Psalms 17:12

KJV

Like as a lion [that] is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.

KJV (with Strong's)

Like {H1825} as a lion {H738} that is greedy {H3700} of his prey {H2963}, and as it were a young lion {H3715} lurking {H3427} in secret places {H4565}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They are like lions eager to tear the prey, like young lions crouching in ambush.

Berean Standard Bible

like a lion greedy for prey, like a young lion lurking in ambush.

American Standard Version

He is like a lion that is greedy of his prey, And as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 17:12 vividly portrays the relentless and predatory nature of David's adversaries, employing potent animalistic imagery to underscore their aggressive intent and cunning tactics. The verse depicts his enemies as ravenous lions, driven by an insatiable hunger for destruction, and as young lions stealthily lying in wait in hidden places. This imagery highlights the extreme peril David faced, emphasizing the urgent need for divine intervention and protection against such malicious, overt, and covert threats.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 17 is a fervent prayer of lament and petition, identified as a "Michtam" of David, signifying its deep personal and perhaps instructional significance. Throughout this psalm, David appeals directly to God for justice and deliverance from his wicked enemies, steadfastly asserting his innocence and righteous walk before God in verses [Psalms 17:3-5](/psalms/17-3-5 "Psalms 17:3-5 - David's Plea of Innocence"). Verse 12 follows David's detailed description of his enemies' aggressive pursuit in verses [Psalms 17:9-11](/psalms/17-9-11 "Psalms 17:9-11 - Enemies Surround David"), where they "compass me about" and "have now compassed us in our steps." This verse intensifies the perceived threat by likening them to predatory beasts, setting the stage for David's urgent plea for God to "arise" and "deliver my soul from the wicked" in verses [Psalms 17:13-14](/psalms/17-13-14 "Psalms 17:13-14 - David's Prayer for Deliverance"), culminating in his confident expectation of seeing God's face in righteousness in [Psalms 17:15](/psalms/17-15 "Psalms 17:15 - David's Hope in God's Presence").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's life was indeed marked by numerous formidable adversaries, ranging from King Saul's relentless and jealous pursuit to external threats from nations like the Philistines, and even internal rebellions, such as that led by Absalom. The imagery of lions was not merely a literary flourish; lions were a very real and terrifying menace in ancient Israel, known for preying on livestock and, occasionally, people. This made the comparison deeply resonant and immediately comprehensible to David and his contemporary audience, evoking a visceral sense of danger. Furthermore, in ancient Near Eastern cultures, the lion frequently symbolized power, royalty, and destructive forces. The "secret places" likely refer to the rugged, often cave-filled terrain common in the Judean wilderness, which was frequently utilized for ambushes, grounding the metaphor in the tangible realities of warfare and survival in David's era.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several profound themes within Psalm 17 and the broader Psalter. The primary theme is **Divine Justice and Deliverance**, as David's vivid portrayal of his enemies as predatory lions heightens the urgency of his plea for God to act justly on his behalf. This intense imagery underscores the overwhelming nature of the threat, making God's intervention not merely desirable but absolutely essential to counter such formidable evil. Another prominent theme is the **Nature of Wickedness**, which is depicted not as passive opposition but as an actively consuming, destructive force. The enemies are not simply hostile; they are "greedy of prey," driven by an insatiable desire to harm and destroy, operating with both overt aggression and hidden malice, echoing descriptions of the wicked found in other psalms, such as [Psalm 10](/psalms/10 "Psalm 10 - Prayer Against the Wicked"). Finally, despite the terrifying imagery, the psalm ultimately pivots on **Trust in God's Sovereignty**. The lion metaphor, while highlighting extreme danger, serves to magnify God's power as the only one capable of subduing such formidable adversaries, a profound confidence echoed throughout David's psalms of deliverance, notably in [Psalm 18](/psalms/18 "Psalm 18 - David's Song of Deliverance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lion (Hebrew, _ʼărîy'_):** From H738, this term refers to a lion, often used to denote a powerful and dangerous entity. In this context, it emphasizes the enemies' strength, ferocity, and untamed, destructive nature, portraying them as a wild, unrestrained force of malice.
* **Greedy (Hebrew, _kâçaph'_):** From H3700, this word implies an intense, rapacious desire, derived from a root meaning "to pine after" or "to long." Here, it signifies more than mere hunger; it conveys a decisive, focused, and insatiable craving to seize and consume, highlighting the consuming, destructive appetite of David's adversaries for his ruin.
* **Lurking (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** From H3427, while its primary meaning is "to sit down" or "to dwell," in this specific context, it carries the nuance of "sitting in ambush" or "lying in wait." This emphasizes the premeditation, cunning, and hidden nature of the enemies' malice, suggesting they are not only openly aggressive but also strategically planning their destructive actions from concealed positions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Like as a lion [that] is greedy of his prey":** This initial clause establishes the primary simile, directly comparing David's enemies to a lion. The emphasis here is on the lion's insatiable hunger and its singular, rapacious focus on its victim. This conveys the enemies' intense, consuming desire to destroy David, driven by a relentless and devouring malice rather than simple opposition. Their intent is not merely to defeat but to utterly consume and annihilate, much like a predator consumes its kill.
* **"and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places":** This second clause refines and intensifies the imagery. The "young lion" (Hebrew: _kᵉphîyr_) often denotes a stronger, more aggressive, and more cunning lion, capable of greater stealth and strategic hunting. "Lurking in secret places" adds the crucial dimension of stealth, premeditation, and ambush. It suggests that David's enemies are not just openly hostile but are also operating covertly, planning their attacks from hidden vantage points, making them even more dangerous, insidious, and difficult to evade.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Simile**, explicitly comparing David's enemies to a lion ("Like as a lion... and as it were a young lion"). This comparison is extended through the attributes of the lion: its **Greed** for prey and its **Lurking** in secret places. The use of **Metaphorical Animal Imagery** (the lion) is highly effective, immediately conveying ferocity, power, and danger, tapping into a primal fear. The progression from a general "lion greedy of prey" to a more specific "young lion lurking in secret places" demonstrates a form of **Intensification**, building on the initial image to portray an even more cunning, insidious, and imminent threat. The vivid imagery also creates a strong sense of **Pathos**, evoking a profound sense of dread and urgency, thereby underscoring David's desperate need for divine intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 17:12 offers profound insights into the nature of evil and the believer's unwavering need for divine protection. The predatory lion imagery underscores that wickedness is not passive but actively seeks to destroy, operating with both overt aggression and hidden malice. Theologically, this verse highlights God's role as the ultimate Protector and Deliverer, the only one capable of rescuing His people from such formidable and relentless adversaries. It reminds us that spiritual battles are real, and the enemy often operates with cunning and a consuming desire to harm, mirroring the biblical understanding of spiritual warfare. This passage serves as a powerful testament to the reality of evil's destructive intent and the absolute necessity of God's sovereign intervention.

