Psalms 91:13

KJV

Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt tread {H1869}{H8799)} upon the lion {H7826} and adder {H6620}: the young lion {H3715} and the dragon {H8577} shalt thou trample under feet {H7429}{H8799)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You will tread down lions and snakes, young lions and serpents you will trample underfoot.

Berean Standard Bible

You will tread on the lion and cobra; you will trample the young lion and serpent.

American Standard Version

Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: The young lion and the serpent shalt thou trample under foot.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 91:13 is a powerful declaration of divine empowerment and triumph for those who dwell in the protection of the Most High. It assures the faithful that they will not merely be shielded from danger but will actively overcome formidable adversaries, symbolized by the "lion," "adder," "young lion," and "dragon." This verse speaks to a profound spiritual authority granted by God, enabling believers to subjugate and conquer the most insidious and ferocious forces of evil, both seen and unseen.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 91:13 stands as a climactic declaration within the broader context of Psalm 91, a psalm renowned for its promises of divine protection and security. The psalm begins by establishing the Lord as the ultimate refuge for those who "dwell in the secret place of the most High" and "abide under the shadow of the Almighty" [Psalms 91:1](/psalms/91-1 "Psalm 91:1 - Dwelling in God's Secret Place"). Verses 3-12 detail a comprehensive list of dangers from which God promises deliverance—from the fowler's snare and noisome pestilence to terror by night, the arrow by day, and even the plague. The shift in verse 13 is significant: while preceding verses emphasize God's shielding *from* harm, this verse moves to active empowerment, promising the believer the ability to *tread upon* and *trample under feet* these dangers. This transition underscores that God's protection is not passive but includes a participatory victory over evil, culminating in God's direct affirmation of love and deliverance in verses 14-16.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of treading upon dangerous animals was deeply resonant in the ancient Near East. Lions were a constant threat in the wilderness, symbolizing overt, powerful predators. Serpents, like the adder, represented hidden, treacherous, and deadly dangers, often associated with chaos and evil from early biblical narratives (cf. [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium")). The "dragon" (Hebrew: *tannin*) could refer to large aquatic creatures or serpents, but in symbolic and prophetic literature, it often represented forces of chaos, oppressive empires, or even primeval evil. The act of "treading upon" or "trampling under feet" was a common ancient Near Eastern motif signifying complete subjugation, victory, and dominion over an enemy. Kings and deities were often depicted with their feet on conquered foes or symbolic representations of chaos, asserting their absolute authority. Thus, the verse bestows upon the faithful a share in this divine, kingly authority.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 91 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Protection and Empowerment**, asserting that God not only shields His faithful but also equips them with active authority to confront and overcome threats. This moves beyond mere passive safety to dynamic victory. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Victory Over Evil**. The symbolic animals represent not just literal dangers but also the spiritual forces of evil, including demonic powers and the schemes of the adversary. The imagery of "treading upon" and "trampling under feet" unequivocally signifies complete subjugation and triumph over these malevolent forces. Thirdly, the promise of triumph is intrinsically linked to **Trust and Faith** in God. The preceding verses establish that these promises are for those who "dwell in the secret place of the most High" and "say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress" [Psalms 91:2](/psalms/91-2 "Psalm 91:2 - Declaring God as Refuge"). This covenantal relationship, built on unwavering trust, is the foundation upon which divine empowerment is granted, enabling the believer to walk confidently in a world fraught with peril.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lion (Hebrew, _shaḥal'_):** This term, along with *'ariy*, refers to the lion, a creature universally recognized in the ancient world as a symbol of immense strength, ferocity, and predatory power. In biblical literature, the lion often represents overt, dangerous enemies, oppressive rulers, or even Satan himself (cf. [1 Peter 5:8](/1_peter/5-8 "1 Peter 5:8 - The Roaring Lion")). To "tread upon" the lion signifies victory over powerful, direct threats that seek to devour or destroy.
* **Adder (Hebrew, _pethen'_):** This refers to a venomous serpent, likely the asp or cobra, known for its deadly bite and often hidden nature. The adder symbolizes insidious, treacherous, and hidden dangers, such as cunning plots, spiritual deception, or unexpected attacks. Trampling the adder signifies triumph over subtle, deceptive, and lethal threats that operate in the shadows.
* **Dragon (Hebrew, _tannin'_):** While *tannin* can refer to large sea creatures or serpents, in a symbolic context, especially in prophetic and apocalyptic literature, it frequently represents primeval chaos, powerful oppressive empires, or the ultimate spiritual adversary, Satan (cf. [Revelation 12:9](/revelation/12-9 "Revelation 12:9 - The Great Dragon, That Old Serpent")). The inclusion of the "dragon" elevates the scope of the promised victory from earthly dangers to cosmic, spiritual warfare, signifying ultimate triumph over the forces of evil.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder:"** This clause declares the believer's active dominion over two distinct types of danger. "Tread upon" (Hebrew: *darak*) implies not just stepping on, but crushing, subjugating, and exercising authority. The "lion" represents overt, powerful, and direct threats, while the "adder" symbolizes hidden, venomous, and insidious dangers. The promise is that the faithful will overcome both the obvious and the concealed perils that confront them.
* **"the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet."** This second clause reinforces and amplifies the promise using synonymous parallelism. The "young lion" (Hebrew: *kĕphîr*) emphasizes the vigor and ferocity of the threat, while the "dragon" (Hebrew: *tannin*) signifies the most formidable and chaotic forces of evil. "Trample under feet" (Hebrew: *ramas*) is an even stronger verb than "tread upon," denoting complete subjugation, humiliation, and decisive victory. The repetition underscores the certainty and comprehensiveness of the believer's triumph through divine empowerment.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 91:13 is rich in **Symbolism**, where the "lion," "adder," "young lion," and "dragon" are not merely literal animals but powerful representations of various forms of danger, evil, and spiritual adversaries. This allows the verse to speak to a universal human experience of confronting threats, from physical perils to spiritual warfare. The verse also employs **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second half of the verse ("the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet") reiterates and intensifies the meaning of the first half ("Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder"). This repetition, using different but related terms for both the adversaries and the actions of overcoming them, emphasizes the certainty and totality of the promised victory. Furthermore, the verse utilizes vivid **Imagery**, painting a striking picture of the believer actively subduing and dominating powerful, dangerous creatures, which evokes a sense of divine empowerment and fearless triumph.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 91:13 stands as a profound testament to God's active involvement in the lives of His faithful, not merely as a passive shield but as an empowering force. It reveals a theological truth that the believer, through their covenant relationship with God, is granted a share in divine authority over the forces of darkness and chaos. This promise transcends mere physical safety, delving into the realm of spiritual warfare, where the "lion" and "dragon" represent the very embodiment of evil and opposition to God's kingdom. The verse assures that those who trust in God will not be overwhelmed by such forces but will, by His power, emerge victorious, demonstrating the ultimate sovereignty of God over all creation and all malevolent powers. This theme of divine empowerment for victory over evil is a consistent thread throughout Scripture, culminating in the triumph of Christ.

