Psalms 31:13

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For I have heard {H8085} the slander {H1681} of many {H7227}: fear {H4032} was on every side {H5439}: while they took counsel {H3245} together {H3162} against me, they devised {H2161} to take away {H3947} my life {H5315}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All I hear is whispering, terror is all around me; they plot together against me, scheming to take my life.

Berean Standard Bible

For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side. They conspire against me and plot to take my life.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 31:13 powerfully articulates the psalmist's profound anguish, encapsulating the multi-faceted nature of his suffering: the pervasive pain of widespread public slander, the suffocating weight of omnipresent fear, and the existential threat posed by enemies who meticulously conspire with deadly intent. This verse serves as a raw, vulnerable cry of distress, vividly portraying the extreme adversity faced by the psalmist before he turns to God as his ultimate refuge and hope.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 31 is a deeply personal and poignant lament, characteristic of many psalms that oscillate between expressions of profound distress and fervent declarations of trust in Yahweh. It follows a common chiastic or thematic pattern, beginning with an urgent plea for deliverance and a statement of confidence in God's steadfast love (see [Psalms 31:1-8](/psalms/31-1 "Psalm 31:1-8 - A Plea for Deliverance and Trust")). This initial confidence then gives way to a detailed and harrowing description of the psalmist's suffering, encompassing physical, emotional, and social afflictions (as detailed in [Psalms 31:9-13](/psalms/31-9 "Psalm 31:9-13 - The Psalmist's Anguish and Suffering")). Verse 13 stands as a climactic point within this lament, vividly articulating the extreme nature of the external threats—verbal defamation, psychological terror, and physical conspiracy—that press upon the psalmist. This intense description of adversity then sets the stage for a powerful reaffirmation of faith and a renewed commitment to God in the latter half of the psalm (e.g., [Psalms 31:14-24](/psalms/31-14 "Psalm 31:14-24 - Renewed Trust and Praise")). The severity of the psalmist's situation in [Psalms 31:13](/psalms/31-13 "Psalm 31:13 - The Psalmist's Dire Circumstances") makes his subsequent turn to God for refuge all the more poignant and necessary, highlighting the depth of his reliance on divine intervention.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Traditionally ascribed to King David, Psalm 31 reflects the perilous and often isolated life of a leader facing relentless opposition. The specific circumstances described in this verse resonate with several periods of David's life, such as his desperate flight from King Saul, during which he was hunted like an animal and subjected to false accusations and public scorn (as depicted in [1 Samuel 23](/1_samuel/23 "1 Samuel 23 - David Flees from Saul")). Another plausible context is the traumatic betrayal during Absalom's rebellion, which involved widespread defection, public defamation, and a direct, existential threat to David's life and kingdom (see [2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion")). In ancient Israelite society, slander (דִּבָּה, _dibbâh_) and public defamation were not merely social inconveniences but could severely damage one's reputation, social standing, and even legal position, often preceding or accompanying physical threats. Conspiracies to "take away life" (לָקַחַת נַפְשִׁי, _lakaḥat nafshi_) were not metaphorical but literal attempts at assassination or judicial murder, underscoring the very real and mortal danger the psalmist faced from powerful, organized adversaries.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent throughout the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. It starkly illustrates the theme of the **persecution of the righteous**, where faithful individuals are unjustly targeted by malicious adversaries, often for their devotion to God. The detailed description of verbal assault and pervasive fear highlights the destructive power of **malicious speech and psychological warfare**, demonstrating how words can inflict deep wounds and create an atmosphere of terror that can be as debilitating as physical threats. Furthermore, the explicit mention of enemies taking "counsel together" and having "devised" a plan emphasizes the theme of **organized evil and human conspiracy** against God's anointed or His people. This highlights the reality of deliberate, premeditated opposition. Ultimately, the psalmist's dire situation in [Psalms 31:13](/psalms/31-13 "Psalm 31:13 - The Psalmist's Enemies") serves to magnify the overarching theme of **God as the ultimate refuge and deliverer**. It sets the stage for the profound truth that against God's sovereign will, no human plot, however meticulously planned or ruthlessly executed, can ultimately prevail, a truth that becomes more explicit and triumphant in the latter half of [Psalm 31](/psalms/31 "Psalm 31 - A Psalm of Lament and Trust").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Slander (Hebrew, _dibbâh'_):** From H1681, this term (דִּבָּה) refers to an evil report, defamation, or malicious whisper. It denotes not merely idle gossip, but speech specifically intended to harm one's reputation, character, or standing, often with a deceptive or false basis. The phrase "the slander of many" suggests a widespread, public campaign of defamation, amplifying its psychological and social impact on the psalmist, indicating a concerted effort to undermine him through falsehoods.
* **Fear (Hebrew, _mâgôwr'_):** From H4032, this word (מָגוֹר) signifies a fright or terror, whether objective (a cause of fear) or subjective (the feeling of fear). When combined with "on every side" (H5439, _çâbîyb_), it creates the potent phrase _magor missabib_, literally "terror from round about." This conveys a sense of being utterly surrounded by threats, with no apparent escape or safe haven. It describes an omnipresent, suffocating dread, indicating not just an external danger but an internal state of intense psychological burden and anxiety, a feeling of being constantly hemmed in by looming peril.
* **Devised (Hebrew, _zâmam'_):** From H2161, this primitive root (זָמַם) means to plan or plot, typically in a negative or bad sense. It implies deliberate, calculated scheming and premeditation. In this context, it indicates a conspiracy—a strategic, malicious effort by the psalmist's enemies to achieve a specific harmful outcome. This is not a spontaneous act of aggression but a carefully thought-out plot, highlighting the malevolence and intentionality of their actions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I have heard the slander of many":** This opening clause immediately plunges the reader into the psalmist's painful reality. The emphasis on "heard" highlights the direct, auditory experience of being the subject of widespread, malicious talk. It underscores the public and pervasive nature of the attack, suggesting that the defamation is not confined to a few individuals but is a well-known and widely circulated campaign, deeply affecting his reputation, social standing, and emotional well-being.
* **"fear [was] on every side":** This powerful declaration describes the overwhelming psychological atmosphere enveloping the psalmist. The "fear" is not a fleeting emotion but a constant, enveloping presence, a suffocating dread. The phrase "on every side" paints a vivid picture of being completely hemmed in by threats, creating a profound sense of vulnerability, isolation, and inescapable apprehension. It conveys a state of constant vigilance where danger seems to lurk from every direction, leaving no safe space.
* **"while they took counsel together against me":** This part of the verse exposes the organized, deliberate, and conspiratorial nature of the opposition. The enemies are not acting randomly or individually but are actively "taking counsel together," implying a coordinated and strategic effort. This suggests a planned, malevolent scheme to undermine and destroy the psalmist, indicating a level of calculated malice that goes beyond simple animosity and points to a premeditated attack.
* **"they devised to take away my life":** This final clause reveals the ultimate, deadly intent behind the enemies' counsel and conspiracy. Their plotting is not merely to cause distress, ruin reputation, or inflict minor harm, but to eliminate the psalmist entirely. This escalation to a direct threat on his very existence underscores the extreme gravity of his situation and the mortal danger he faces, making his subsequent reliance on God for deliverance all the more desperate and profound.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 31:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey the psalmist's acute distress and the overwhelming nature of his predicament. The phrase "**fear [was] on every side**" is a striking use of **Hyperbole** and **Imagery**, creating a vivid mental picture of overwhelming, omnipresent dread that completely surrounds the psalmist, emphasizing the intensity and pervasiveness of his anxiety and the feeling of being trapped. The "slander of many" can be seen as a form of **Synecdoche**, where "slander" (a part of the malicious activity) stands for the entire campaign of verbal and social assault by numerous adversaries. Furthermore, the verse masterfully employs **Climax** or escalating intensity: it progresses from the auditory experience of verbal attack ("I have heard the slander of many") to the profound psychological impact ("fear [was] on every side"), and culminates in the concrete, deadly intent of organized physical harm ("they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life"). This progression effectively communicates the escalating nature of the threat and the psalmist's profound vulnerability, building tension and highlighting the gravity of his situation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 31:13 resonates deeply with the broader biblical narrative of suffering, particularly the experience of the righteous facing unjust persecution. It underscores the sobering reality that faithfulness to God does not exempt one from intense opposition, including verbal abuse, psychological torment, and existential threats. The psalmist's lament here highlights the destructive power of human malice, especially when it manifests as organized conspiracy and defamation, demonstrating how deeply such attacks can wound the soul and threaten one's very existence. Theologically, this verse sets the stage for God's indispensable role as the ultimate vindicator and refuge for those who are unjustly afflicted. Despite the overwhelming nature of the threats, the psalmist's cry implicitly acknowledges God as the only one capable of delivering him from such comprehensive danger, reinforcing the theme that true security is found not in human alliances or strength, but in divine protection. This desperate situation serves to magnify God's subsequent deliverance, transforming a cry of despair into a powerful testimony of steadfast trust in His unfailing faithfulness.

* [Psalm 35:4](/psalms/35-4 "Psalm 35:4 - Let them be confounded that seek after my soul")
* [Psalm 56:3-4](/psalms/56-3-4 "Psalm 56:3-4 - What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee")
* [Jeremiah 20:10](/jeremiah/20-10 "Jeremiah 20:10 - Jeremiah's 'Magor-missabib' and Persecution")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 31:13 offers a profound and timeless mirror for contemporary experiences of adversity, reminding us that the pain of slander, the suffocating grip of fear, and the chilling threat of malicious intent are enduring human struggles. In our interconnected, digital age, the "slander of many" can manifest as viral misinformation, online bullying, or cancel culture, inflicting deep emotional and reputational wounds that spread with unprecedented speed. The "fear on every side" resonates profoundly with modern anxieties, from personal crises and economic instability to global pandemics and geopolitical uncertainties, creating a pervasive sense of dread and vulnerability. When we face organized opposition, whether in professional, social, or spiritual contexts, the psalmist's experience of being "counseled against" and having our "life devised to be taken away" (whether literally or metaphorically through character assassination or professional ruin) speaks to the isolating and terrifying nature of such calculated attacks. This verse invites us to acknowledge the raw reality of our pain and fear, just as the psalmist did, rather than suppressing or denying it. It then implicitly points us towards the ultimate source of help: turning to God in our vulnerability, pouring out our complaints and anxieties before Him, and trusting Him as our refuge, vindicator, and deliverer. By doing so, we find courage to navigate trials knowing that He is sovereign over all human plots and malicious intentions, and that our ultimate security rests in His unfailing hands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I respond when I feel targeted by malicious words, rumors, or online attacks, and how can I bring these specific hurts to God?**
* **In what areas of my life do I experience a pervasive sense of "fear on every side," and what practical steps can I take to intentionally bring these anxieties before God in prayer and trust?**
* **When facing organized opposition, injustice, or threats to my well-being, where do I primarily place my trust for vindication and deliverance, and how can I deepen my reliance on God alone?**

### FAQ
**Is "fear on every side" a common biblical phrase, and what does its repetition signify?**

Answer: While not ubiquitous, the phrase "fear on every side" is a particularly poignant and powerful expression in the Hebrew Bible. Its original Hebrew, _magor missabib_ (מָגוֹר מִסָּבִיב), literally translates to "terror from round about." It is most famously and intensely used by the prophet Jeremiah, who adopts it as a personal descriptor of his constant persecution and the pervasive threats he faced from his adversaries (e.g., [Jeremiah 20:10](/jeremiah/20-10 "Jeremiah 20:10 - Jeremiah's 'Magor-missabib'")). The repetition or shared usage of such a distinct phrase across different biblical authors (like the psalmist and Jeremiah) signifies a deep, existential level of distress—a feeling of being utterly surrounded by hostile forces, with no apparent escape or relief. It highlights a profound psychological and emotional burden, where the threat is not just external but has permeated one's entire environment and inner state. Its presence in [Psalms 31:13](/psalms/31-13 "Psalm 31:13 - Fear on Every Side") underscores the psalmist's extreme vulnerability and the comprehensive nature of the danger he perceives, emphasizing a complete lack of security from all directions.

**How does the psalmist typically respond to such intense opposition and threats to his life, as depicted in Psalms 31:13?**

Answer: The psalmist's response to intense opposition, as exemplified throughout [Psalm 31](/psalms/31 "Psalm 31 - A Psalm of Lament and Trust") and many other psalms of lament, follows a consistent and deeply spiritual pattern. First, there is a raw and honest expression of distress, fear, and the specific nature of the suffering, as seen in [Psalms 31:13](/psalms/31-13 "Psalm 31:13 - The Psalmist's Lament"). This is not a denial of pain but a full acknowledgment of it before God. Second, the psalmist invariably turns to God in fervent prayer, pleading for deliverance, vindication, and protection. This plea is rooted in a deep-seated trust in God's character—His justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Despite the overwhelming circumstances, the psalmist often transitions from lament to a declaration of confidence and hope in God's ultimate intervention (e.g., [Psalms 31:14-15](/psalms/31-14 "Psalm 31:14-15 - My Times Are In Your Hand")). This movement from despair to trust, from complaint to praise, is a hallmark of the Psalms, demonstrating that even in the face of mortal threats, the believer's ultimate refuge and source of strength is found in Yahweh alone. The psalmist's journey models how to process profound suffering through faithful reliance on God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 31:13 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and experience of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied the suffering righteous one. The "slander of many" that the psalmist endured foreshadows the relentless false accusations, malicious testimonies, and widespread public defamation leveled against Jesus throughout His earthly ministry and, most intensely, during His trial and crucifixion (e.g., [Matthew 26:59-60](/matthew/26-59-60 "Matthew 26:59-60 - False Witnesses Against Jesus"), [Mark 14:64](/mark/14-64 "Mark 14:64 - Jesus Accused of Blasphemy")). He was reviled, mocked, and defamed, bearing the full weight of human malice and injustice. The "fear on every side" resonates deeply with Christ's agonizing anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He was "sorrowful, even to death" (as recorded in [Matthew 26:38](/matthew/26-38 "Matthew 26:38 - Jesus' Anguish in Gethsemane")), surrounded by the spiritual and impending physical terrors of the cross, facing the full wrath of God for sin. Most strikingly, the psalmist's lament that "they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life" is a direct prophetic echo of the historical reality of Jesus' passion. The religious leaders and political authorities indeed conspired and plotted to kill Him (e.g., [Matthew 26:3-4](/matthew/26-3-4 "Matthew 26:3-4 - Priests Plot to Kill Jesus"), [John 11:53](/john/11-53 "John 11:53 - Council Decides to Kill Jesus")), leading to His unjust crucifixion. Yet, unlike the psalmist who still prayed for deliverance from death, Jesus willingly embraced death, trusting His life into the Father's hands (as seen in [Luke 23:46](/luke/23-46 "Luke 23:46 - Jesus Commends His Spirit")). His glorious resurrection (e.g., [Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Jesus from the Dead")) serves as the ultimate vindication against all slander and deadly plots, demonstrating that God's power triumphs over every human conspiracy and even death itself. Thus, Christ is the ultimate suffering servant, who perfectly trusted the Father amidst the most extreme "fear on every side," and through His perfect sacrifice, secured eternal life and ultimate deliverance for all who believe.

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

Jeremiah 20:10

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.

Matthew 27:1

¶ When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death:

Lamentations 2:22

Thou hast 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 hath mine enemy consumed.

1 Samuel 20:33

And Saul cast a javelin at him to smite him: whereby Jonathan knew that it was determined of his father to slay David.

2 Samuel 17:1

¶ Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night:

2 Samuel 17:4

And the saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel.

Matthew 26:3

Then assembled together the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, unto the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,