Psalms 56:11

KJV

In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.

KJV (with Strong's)

In God {H430} have I put my trust {H982}{H8804)}: I will not be afraid {H3372}{H8799)} what man {H120} can do {H6213}{H8799)} unto me.

Complete Jewish Bible

in God I trust; I have no fear; what can mere humans do to me?

Berean Standard Bible

in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

American Standard Version

In God have I put my trust, I will not be afraid; What can man do unto me?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 56:11 stands as a profound declaration of unwavering faith amidst overwhelming adversity, articulating King David's resolute decision to place his complete reliance on God rather than succumbing to the fear of human threats. Penned during a perilous period of his life when he was apprehended by the Philistines in Gath, this verse marks a pivotal shift from expressions of distress to a bold affirmation of divine trust, asserting that the omnipotence and faithfulness of God render any human capacity for harm utterly powerless against the believer.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 56 is a "Michtam of David," a term possibly indicating a "golden psalm" or a psalm for instruction. It is set against the backdrop of David's desperate flight from King Saul, specifically when he was seized by the Philistines in Gath. The preceding verses (Psalms 56:1-10) vividly portray David's anguish, his pleas for God's mercy, and his lament over the constant pursuit and oppression by his enemies. He describes his tears being collected in God's bottle and his wanderings being recorded (Psalms 56:8), emphasizing his deep personal suffering. Verse 11, therefore, serves as a powerful pivot, shifting from a focus on his plight and the actions of his adversaries to a triumphant declaration of his steadfast trust in God, despite the ongoing danger. This declaration of faith sets the stage for the concluding verses, where David expresses confidence in God's deliverance and vows to fulfill his promises.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The superscription of Psalm 56 explicitly links it to a specific, harrowing episode in David's life, detailed in [1 Samuel 21:10-15](/1_samuel/21-10 "1 Samuel 21:10-15 - David Flees to Gath and Feigns Madness"). After fleeing King Saul's relentless pursuit, David sought refuge in Gath, a major Philistine city and the home of Goliath. This was a desperate move, as the Philistines were Israel's sworn enemies. His recognition by the servants of Achish, the king of Gath, placed him in extreme peril, as they recalled his slaying of Goliath and the songs celebrating his victories over tens of thousands. In a remarkable act of self-preservation, David feigned madness to escape. This historical backdrop underscores the profound danger David faced—not just from a single enemy, but from an entire hostile nation, far from the safety of his own people. The cultural context would have involved a deep understanding of tribal loyalties, the constant threat of inter-tribal warfare, and the vulnerability of an individual without the protection of his own clan or king.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme of Psalm 56:11 is the profound **contrast between divine trust and human fear**. David, surrounded by mortal enemies, makes a conscious, defiant choice to anchor his soul in God's unfailing character, directly countering the natural human inclination to dread what adversaries might inflict. This highlights God's **sovereignty over human limitations**; while man possesses the capacity for harm and persecution, their power is ultimately finite and subject to the greater, protective power of the Almighty. The verse powerfully asserts that true **security is found in faith**, not in the absence of danger or the strength of human defenses. It resonates with the broader biblical message that reliance on God leads to steadfastness, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart") and [Isaiah 26:3-4](/isaiah/26-3 "Isaiah 26:3-4 - Perfect Peace for Those Who Trust in God"), where trust in the Lord is presented as the foundation for peace and stability, even amidst turmoil.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Trust (Hebrew, בָּטַח _bāṭaḥ'_):** This verb signifies a deep, unwavering confidence or reliance, often implying a sense of security and safety derived from the object of trust. It's more than mere intellectual assent; it's a leaning into, a casting of oneself upon, a firm conviction that one is secure because of the character and power of the one trusted. In this context, David's _bāṭaḥ_ in God is an active, volitional act of faith, a deliberate choice to find refuge and stability in the divine amidst extreme instability.
* **Afraid (Hebrew, יָרֵא _yārē'_):** While _yārē'_ can denote reverential awe, in this context, it clearly signifies dread, terror, or fear of harm. It describes the natural human response to perceived danger or threat. David's declaration, "I will not be afraid," is not a denial of the presence of danger or the potential for harm, but a conscious decision to reject the paralyzing power of fear by placing his ultimate security in God. It's a statement of spiritual defiance against the emotional grip of terror.
* **Man (Hebrew, אֱנוֹשׁ _'ĕnôš'_):** This term for "man" often carries the connotation of mortality, frailty, and weakness, contrasting sharply with the eternal, omnipotent God. Unlike _'ādām_ (mankind generally) or _'îsh_ (a specific man), _'ĕnôš_ emphasizes human vulnerability and transience. By using _'ĕnôš_, David highlights the limited capacity of human adversaries, no matter how powerful they seem, when compared to the infinite power of God. Their threats, though real, are ultimately circumscribed by their own finite nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In God have I put my trust":** This opening clause establishes the foundation of David's courage. It is not self-generated bravery, but a confidence rooted entirely in the character and power of God. The phrase "in God" (בֵּאלֹהִים, _bē'lōhîm_) emphasizes the divine as the sole object and source of his reliance. David has actively and deliberately chosen to place his faith in the Almighty, a decision made amidst circumstances that would naturally induce terror. This is a statement of active, volitional faith, not passive resignation.
* **"I will not be afraid":** This is the direct consequence and powerful declaration stemming from his trust in God. It signifies a resolute refusal to succumb to fear, despite the very real and present dangers. It's a statement of inner fortitude, a spiritual defiance against the natural human response of dread. David is not saying he *feels* no fear, but that he *will not be mastered* by it. His trust in God empowers him to overcome the paralyzing effects of terror.
* **"what man can do unto me":** This phrase acknowledges the reality of human capacity for harm—persecution, imprisonment, torture, or even death. David is not naive about the threats posed by his enemies. The term "man" (אֱנוֹשׁ, _'ĕnôš'_) again underscores the mortality and limitations of human adversaries. By juxtaposing "what man can do" with his trust in God, David implicitly asserts that whatever harm man can inflict, it is ultimately limited and cannot thwart God's ultimate purpose or separate him from divine protection and care. The "what" implies the worst possible actions, yet even these are rendered impotent by God's sovereignty.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 56:11 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Antithesis** or **Contrast**, directly juxtaposing "trust in God" with "fear of man." This creates a stark and impactful dichotomy, highlighting the mutually exclusive nature of these two responses to adversity. David presents a clear choice: either rely on the finite, threatening power of humanity and be afraid, or rely on the infinite power of God and be fearless. This is reinforced by a strong element of **Declaration**, as David makes an emphatic, almost defiant, statement of his unwavering conviction. The verse also contains subtle **Hyperbole**, in the phrase "what man can do unto me," which implicitly encompasses the full spectrum of human malice and power, yet even this exaggerated potential is dismissed as inconsequential when set against God's omnipotence. Finally, there's an underlying **Metonymy**, where "man" stands in for all human threats, opposition, and limitations, emphasizing that no earthly power can ultimately prevail against divine protection.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 56:11 encapsulates a fundamental biblical truth: the believer's ultimate security and courage are derived from an unshakeable trust in God, rather than from the absence of threat or the strength of human defenses. This verse affirms God's absolute sovereignty over all human endeavors and acknowledges the inherent limitations of mortal beings. It teaches that fear is a choice that can be overcome by a greater, more profound choice to lean entirely on the divine. This theme resonates throughout Scripture, asserting that God is the ultimate refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble, and that those who trust in Him will not be put to shame. It underscores the spiritual battle between faith and fear, where faith in God is the victorious weapon.