* [Romans 16:20](/romans/16-20 "Romans 16:20 - God Will Crush Satan Under Your Feet")
* [Luke 10:19](/luke/10-19 "Luke 10:19 - Authority Over Serpents and Scorpions")
* [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "Genesis 3:15 - The Protoevangelium")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For the contemporary believer, Psalms 91:13 serves as an enduring wellspring of courage and spiritual confidence. It calls us beyond a mindset of mere survival in a dangerous world to one of active, Spirit-empowered victory. This verse reminds us that our battles, whether against temptation, spiritual oppression, the schemes of the enemy, or even the overwhelming challenges of life, are not fought in our own strength. Instead, they are fought from a position of divine authority, secured by our dwelling in God's presence and trusting in His unfailing protection. It encourages us to boldly confront the "lions" (overt attacks) and "adders" (insidious deceptions) that seek to harm us, knowing that God has given us the power to tread upon them. This is not a call to recklessness, but to confident faith, recognizing that our victory is a participation in God's ultimate triumph over all evil.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "lions" (overt dangers or powerful adversaries) are you facing in your life, and how does this verse encourage you to confront them with divine confidence?**
* **What "adders" or "dragons" (hidden temptations, subtle deceptions, or spiritual attacks) might be at work, and how can you apply the promise of trampling them underfoot?**
* **How does your "dwelling in the secret place of the Most High" (Psalms 91:1) directly impact your ability to experience the victory promised in verse 13?**
* **In what practical ways can you "tread upon" or "trample under feet" the forces of evil in your daily life, relying on God's empowering presence?**

