Psalms 31:4

KJV

Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou [art] my strength.

KJV (with Strong's)

Pull me out {H3318} of the net {H7568} that {H2098} they have laid privily {H2934} for me: for thou art my strength {H4581}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Free me from the net they have hidden to catch me, because you are my strength.

Berean Standard Bible

You free me from the net laid out for me, for You are my refuge.

American Standard Version

Pluck me out of the net that they have laid privily for me; For thou art my stronghold.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 31:4 is a fervent plea from the psalmist, likely David, to God for immediate rescue from a cunningly laid trap by adversaries, coupled with a profound declaration of unwavering trust in God as his ultimate source of strength. This verse encapsulates the raw vulnerability of one facing unseen dangers and 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 transitions into an expression of trust and praise. It opens with an urgent appeal for deliverance, establishing the psalmist's desperate situation and his immediate turning to God as a refuge (e.g., [Psalms 31:1-3](/psalms/31-1 "Psalm 31:1-3 - Plea for Deliverance")). The 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. Following this plea, the psalm continues to detail the psalmist's suffering, including slander, fear, and physical affliction ([Psalms 31:9-13](/psalms/31-9 "Psalm 31:9-13 - Description of Suffering")), before culminating in a renewed declaration of trust and a call for God's steadfast love to be shown to the faithful ([Psalms 31:19-24](/psalms/31-19 "Psalm 31:19-24 - Trust and Praise")). Thus, verse 4 serves as a pivotal moment of desperate petition grounded in foundational faith within the psalm's broader narrative arc.

* **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 often set concealed traps to ensnare their 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 political conspiracies, legal accusations, social slander, or even physical ambushes. The psalmist's 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.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalms and 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 to human eyes, much like the promise found in [Psalm 91:3](/psalms/91-3 "Psalm 91:3 - Deliverance from the Fowler's Snare"). 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](/psalms/18-1 "Psalm 18:1-2 - The Lord My Strength and My Rock"), 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 blends raw vulnerability with an unwavering, confident faith in His character and power to intervene.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Net (Hebrew, _reshet'_):** This term specifically refers to a fowler's net or a hunter's snare, a device designed to capture unsuspecting birds or animals. Its use here vividly portrays the psalmist's situation as one of being entrapped by cunning, concealed dangers, from which escape seems humanly impossible. It implies a sense of being cornered and vulnerable.
* **Privily (Hebrew, _satar'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to hide" or "to conceal," this word emphasizes the clandestine and treacherous nature of the enemy's actions. The trap was not openly laid but was hidden, making it particularly menacing because it was unforeseen and difficult to detect or avoid. This highlights the insidious intent of the adversaries.
* **Strength (Hebrew, _ma'oz'_):** This powerful word denotes a stronghold, a fortress, a place of safety, or a refuge. It signifies God as an impregnable defense, an unassailable source of power and protection. By declaring God as his "strength," the psalmist affirms that his ultimate security and ability to withstand and overcome the hidden dangers come not from his own might, but from the Lord's unwavering power and faithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me:"** This is a desperate, urgent imperative prayer. The psalmist recognizes that he is caught, or on the verge of being caught, in a cleverly concealed trap set by his enemies. The verb "pull me out" (Hebrew, _chalats'_) suggests a forceful extraction, a divine intervention required to extricate him from a situation where he is helplessly ensnared. The "net" symbolizes deceptive plots, malicious schemes, or unforeseen dangers, while "privily laid" underscores the insidious and treacherous nature of these threats, making them all the more terrifying.
* **"for thou [art] my strength."** This clause immediately follows the plea, providing the theological bedrock for the psalmist's confidence. It is a declaration of absolute trust and reliance. The "for" (Hebrew, _ki'_) introduces the reason or ground for the preceding request: the psalmist's ability to be delivered is not based on his own merit or power, but solely on God's inherent might and character. God is not merely *a* source of strength, but *the* exclusive and ultimate "strength" (or "stronghold") of the psalmist, the one true refuge against all adversaries and unseen perils.

#### 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 imagery of a "net." This vivid 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 sense of helplessness and desperation, highlighting the need for external 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 communication with the divine. Furthermore, there is an 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 contrast magnifies God's role as the ultimate deliverer.

### 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 aware of the hidden ploys of evil but possesses the power to dismantle them. This verse teaches that true strength is found not in self-reliance or human ingenuity, but in absolute dependence on God, especially when facing unseen or overwhelming spiritual and physical opposition. It underscores the biblical theme that God is a refuge and fortress for His people, a present help in times of trouble, and that His power is made perfect in our weakness. The psalmist's prayer models a faith that is honest about its vulnerability yet unwavering in its conviction that God is faithful to His covenant promises of protection and salvation.

* [Psalms 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength")
* [Proverbs 29:25](/proverbs/29-25 "Proverbs 29:25 - The Fear of Man vs. Trust in the Lord")
* [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Power Made Perfect in Weakness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, Psalms 31:4 remains a deeply relevant and comforting prayer. In a world fraught with unseen dangers—whether they be spiritual attacks, deceptive schemes in the workplace, insidious cultural pressures, or even the subtle snares of sin—this verse provides a template for how to respond. It calls us to acknowledge our 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 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." It is a powerful reminder that our ultimate security and ability to navigate life's treacherous paths come not from our own wisdom or resources, but from the Lord, who is our unshakeable strength and refuge in every hidden peril.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "nets" or hidden traps might you be facing in your life right now, whether spiritual, emotional, or practical?**
* **How does acknowledging God as your "strength" change your perspective on these challenges?**
* **In what ways can you actively cultivate a deeper trust in God's ability to deliver you from unseen dangers?**
* **How does this verse encourage you to pray more honestly and urgently when you feel vulnerable?**

### FAQ
**What does the "net" symbolize in this verse?**

Answer: The "net" symbolizes a cunningly laid trap or snare, often used by fowlers or hunters to capture unsuspecting prey. In the context of Psalms 31:4, it represents the deceptive, insidious, and often hidden schemes or plots of the psalmist's enemies. These could be malicious rumors, false accusations, political conspiracies, or any form of treachery designed to ensnare and harm him. The imagery emphasizes the psalmist's vulnerability and the 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](/psalms/91-3 "Psalm 91:3 - Deliverance from the Fowler's Snare").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 31:4 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in 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, Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, willingly entered the snare of sin and death to deliver humanity from its ultimate enemy ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death")). His crucifixion was the ultimate "net" laid by spiritual adversaries, yet through His resurrection, God "pulled Him out" of the grave, demonstrating His supreme strength and triumph over all powers of darkness ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Jesus From the Dead")). Furthermore, Jesus is the believer's ultimate "strength." Where human strength fails, Christ provides divine power through the Holy Spirit to overcome temptation, endure suffering, and stand firm against the "schemes of the devil" ([Ephesians 6:10-11](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10-11 - Stand Firm in the Lord")). 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 confidence, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" ([Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - Strength in Christ")).

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 25:15

¶ Mine eyes [are] ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.

Psalms 140:5

The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me. Selah.

Psalms 57:6

They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen [themselves]. Selah.

2 Timothy 2:26

And [that] they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

Psalms 19:14

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Proverbs 29:5

¶ A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.

Psalms 35:7

For without cause have they hid for me their net [in] a pit, [which] without cause they have digged for my soul.