Psalms 36:11
Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me.
Original Language Analysis
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
1 of 8
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
רֶ֣גֶל
Let not the foot
H7272
רֶ֣גֶל
Let not the foot
Strong's:
H7272
Word #:
3 of 8
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
גַּאֲוָ֑ה
of pride
H1346
גַּאֲוָ֑ה
of pride
Strong's:
H1346
Word #:
4 of 8
arrogance or majesty; by implication, (concretely) ornament
וְיַד
against me and let not the hand
H3027
וְיַד
against me and let not the hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
5 of 8
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים
of the wicked
H7563
רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים
of the wicked
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
6 of 8
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
Cross References
Psalms 16:8I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.Psalms 119:122Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me.Psalms 10:2The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined.Psalms 119:85The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.Psalms 119:69The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.Psalms 119:51The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law.
Historical Context
Ancient warfare involved literal trampling of defeated enemies and forcible removal from land or position. David's language reflects real threats he faced from proud adversaries like Saul and Absalom.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'proud feet' threaten to trample your faith or testimony?
- How do you maintain spiritual stability when wicked hands try to remove you?
Analysis & Commentary
The 'foot of pride' personifies arrogant opposition coming to trample the righteous. Pride was considered the foundational sin (Proverbs 16:18), producing all other evils. The parallel 'hand of the wicked' suggests active persecution—foot for approaching, hand for removing or harming. David's prayer acknowledges vulnerability and dependence on God's protection against forces that would displace him from secure standing. Pride and wickedness work together to oppose God's people, requiring divine intervention for safety.