Psalms 31:13

Authorized King James Version

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For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.

Original Language Analysis

כִּ֤י H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 12
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
שָׁמַ֨עְתִּי׀ For I have heard H8085
שָׁמַ֨עְתִּי׀ For I have heard
Strong's: H8085
Word #: 2 of 12
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
דִּבַּ֥ת the slander H1681
דִּבַּ֥ת the slander
Strong's: H1681
Word #: 3 of 12
slander
רַבִּים֮ of many H7227
רַבִּים֮ of many
Strong's: H7227
Word #: 4 of 12
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
מָג֪וֹר fear H4032
מָג֪וֹר fear
Strong's: H4032
Word #: 5 of 12
a fright (objective or subjective)
מִסָּ֫בִ֥יב was on every side H5439
מִסָּ֫בִ֥יב was on every side
Strong's: H5439
Word #: 6 of 12
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
בְּהִוָּסְדָ֣ם while they took counsel H3245
בְּהִוָּסְדָ֣ם while they took counsel
Strong's: H3245
Word #: 7 of 12
to set (literally or figuratively); intensively, to found; reflexively, to sit down together, i.e., settle, consult
יַ֣חַד together H3162
יַ֣חַד together
Strong's: H3162
Word #: 8 of 12
properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly
עָלַ֑י H5921
עָלַ֑י
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 9 of 12
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
לָקַ֖חַת to take away H3947
לָקַ֖חַת to take away
Strong's: H3947
Word #: 10 of 12
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
נַפְשִׁ֣י my life H5315
נַפְשִׁ֣י my life
Strong's: H5315
Word #: 11 of 12
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
זָמָֽמוּ׃ against me they devised H2161
זָמָֽמוּ׃ against me they devised
Strong's: H2161
Word #: 12 of 12
to plan, usually in a bad sense

Analysis & Commentary

For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life. Organized opposition—not random hostility but coordinated conspiracy. This reveals how slander, fear, and violence converge when God's servants face worldly opposition, prefiguring conspiracy against Christ.

Slander of many (Hebrew dibbah—defamation, evil report) is verbal assault. Slander isn't direct confrontation but poisonous gossip destroying reputation subtly and systematically. David's enemies undermine him through lies spread throughout community. This weaponization of words is particularly effective in shame-honor cultures.

Fear was on every side uses magor missabib (terror all around)—paralyzing dread from all directions. No safe quarter, no refuge. This psychological warfare precedes physical danger.

While they took counsel together (Hebrew ya'ats—deliberate, devise plans) describes formal conspiracy. Opposition is organized, coordinated, purposeful. They devised to take away my life reveals ultimate goal—not harassment but assassination plot. Reformed theology sees here world's ultimate hostility toward God's elect. This found supreme fulfillment when Jewish and Roman authorities conspired against Christ, using false testimony to justify execution.

Historical Context

David's experience of conspiracy was repeated reality. Saul's court actively plotted his death (1 Samuel 19:1). Absalom's rebellion involved careful organizing and propaganda (2 Samuel 15:1-12).

Legal language suggests formal proceedings. In ancient Near Eastern courts, false testimony was weaponized. Slander served legal functions—destroying credibility before bringing charges. Jesus' trial followed this pattern precisely—Sanhedrin took counsel, false witnesses sought, charge crafted to convince Romans.

Questions for Reflection