### FAQ
**What do the animals in Psalms 91:13 symbolize, and how broadly should we interpret them?**

Answer: The animals—the lion, adder, young lion, and dragon—are rich in symbolism and should be interpreted broadly. On one level, they represent literal dangers and formidable human adversaries that threaten physical harm or destruction. Historically, lions were a real threat, and venomous serpents were a common peril. On a deeper, spiritual level, they symbolize the forces of evil, spiritual adversaries, and the schemes of the devil. The "lion" can represent overt, powerful, and destructive spiritual attacks, while the "adder" signifies insidious, deceptive, and hidden temptations or spiritual snares. The "dragon" (Hebrew: *tannin*) is particularly significant, often representing primeval chaos and, in later biblical understanding, Satan himself (as seen in [Revelation 12:9](/revelation/12-9 "Revelation 12:9 - The Great Dragon, That Old Serpent")). Therefore, the verse promises victory over all forms of evil, from the most apparent and ferocious to the most subtle and spiritually malevolent.

**Is the promise in Psalms 91:13 a literal guarantee of physical safety from all harm, or is it primarily spiritual?**

Answer: While the psalm certainly speaks to God's protection in the physical realm, the promise in Psalms 91:13 is primarily spiritual in its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning. The imagery of treading on dangerous animals is symbolic of victory over spiritual forces. While God can and does protect His people physically, the Bible also acknowledges that believers may face suffering, persecution, and even martyrdom. The ultimate victory promised here is over the power of sin, death, and the devil, which finds its fullest expression in Christ. As seen in [Luke 10:19](/luke/10-19 "Luke 10:19 - Authority Over Serpents and Scorpions"), Jesus grants His disciples "power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy," clearly indicating a spiritual authority. Thus, the verse assures believers of triumph in the spiritual battle, even amidst physical challenges, providing an enduring hope of ultimate vindication and victory through God's power.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 91:13 finds its ultimate and most profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus of Nazareth. He is the one who perfectly "dwelt in the secret place of the Most High" and perfectly trusted His Father, thereby embodying the very conditions for this divine promise. Jesus, through His life, death, and resurrection, definitively trod upon the "lion" (Satan, who "walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" as described in [1 Peter 5:8](/1_peter/5-8 "1 Peter 5:8 - The Roaring Lion")) and the "dragon" (the ancient serpent, the Devil, as revealed in [Revelation 12:9](/revelation/12-9 "The Great Dragon, That Old Serpent")). His victory on the cross disarmed principalities and powers, triumphing over them (as declared in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")), and through His death, He destroyed "him that had the power of death, that is, the devil" ([Hebrews 2:14](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14 - Jesus Destroys the Power of Death and the Devil")). This was the ultimate bruising of the serpent's head prophesied in [Genesis 3:15](/genesis/3-15 "The Protoevangelium"). Believers, united with Christ by faith, participate in His already accomplished victory. The authority to "tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy" ([Luke 10:19](/luke/10-19 "Luke 10:19 - Authority Over Serpents and Scorpions")) is a derivative power, flowing from the King who has already conquered all. Thus, Psalms 91:13 is not merely a promise *to* us, but a promise fulfilled *in* Christ, enabling us to walk in His triumph.

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

Luke 10:19

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Daniel 6:22

My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.

Mark 16:18

They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

1 Samuel 17:37

David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee.

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.

Romans 16:20

And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you. Amen.

Judges 14:5

Then went Samson down, and his father and his mother, to Timnath, and came to the vineyards of Timnath: and, behold, a young lion roared against him.