* [1 Peter 5:8](/1_peter/5-8 "1 Peter 5:8 - The Devil as a Roaring Lion")
* [Psalm 22:13](/psalms/22-13 "Psalm 22:13 - Enemies Like Roaring Lions")
* [Jeremiah 5:6](/jeremiah/5-6 "Jeremiah 5:6 - Judgment Like a Lion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, Psalms 17:12 serves as a powerful reminder that spiritual and sometimes physical adversaries can be relentless, cunning, and intent on causing harm. Just as David faced enemies who sought to destroy him, Christians may encounter opposition that seems overwhelming and devious, whether it manifests as direct attacks, subtle temptations, or systemic injustices. This verse encourages us to cultivate spiritual discernment to recognize the true nature of the opposition we face. It calls us to vigilance, not in fear, but in sober awareness, knowing that our ultimate refuge is in God. Emulating David, we are compelled to turn to God as our ultimate protector and deliverer, trusting in His justice and strength to shield us from dangers, both seen and unseen. Our response to such "predatory" threats should always be fervent prayer, unwavering faith in God's sovereign power to intervene and save, and a commitment to walking in righteousness, knowing that our security rests in His unfailing hand.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you identify and respond to "predatory" opposition in your life, whether spiritual, relational, or systemic?**
* **In what "secret places" might unseen adversaries or negative influences be lurking in your personal or communal life, requiring vigilance and discernment?**
* **How does David's fervent plea for divine intervention in the face of overwhelming danger encourage and shape your own prayers for protection and deliverance?**
* **What does it mean to truly trust God as your ultimate protector when facing seemingly insurmountable threats that seek to "devour" you?**

### FAQ
**Question?**

Answer: While David faced real, physical adversaries, the imagery extends beyond the literal. The "lion" metaphor in scripture often represents destructive forces, including spiritual opposition ([1 Peter 5:8](/1_peter/5-8 "1 Peter 5:8 - The Devil as a Roaring Lion")), societal injustice, or even God's judgment. Therefore, while rooted in David's historical context, the verse offers a timeless insight into the predatory nature of evil in all its forms, whether human, systemic, or spiritual. It reminds believers that opposition can be both overt and covert, requiring spiritual discernment and divine protection.

**Question?**

Answer: Psalms 17:12 provides a vivid Old Testament precursor to the New Testament concept of spiritual warfare. The "greedy" and "lurking" lion perfectly illustrates the deceptive and destructive tactics of spiritual adversaries. Just as David's enemies sought to "devour" him, the devil, described as a "roaring lion seeking whom he may devour" in [1 Peter 5:8](/1_peter/5-8 "1 Peter 5:8 - The Devil as a Roaring Lion"), employs similar strategies of stealth, temptation, and outright aggression to undermine faith and destroy lives. The verse underscores the need for believers to be vigilant, aware of the enemy's methods, and to rely on God's power for protection, as [Ephesians 6:11](/ephesians/6-11 "Ephesians 6:11-12 - Put on the Whole Armor of God") instructs us to "put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 17:12, with its stark imagery of a predatory lion, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest resonance in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While David faced human adversaries, Jesus confronted the ultimate "roaring lion," Satan, who seeks to devour humanity ([1 Peter 5:8](/1_peter/5-8 "1 Peter 5:8 - The Devil as a Roaring Lion")). Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus was relentlessly pursued by enemies who were "greedy of their prey," seeking to trap Him in His words ([Matthew 22:15](/matthew/22-15 "Matthew 22:15 - Pharisees Plot to Entrap Jesus")) and ultimately to destroy Him ([John 11:53](/john/11-53 "John 11:53 - Council Plots to Kill Jesus")). Yet, Jesus, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") who was led to the slaughter, did not succumb to the lurking enemy but triumphed over all the powers of darkness through His death and resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). He is the [Lion of the tribe of Judah](/revelation/5-5 "Revelation 5:5 - The Lion of the Tribe of Judah"), who has conquered, not as a predator against His people, but as the sovereign King who delivers His own from the grasp of every spiritual lion and lurking foe. In Him, believers find perfect refuge and ultimate victory over all the insidious schemes of the enemy, for He has disarmed principalities and powers, making a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")).

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 7:2

Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending [it] in pieces, while [there is] none to deliver.

1 Peter 5:8

¶ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Psalms 10:9

He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lieth in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the poor, when he draweth him into his net.

2 Timothy 4:17

Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and [that] all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

Psalms 22:13

They gaped upon me [with] their mouths, [as] a ravening and a roaring lion.