Psalm 3 6

Psalm 3:6 kjv

I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.

Psalm 3:6 nkjv

I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people Who have set themselves against me all around.

Psalm 3:6 niv

I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side.

Psalm 3:6 esv

I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.

Psalm 3:6 nlt

I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies
who surround me on every side.

Psalm 3 verses

Psalm 3 6 Meaning

Psalm 3:6 expresses a profound declaration of unwavering trust and inner peace in God, even when facing overwhelming opposition. Despite being surrounded by "many thousands of people" who have maliciously arrayed themselves against him, the psalmist declares, "I will not be afraid." It signifies a confidence rooted not in human strength or numbers, but in the divine protection and deliverance of the Most High.

Psalm 3 6 Context

Psalm 3 is attributed to David, a "Psalm when he fled from Absalom his son." This crucial heading provides the historical setting. David, the anointed king, was in profound distress. His own beloved son, Absalom, led a widespread rebellion, charming the people and driving David from Jerusalem. This was not merely a foreign invasion, but a deeply personal betrayal and a challenge to God's chosen lineage and rule. The "many thousands of people" are the throngs who followed Absalom, a stark contrast to David's initial few loyal followers (2 Sam 15-18). The immediate verses of Psalm 3 reveal the taunts of his enemies who say, "There is no salvation for him in God" (Psa 3:2), highlighting the depth of his crisis, yet David finds solace and assurance in the Lord.

Psalm 3 6 Word analysis

• I will not be afraid: From the Hebrew lo'-'iyra' (לא אירא). lo' is a strong negative, meaning "not." 'iyra' (אירא) is the verb "to fear" or "to be afraid," specifically in the Qal imperfect form, indicating an ongoing or continuous state of not fearing. This is not a statement about lacking natural fear but a determined, active decision of the will rooted in faith. It is a declaration of resolute trust.
• of many thousands: From the Hebrew mĕribbōt (מרבבות). mĕ is the prefix meaning "from" or "out of." ribbōt is a plural form of rebabah (רבבה), meaning "ten thousand," "myriad," or "countless host." While literally "ten thousands," it is often used as a hyperbole to convey an immeasurable, overwhelming multitude or innumerable numbers. It paints a picture of being vastly outnumbered.
• of people: From the Hebrew 'am (עם). This word specifically refers to "people" or "nation." In this context, it emphasizes that these "many thousands" are not just abstract enemies but masses of actual human beings, many of whom were previously David's own subjects, now turned against him. This underscores the scale of the human betrayal and opposition.
• who have set themselves: From the Hebrew 'ăsher śātû (אשר שתו). 'ăsher means "who" or "that." śātû (שתו) is a perfect form of the verb shîth or shath (שית/שת), meaning "to set," "to place," "to array," "to put," "to lay," or "to establish." It implies a deliberate, organized, and hostile arrangement, suggesting that the "many thousands" have positioned themselves, like an army, in a concerted effort against David.
• against me: From the Hebrew 'ālay (עלי). ʿal (על) is the preposition "upon" or "against," with the suffix -ay meaning "me." This indicates a direct and personal target of their enmity.
• all around: From the Hebrew sāvîv (סביב). This adverb means "around," "all around," "on every side," or "everywhere." It signifies encirclement, implying that the threat is pervasive, complete, and inescapable from a human perspective. David is fully surrounded by adversaries.

Words-group Analysis:

• I will not be afraid of many thousands of people: This phrase starkly contrasts the psalmist's internal resolve ("I will not be afraid") with the immense external threat ("many thousands of people"). It highlights that spiritual strength, derived from God, transcends numerical disadvantage and psychological intimidation.
• who have set themselves against me all around: This describes the specific, intentional, and comprehensive nature of the opposition. It is not random; it is organized ("set themselves"), personal ("against me"), and inescapable ("all around"), creating a vivid image of total siege, yet David's faith remains unshaken.

Psalm 3 6 Bonus section

The strength displayed in Psalm 3:6 is a spiritual one, transcending mere stoicism. David's resolve ("I will not be afraid") is an active choice, a setting of the will based on prior experience of God's faithfulness (Psa 3:4-5). This foreshadows New Testament teachings on spiritual warfare, where believers face not just "flesh and blood" but also unseen spiritual forces, and yet are called to stand firm in the Lord (Eph 6:10-13). David's faith here illustrates the principle that divine intervention is not limited by earthly numbers, for "with God all things are possible" (Matt 19:26). The image of being surrounded "all around" intensifies the sense of vulnerability, making David's defiant peace an even more powerful display of divine grace and a profound demonstration that spiritual victory often begins with an internal triumph over fear.

Psalm 3 6 Commentary

Psalm 3:6 stands as a testament to radical faith in the midst of overwhelming human odds. David, at a moment of deep personal and national crisis, declared his freedom from fear despite being encircled by tens of thousands of adversaries led by his own son. This fearless declaration is not born of naive optimism or a delusion of safety, but from a profound understanding that God, as articulated in verse 3 ("But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head"), is his ultimate protector and vindicator. It emphasizes that the believer's security does not rest on the absence of enemies or the presence of allies, but solely on the omnipresent and omnipotent hand of God. This verse encapsulates the theological truth that one with God is a majority, teaching that even when all human circumstances point to defeat and despair, unwavering trust in God enables a spiritual courage that triumphs over fear itself. It exemplifies how true peace can reside in the heart even when turmoil rages outside.

• Practical Examples:
  • Facing widespread criticism or opposition to your Christian convictions.
  • Confronting a daunting financial crisis where you feel entirely outnumbered by bills.
  • Experiencing isolation or betrayal within a community that previously supported you.