Psalms 56:11
In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.
Original Language Analysis
בֵּֽאלֹהִ֣ים
In God
H430
בֵּֽאלֹהִ֣ים
In God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
1 of 8
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
בָּ֭טַחְתִּי
have I put my trust
H982
בָּ֭טַחְתִּי
have I put my trust
Strong's:
H982
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אִירָ֑א
I will not be afraid
H3372
אִירָ֑א
I will not be afraid
Strong's:
H3372
Word #:
4 of 8
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
מַה
H4100
מַה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
יַּעֲשֶׂ֖ה
can do
H6213
יַּעֲשֶׂ֖ה
can do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
6 of 8
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Historical Context
David wrote this facing real physical danger from Philistines who had every reason to kill him as their enemy. His confidence was not in his safety from harm but in God's ultimate purposes prevailing regardless of what men might do.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you truly 'not be afraid' when facing real threats?
- What does fearing God rather than man mean practically in your circumstances?
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Analysis & Commentary
The final affirmation 'I will not be afraid' demonstrates conquest over fear through faith. The rhetorical question 'what can man do unto me?' asserts the limited power of creatures against God's elect. This does not deny man can harm the body (Matthew 10:28) but affirms that ultimate safety resides in God's sovereign purposes, not circumstances.