Psalms 13:4
Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved.
Original Language Analysis
פֶּן
H6435
פֶּן
Strong's:
H6435
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest
יְכָלְתִּ֑יו
I have prevailed
H3201
יְכָלְתִּ֑יו
I have prevailed
Strong's:
H3201
Word #:
4 of 8
to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)
יָ֝גִ֗ילוּ
me rejoice
H1523
יָ֝גִ֗ילוּ
me rejoice
Strong's:
H1523
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, to spin round (under the influence of any violent emotion), i.e., usually rejoice, or (as cringing) fear
Cross References
Psalms 25:2O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.Jeremiah 1:19And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee.Psalms 62:6He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.Psalms 38:16For I said, Hear me, lest otherwise they should rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me.Proverbs 12:3A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.Joshua 7:9For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land shall hear of it, and shall environ us round, and cut off our name from the earth: and what wilt thou do unto thy great name?
Historical Context
Written during David's flight from Saul or Absalom, when his defeat would have been interpreted as God's rejection of His anointed king.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your spiritual struggle affect God's reputation among unbelievers?
- In what ways do you prioritize God's glory over your own vindication?
Analysis & Commentary
David fears two outcomes if he falls: his enemy will say 'I have prevailed,' and his foes will rejoice. This reveals proper concern for God's glory—David's defeat would give God's enemies occasion to boast. The Hebrew 'yakol' (prevail) suggests overpowering strength. This anticipates Christ's concern that His Father's name be glorified even in suffering (John 12:28). Reformed theology sees our vindication as ultimately about God's honor.