Psalms 57:4
My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.
Original Language Analysis
נַפְשִׁ֤י׀
My soul
H5315
נַפְשִׁ֤י׀
My soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
לְבָאִם֮
lions
H3833
לְבָאִם֮
lions
Strong's:
H3833
Word #:
3 of 13
a lion (properly, a lioness as the fiercer (although not a roarer;))
אֶשְׁכְּבָ֪ה
and I lie
H7901
אֶשְׁכְּבָ֪ה
and I lie
Strong's:
H7901
Word #:
4 of 13
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
לֹ֫הֲטִ֥ים
even among them that are set on fire
H3857
לֹ֫הֲטִ֥ים
even among them that are set on fire
Strong's:
H3857
Word #:
5 of 13
properly, to lick, i.e., (by implication) to blaze
בְּֽנֵי
even the sons
H1121
בְּֽנֵי
even the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
6 of 13
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אָדָ֗ם
of men
H120
אָדָ֗ם
of men
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
7 of 13
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
שִׁ֭נֵּיהֶם
whose teeth
H8127
שִׁ֭נֵּיהֶם
whose teeth
Strong's:
H8127
Word #:
8 of 13
a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff
וְחִצִּ֑ים
and arrows
H2671
וְחִצִּ֑ים
and arrows
Strong's:
H2671
Word #:
10 of 13
properly, a piercer, i.e., an arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, (of god) thunder-bolt; the shaft of a spear
וּ֝לְשׁוֹנָ֗ם
and their tongue
H3956
וּ֝לְשׁוֹנָ֗ם
and their tongue
Strong's:
H3956
Word #:
11 of 13
the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,
Cross References
Psalms 58:6Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth: break out the great teeth of the young lions, O LORD.Psalms 35:17Lord, how long wilt thou look on? rescue my soul from their destructions, my darling from the lions.Psalms 55:21The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.Proverbs 30:14There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.Psalms 64:3Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words:Proverbs 12:18There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.Psalms 52:2Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.
Historical Context
Lions were literal threats in ancient Palestine's wilderness, making this imagery vivid. The metaphorical extension to human enemies emphasizes their predatory and destructive nature, particularly Saul's relentless pursuit of David.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's preservation in the midst of danger differ from deliverance out of it?
- What does it mean that the righteous may be 'set on fire' yet not consumed?
Analysis & Commentary
The imagery of dwelling 'among them that are set on fire' uses the metaphor of lions and beasts of prey with incendiary weapons. This hyperbolic language captures the intensity of opposition while demonstrating that God preserves His elect even in the furnace. The Hebrew 'lahat' (flame/burn) connects to Daniel's fiery furnace, showing God's presence in, not removal from, extremity.