ is an everlasting kingdom that cannot be moved ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakable Kingdom")). Therefore, the righteous in Christ are not helpless; they are anchored to the eternal, sovereign Lord, whose reign ensures ultimate justice and whose presence guarantees their steadfastness amidst any earthly collapse.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 82:5

They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course.

2 Timothy 2:19

¶ Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

Isaiah 58:12

And [they that shall be] of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.

Psalms 75:3

The earth and all the inhabitants thereof are dissolved: I bear up the pillars of it. Selah.

Acts 4:24

And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou [art] God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:

Acts 4:33

And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

2 Kings 19:13

Where [is] the king of Hamath, and the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivah?