TRV
Translation
King James Version
Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength.
Complete Jewish Bible
Free me from the net they have hidden to catch me, because you are my strength.
American Standard Version
Pluck me out of the net that they have laid privily for me; For thou art my stronghold.
World English Bible Messianic
Pluck me out of the net that they have laid secretly for me, for you are my stronghold.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Drawe mee out of the nette, that they haue layde priuilie for mee: for thou art my strength.
Young's Literal Translation
Bring me out from the net that they hid for me, For Thou art my strength.
In the KJVVerse 14,336 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Psalms 31 verses 1–8
1 ¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness.
2 Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me.
3 For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.
4 Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength.
5 Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.
6 I have hated them that regard lying vanities: but I trust in the LORD.
7 I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;
8 And hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy: thou hast set my feet in a large room.
Faith and prayer must go together. He that believes, let his pray - I believe, therefore I have spoken: and he that prays, let him believe, for the prayer of faith is the prevailing prayer. We have both here.
I. David, in distress, is very earnest with God in prayer for succour and relief. This eases a burdened spirit, fetches in promised mercies, and wonderfully supports and comforts the soul in the expectation of them. He prays, 1. That God would deliver him (Psa 31:1), that his life might be preserved from the malice of his enemies, and that an end might be put to their persecutions of him, that God, not only in his mercy, but in righteousness, would deliver him, as a righteous Judge betwixt him and his unrighteous persecutors, that he would bow down his ear to his petitions, to his appeals, and deliver him, Psa 31:2. It is condescension in God to take cognizance of the case of the greatest and best of men; he humbles himself to do it. The psalmist prays also that he would deliver him speedily, lest, if the deliverance were long deferred, his faith should fail. 2. That if he did not immediately deliver him out of his troubles, yet he would protect and shelter him in his troubles; "Be thou my strong rock, immovable, impregnable, as a fastness framed by nature, and my house of defence, a fortress framed by art, and all to save me." Thus we may pray that God's providence would secure to us our lives and comforts, and that by his grace we may be enabled to think ourselves safe in him, Pro 18:10. 3. That his case having much in it of difficulty, both in respect of duty and in respect of prudence, he might be under the divine guidance: "Lord, lead me and guide me (Psa 31:3), so order my steps, so order my spirit, that I may never do any thing unlawful and unjustifiable - against my conscience, nor unwise and indiscreet - against my interest." Those that resolve to follow God's direction may in faith pray for it. 4. That his enemies being very crafty, as well as very spiteful, God would frustrate and baffle their designs against him (Psa 31:4): "Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me, and keep me from the sin, the trouble, the death, they aim to entrap me in."
II. In this prayer he gives glory to God by a repeated profession of his confidence in him and dependence on him. This encouraged his prayers and qualified him for the mercies he prayed for (Psa 31:1): "In thee, O Lord! do I put my trust, and not in myself, or any sufficiency of my own, or in any creature; let me never be ashamed, let me not be disappointed of any of that good which thou hast promised me and which therefore I have promised myself in thee." 1. He had chosen God for his protector, and God had, by his promise, undertaken to be so (Psa 31:3): "Thou art my rock and my fortress, by thy covenant with me and my believing consent to that covenant; therefore be my strong rock," Psa 31:2. Those that have in sincerity avouched the Lord for theirs may expect the benefit of his being so; for God's relations to us carry with them both name and thing. Thou art my strength, Psa 31:4. If God be our strength, we may hope that he will both put his strength in us and put forth his strength for us. 2. He gave up his soul in a special manner to him (Psa 31:5): Into thy hands I commit my spirit. (1.) If David here looks upon himself as a dying man, by these words he resigns his departing soul to God who gave it, and to whom, at death, the spirit returns. "Men can but kill the body, but I trust in God to redeem my soul from the power of the grave," Psa 49:15. He is willing to die if God will have it so; but let my soul fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercies are great. With these words our Lord Jesus yielded up the ghost upon the cross, and made his soul an offering, a free-will offering for sin, voluntarily laying down his life a ransom. By Stephen's example we are taught in, our dying moment, to eye Christ at God's right hand, and to commit our spirits to him: Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. But, 2. David is here to be looked upon as a man in distress and trouble. And, [1.] His great care is about his soul, his spirit, his better part. Note, Our outward afflictions should increase our concern for our souls. Many think that while they are perplexed about their worldly affairs, and Providence multiplies their cares about them, they may be excused if they neglect their souls; whereas the greater hazard our lives and secular interests lie at the more we are concerned to look to our souls, that, though the outward man perish, the inward man may suffer no damage (Co2 4:16), and that we may keep possession of our souls when we can keep possession of nothing else, Luk 21:19. [2.] He thinks the best he can do for the soul is to commit it into the hand of God, and lodge that great trust with him. He had prayed (Psa 31:4) to be plucked out of the net of outward trouble, but, as not insisting upon that (God's will be done), he immediately lets fall that petition, and commits the spirit, the inward man, into God's hand. "Lord, however it goes with me, as to my body, let it go well with my soul." Note, It is the wisdom and duty of every one of us solemnly to commit our spirits into the hands of God, to be sanctified by his grace, devoted to his honour, employed in his service, and fitted for his kingdom. That which encourages us to commit our spirits into the hand of God is that he has not only created, but redeemed, them; the particular redemptions of the Old Testament church and the Old Testament saints were typical of our redemption by Jesus Christ, Gen 48:16. The redemption of the soul is so precious that it must have ceased for ever if Christ had not undertaken it; but, by redeeming our souls, he has not only acquired an additional right and title to them, which obliges us to commit them to him as his own, but has shown the extraordinary kindness and concern he has for them, which encourages us to commit them to him, to be preserved to his heavenly kingdom (Ti2 1:12): "Thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth! redeem me according to a promise which thou wilt be true to."
III. He disclaimed all confederacy with those that made an arm of flesh their confidence (Psa 31:6): I have hated those that regard lying vanities - idolaters (to some), who expect aid from false gods, which are vanity and a lie - astrologers, and those that give heed to them, so others. David abhorred the use of enchantments and divinations; he consulted not, nor even took notice of, the flight of birds or entrails of beasts, good omens or bad omens; they are lying vanities, and he not only did not regard them himself, but hated the wickedness of those that did. He trusted in God only, and not in any creature. His interest in the court or country, his retreats or strongholds, even Goliath's sword itself - these were lying vanities, which he could not depend upon, but trusted in the Lord only. See Psa 40:4; Jer 17:5.
IV. He comforted himself with his hope in God, and made himself, not only easy, but cheerful, with it, Psa 31:7. Having relied on God's mercy, he will be glad and rejoice in it; and those know not how to value their hope in God who cannot find joy enough in that hope to counterbalance their grievances and silence their griefs.
V. He encouraged himself in this hope with the experiences he had had of late, and formerly, of God's goodness to him, which he mentions to the glory of God; he that has delivered doth and will. 1. God had taken notice of his afflictions and all the circumstances of them: "Thou hast considered my trouble, with wisdom to suit relief to it, with condescension and compassion regarding the low estate of they servant." 2. He had observed the temper of his spirit and the workings of his heart under his afflictions: "Thou hast known my soul in adversities, with a tender concern and care for it." God's eye is upon our souls when we are in trouble, to see whether they be humbled for sin, submissive to the will of God, and bettered by the affliction. If the soul, when cast down under affliction, has been lifted up to him in true devotion, he knows it. 3. He had rescued him out of the hands of Saul when he had him safe enough in Keilah (Sa1 23:7): "Thou hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy, but set me at liberty, in a large room, where I may shift for my own safety," Psa 31:8. Christ's using those words (Psa 31:5) upon the cross may warrant us to apply all this to Christ, who trusted in his Father and was supported and delivered by him, and (because he humbled himself) highly exalted, which it is proper to think of when we sing these verses, as also therein to acknowledge the experience we have had of God's gracious presence with us in our troubles and to encourage ourselves to trust in him for the future.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–8. Public domain.
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Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 31
"You shall bring Me out of this trap, which they have hidden for Me" [Psalm 31:4]. You shall bring Me out of these snares, which they have hidden for Me. "For You are My Protector."
Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
COMMENTARY ON THE PSALMS 31:4
By this he indicated the plot of Ahithophel, which he put into operation against him, as we have spoken about previously. … After frequently encountering many disasters I was freed from them by your aid—thus I entrust my soul to your providence. He calls providence here once again “hands.”
CassiodorusAD 585
EXPLANATION OF THE PSALMS 31:5
The snare was certainly hidden by the enemies, but there was not one which could be hidden from Christ, nor did he fall into death by being deceived, but consciously he accepted it in order to liberate us. So the Jews hid a trap for Christ because they believed that he was only a man, and they were devising a plan to destroy him by an ambush. So he says that he will be brought out, in other words, by the kindness of the resurrection he will be raised quickly to the heavenly realms.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Psalms 31:4 is a fervent and urgent prayer from the psalmist, likely David, pleading with God for immediate rescue from a cunningly laid trap by adversaries. This desperate appeal is immediately followed by a profound declaration of unwavering trust in God as his ultimate and sole source of strength. The verse encapsulates the raw vulnerability of one facing unseen and insidious dangers, juxtaposed with the steadfast faith that anchors the believer in the omnipotent power of the Divine Deliverer, even when human resources fail.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Psalm 31 is a deeply personal lament that powerfully transitions into an expression of profound trust and eventual praise. It opens with an urgent appeal for deliverance, establishing the psalmist's desperate situation and his immediate turning to God as a refuge, as seen in the opening verses where he seeks refuge and righteousness from the Lord (Psalms 31:1-3). The vivid imagery of a "net" in verse 4 builds upon the preceding verses' depiction of enemies and distress, emphasizing the insidious and hidden nature of the threats. This plea serves as a pivotal moment, articulating the specific nature of the danger—a concealed snare—before the psalm continues to detail the psalmist's extensive suffering, including slander, fear, and physical affliction (Psalms 31:9-13). The psalm then culminates in a renewed declaration of trust and a call for God's steadfast love to be shown to the faithful (Psalms 31:19-24). Thus, verse 4 is a critical petition grounded in foundational faith within the psalm's broader narrative arc of distress, trust, and ultimate deliverance.
Historical & Cultural Context: The imagery of a "net" or "snare" was a common and potent metaphor in ancient Israel, directly referencing the practices of hunting and fowling. Hunters and fowlers would meticulously set concealed traps, often camouflaged, to ensnare their unsuspecting prey, making escape difficult or impossible once caught. This cultural reality lends a vivid and terrifying dimension to the psalmist's plea, suggesting that his enemies were not merely overt attackers but were employing deceptive and insidious tactics designed to entrap him unawares. Such "privily laid" traps could represent a wide array of hidden dangers in the ancient Near East, including political conspiracies, legal accusations, social slander, or even physical ambushes by bandits. The psalmist's profound vulnerability in the face of such hidden dangers underscores the precariousness of life in a world where adversaries often operated with cunning and malice, making the need for divine intervention all the more urgent and vital for survival and justice.
Key Themes: This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalms and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of Divine Deliverance from Hidden Dangers, emphasizing God's unique ability to discern and dismantle plots that are invisible or appear insurmountable to human eyes, much like the promise found in Psalm 91:3. Secondly, the declaration "for thou art my strength" underscores the theme of God as the Sole Source of Strength and Refuge. In moments of profound weakness and vulnerability, the psalmist redirects his reliance entirely to God, acknowledging that human might is insufficient against such formidable and deceptive threats. This echoes the sentiment expressed throughout the Psalter, such as in Psalm 18:1-2, where God is celebrated as a rock, fortress, and deliverer. Finally, the verse serves as a model for Prayer in Adversity, demonstrating an honest, direct appeal to God that transparently blends raw vulnerability with an unwavering, confident faith in His character and power to intervene.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalms 31:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of distress and trust. The most prominent is Metaphor, specifically the vivid imagery of a "net." This comparison portrays the psalmist's perilous situation, suggesting he is like an unsuspecting animal caught or about to be caught in a hidden snare, symbolizing the cunning and entrapment tactics of his enemies. This metaphor evokes a profound sense of helplessness and desperation, highlighting the urgent need for external, divine intervention. The verse also utilizes Apostrophe, as the psalmist directly addresses God ("Pull me out... for thou art my strength"), creating an intimate and immediate sense of personal communication and reliance upon the divine. Furthermore, there is a powerful implicit Contrast between the psalmist's vulnerability and the hidden, insidious power of his enemies, set against the overwhelming, unassailable power of God, who is declared as his "strength." This stark contrast magnifies God's role as the ultimate deliverer and the only true source of security.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 31:4 offers profound theological insights into the nature of God and the experience of faith. It affirms God's character as a sovereign Deliverer, one who is not only fully aware of the hidden ploys of evil but possesses the omnipotent power to discern, dismantle, and deliver His people from them. This verse teaches that true strength, especially in the face of unseen or overwhelming spiritual and physical opposition, is found not in self-reliance, human ingenuity, or worldly defenses, but in absolute dependence on God. It underscores the biblical theme that God is an ever-present refuge and an impregnable fortress for His people, a present help in times of trouble. The psalmist's prayer models a faith that is honest about its vulnerability and the reality of external threats, yet unwavering in its conviction that God is faithful to His covenant promises of protection and salvation, demonstrating that His power is made perfect in our weakness.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, Psalms 31:4 remains a deeply relevant and profoundly comforting prayer. In a world fraught with unseen dangers—whether they be spiritual attacks, deceptive schemes in the workplace, insidious cultural pressures, the subtle snares of sin, or even the hidden anxieties of the heart—this verse provides a timeless template for how to respond. It calls us to humbly acknowledge our inherent vulnerability and the limits of our own strength, prompting us to turn immediately and wholeheartedly to God. When we feel caught in circumstances beyond our control, or when adversaries operate in hidden and treacherous ways, this verse encourages us to vocalize our desperate need for divine intervention, trusting that God sees what we cannot and possesses the power to "pull us out" of any snare. It is a powerful reminder that our ultimate security, our ability to navigate life's treacherous paths, and our capacity to overcome hidden perils come not from our own wisdom, resources, or resilience, but from the Lord, who is our unshakeable strength and impenetrable refuge in every hidden peril.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does the "net" symbolize in this verse?
Answer: In Psalms 31:4, the "net" symbolizes a cunningly laid trap or snare, a common device used by fowlers or hunters to capture unsuspecting prey. In the context of the psalmist's plea, it represents the deceptive, insidious, and often hidden schemes or plots of his enemies. These could manifest as malicious rumors, false accusations, political conspiracies, social ostracism, or any form of treachery designed to ensnare and harm him. The imagery powerfully emphasizes the psalmist's profound vulnerability and the urgent need for divine intervention to escape such a predicament, as human wisdom or strength alone is insufficient to discern or break free from such concealed dangers. It highlights that our adversaries, whether spiritual or human, often operate with stealth and malice, making God's all-seeing eye and delivering power essential for our safety, echoing the protection promised from the "snare of the fowler" in Psalm 91:3.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 31:4 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The psalmist's cry to be "pulled out of the net" foreshadows the ultimate deliverance accomplished by Christ, who Himself entered the "net" of human sin, suffering, and death. While the psalmist sought deliverance from earthly adversaries and their hidden traps, Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, willingly entered the ultimate snare of sin and death to deliver humanity from its most formidable enemy (Hebrews 2:14-15). His crucifixion was, in a profound sense, the ultimate "net" laid by spiritual adversaries and the forces of evil, yet through His glorious resurrection, God powerfully "pulled Him out" of the grave, demonstrating His supreme strength and triumph over all powers of darkness (Acts 2:24). Furthermore, Jesus is the believer's ultimate "strength" and stronghold. Where human strength fails and we find ourselves ensnared by temptation, suffering, or the "schemes of the devil" (Ephesians 6:10-11), Christ provides divine power through the indwelling Holy Spirit to overcome, endure, and stand firm. In Him, we find the true stronghold and refuge, a deliverer who not only understands our cries for help but has definitively secured our eternal liberation from every spiritual net and snare, enabling us to declare with unwavering confidence, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13).