Psalms 54:3

Authorized King James Version

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For strangers are risen up against me, and oppressors seek after my soul: they have not set God before them. Selah.

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
זָרִ֨ים׀ For strangers H2114
זָרִ֨ים׀ For strangers
Strong's: H2114
Word #: 2 of 12
to turn aside (especially for lodging); hence to be a foreigner, strange, profane; specifically (active participle) to commit adultery
קָ֤מוּ are risen up H6965
קָ֤מוּ are risen up
Strong's: H6965
Word #: 3 of 12
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
עָלַ֗י H5921
עָלַ֗י
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 4 of 12
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וְֽ֭עָרִיצִים against me and oppressors H6184
וְֽ֭עָרִיצִים against me and oppressors
Strong's: H6184
Word #: 5 of 12
fearful, i.e., powerful or tyrannical
בִּקְשׁ֣וּ seek H1245
בִּקְשׁ֣וּ seek
Strong's: H1245
Word #: 6 of 12
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
נַפְשִׁ֑י after my soul H5315
נַפְשִׁ֑י after my soul
Strong's: H5315
Word #: 7 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
לֹ֤א H3808
לֹ֤א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 8 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שָׂ֨מוּ they have not set H7760
שָׂ֨מוּ they have not set
Strong's: H7760
Word #: 9 of 12
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
אֱלֹהִ֖ים God H430
אֱלֹהִ֖ים God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 10 of 12
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
לְנֶגְדָּ֣ם H5048
לְנֶגְדָּ֣ם
Strong's: H5048
Word #: 11 of 12
a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before
סֶֽלָה׃ before them Selah H5542
סֶֽלָה׃ before them Selah
Strong's: H5542
Word #: 12 of 12
suspension (of music), i.e., pause

Analysis & Commentary

The accusation: 'For strangers are risen up against me, and oppressors seek after my soul: they have not set God before them.' The Ziphites, David's own countrymen, act like 'strangers'--alien enemies. 'Seeking his soul' means seeking his life. The root problem: 'they have not set God before them'--ignoring divine oversight.

Historical Context

The Ziphites were from David's own tribe of Judah, making their betrayal particularly bitter. They acted as 'strangers' by betraying tribal loyalty for Saul's favor.

Questions for Reflection