* [Psalm 27:1](/psalms/27-1 "Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is My Light and My Salvation")
* [Proverbs 29:25](/proverbs/29-25 "Proverbs 29:25 - The Fear of Man Lays a Snare")
* [Hebrews 13:6](/hebrews/13-6 "Hebrews 13:6 - The Lord is My Helper; I Will Not Fear")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often characterized by uncertainty, opposition, and the intimidating presence of human power structures, Psalm 56:11 offers profound and timeless encouragement. It calls believers to a radical reorientation of their trust, away from the fleeting and often malevolent capacities of humanity, and firmly onto the immutable character and omnipotence of God. Like David, we will inevitably face situations where people seek to harm our reputation, undermine our efforts, or even threaten our well-being. This verse is not a promise that we will never encounter such opposition, but a divine assurance that when our trust is anchored in the Lord, the fear that such opposition might naturally evoke need not paralyze us. It invites us to consciously choose faith over fear, to remember that the reach of human power is finite, but God's protective hand is infinite. By internalizing this truth, we gain a spiritual resilience that allows us to walk courageously through life's challenges, knowing that our ultimate security rests not in our circumstances, but in the faithful God who is greater than any human threat.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "man" or human-related fears are currently challenging your trust in God?**
* **How does consciously shifting your focus from the power of others to the power of God change your perspective on a difficult situation?**
* **In what practical ways can you demonstrate your trust in God when faced with human opposition or criticism this week?**

### FAQ

**What does "what man can do unto me" specifically refer to in this context?**

Answer: In the immediate context of David's capture by the Philistines in Gath, "what man can do unto me" refers to the full spectrum of physical harm, imprisonment, torture, and even death that his enemies were capable of inflicting. David was in a hostile land, surrounded by those who recognized him as a formidable foe of their nation. More broadly, it encompasses any form of human opposition, persecution, slander, or attempts to undermine one's life or faith. The phrase acknowledges the very real, tangible threats posed by human adversaries, but ultimately dismisses their ultimate power when compared to God's sovereignty. It's a recognition of danger, coupled with a defiant trust that God's protection is superior to any human capacity for harm.

**Is it wrong to feel fear if I truly trust God?**

Answer: Psalm 56:11, and many other biblical passages, acknowledge the natural human experience of fear. David himself expresses fear and distress in the earlier verses of this very psalm ([Psalms 56:3](/psalms/56-3 "Psalm 56:3 - When I Am Afraid, I Will Trust in You")). The verse is not suggesting that believers will never *feel* fear, but rather that they *will not be afraid* in the sense of being controlled or paralyzed by it. It's a declaration of choice and resolve: "I will not *let myself be mastered* by fear." True trust in God allows us to acknowledge our fears, bring them before God, and then actively choose to lean on His strength and faithfulness, preventing fear from dictating our actions or destroying our peace. It's about where our ultimate reliance lies, not the absence of emotion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 56:11 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While David's trust in God enabled him to face mortal threats, Jesus perfectly embodied this unwavering reliance on the Father, even in the face of the most extreme human and spiritual opposition. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus consistently demonstrated a complete trust in God, refusing to be intimidated by the religious authorities, political powers, or even the demonic forces that sought to thwart His mission. His unwavering resolve, even as He faced betrayal, false accusations, and the agony of the cross, perfectly illustrates the principle of not being afraid of "what man can do." On the cross, seemingly at the mercy of human cruelty, Jesus' ultimate trust in His Father allowed Him to endure the suffering and triumph over sin and death, fulfilling prophecies like [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - He Was Oppressed and Afflicted"). His resurrection is the ultimate proof that human power, even unto death, is utterly powerless against the divine will and power. For believers, Christ is the perfect example and the very source of this trust. Through His finished work, we are united with Him, and His victory over the world's opposition becomes ours. We are called to fix our eyes on Him, the author and perfecter of our faith ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking Unto Jesus")), knowing that if God is for us, who can be against us ([Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - If God Is For Us, Who Can Be Against Us?")). In Christ, "what man can do" is ultimately rendered impotent in the face of God's eternal purposes for His children.

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 27:1

¶ [A Psalm] of David. The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Isaiah 51:12

I, [even] I, [am] he that comforteth you: who [art] thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man [that] shall die, and of the son of man [which] shall be made [as] grass;

Isaiah 51:13

And forgettest the LORD thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? and where [is] the fury of the oppressor?

Isaiah 51:7

Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart [is] my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.

Isaiah 51:8

For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation.

Psalms 112:7

He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD.

Psalms 112:8

His heart [is] established, he shall not be afraid, until he see [his desire] upon his enemies.