Psalm 31 4

Psalm 31:4 kjv

Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength.

Psalm 31:4 nkjv

Pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me, For You are my strength.

Psalm 31:4 niv

Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge.

Psalm 31:4 esv

you take me out of the net they have hidden for me, for you are my refuge.

Psalm 31:4 nlt

Pull me from the trap my enemies set for me,
for I find protection in you alone.

Psalm 31 verses

Psalm 31 4 Meaning

Psalm 31:4 is a fervent prayer from David, expressing urgent need for divine deliverance. He petitions God to rescue him from a hidden, treacherous snare laid by his enemies, asserting his absolute confidence in God as his secure fortress and source of strength. The verse highlights both human vulnerability to concealed malice and the divine capacity for active, powerful rescue, grounded in a deep personal trust.

Psalm 31 4 Context

Psalm 31:4 is a pivotal expression within Psalm 31, which is a powerful psalm of both lament and unwavering trust in God. Following the Psalmist's opening declarations of trust (v.1-3) where he implores God to be his "rock of refuge" and "fortress," verse 4 intensifies the specific danger he faces: a "net" or snare. This isn't an open confrontation but a hidden, malicious plot by enemies. The plea "Pull me out" indicates an urgent need for intervention from a perilous, entrapping situation, reflecting a deep sense of vulnerability. The subsequent declaration, "For You are my strength," anchors the prayer in the character of God, providing the ultimate reason for his confidence and hope despite dire circumstances. Historically, David (traditionally ascribed authorship) faced numerous plots and betrayals from within his own court (e.g., Absalom's rebellion) and from external foes, making the imagery of a secretly laid "net" particularly resonant with his life experiences. Such a context illustrates the universal human experience of facing unseen dangers and the necessity of divine intervention.

Psalm 31 4 Word analysis

• Pull me out (הוציאני - Hoṣi'eni): This is a Hiphil imperative form of the verb yaṣa' (to go out, to come forth). The Hiphil stem denotes a causative action: "cause me to go out," "bring me forth," or "deliver me." Significance: It signifies an active, decisive, and powerful intervention on God's part. It's not a passive hope but an earnest plea for God to exert His power to extract the Psalmist from an impossible situation, much like God "brought out" Israel from Egypt.
• of the net (מרשת - m'reshet): The prefix 'מ' (m-) means "from" or "out of." The noun reshet refers literally to a fishing net or fowler's snare. Significance: As a metaphor, it represents cunning and deceptive plots, insidious traps, or unexpected dangers laid by adversaries. Unlike a visible enemy, a "net" implies hidden, pervasive danger designed to entrap and incapacitate.
• which they have laid secretly for me (זו טמנו לי - zu ṭamnu li): zu: "which" (relative pronoun). ṭamnu: Third person plural perfect of ṭaman (to hide, conceal, store away). It conveys an action already completed by "them" (the enemies). li: "for me" (preposition l- + pronoun i). Significance: This phrase emphasizes the treachery, malice, and premeditation of the enemies. The danger is not accidental but intentionally set, hidden from view, making it even more perilous as it is difficult to perceive and avoid. It highlights the vulnerability of the victim against unseen plots.
• For You (כי אתה - ki 'attah): ki: "for," "because" (introduces the reason or ground for the preceding plea). attah: Second person masculine singular pronoun, "You." Significance: The use of "You" (attah) is emphatic and personal. It directs the Psalmist's appeal squarely and intimately towards God alone, underscoring that the basis of his hope and plea lies solely in God's unique character and power, not in his own strength or any other earthly help.
• are my strength (מעוזי - ma'ozzi): ma'ozzi: From the noun ma'oz (stronghold, refuge, fortress, strength, defense) combined with the first person singular possessive suffix '-i' (my). Significance: Ma'oz implies a place of safety and a source of powerful aid. It is not merely physical strength, but secure protection derived from God's character and omnipotence. It reflects God's steadfastness and unwavering commitment to defend His people. It’s an affirmation of God as an impenetrable refuge against all adversarial forces, a direct counterpoint to the ensnaring "net."

• Words-group Analysis: "Pull me out of the net which they have laid secretly for me": This forms a complete picture of distress and targeted malicious intent. The plea is for salvation from an ambush or cunning conspiracy rather than open conflict, signifying an acute sense of betrayal and vulnerability. It captures the essence of unexpected and concealed spiritual or physical dangers that believers may face. * "For You are my strength": This phrase expresses the foundational theological truth underlying the prayer. It demonstrates that the Psalmist's confidence for deliverance is not based on his own abilities or circumstances, but entirely on the inherent, unchanging, and protective power of God. This affirmation shifts the focus from the severity of the problem to the greatness of the Provider.

Psalm 31 4 Bonus section

The juxtaposition of the 'hidden net' (reshet ṭaman) and God as 'my strength/stronghold' (ma'ozzi) is highly significant. The "net" represents everything that is devious, deceptive, and aimed at the victim's ruin, emphasizing human weakness in the face of such cunning. Conversely, "strength" (ma'oz) represents God’s divine, overwhelming power and impenetrable faithfulness. The verse directly contrasts human malicious planning with divine protective might, showcasing God's complete superiority over any adversary's schemes. The specific Hebrew term ma'oz goes beyond mere power; it encapsulates the idea of an impregnable fortified place, a haven, underscoring that God provides not just rescue but secure, lasting refuge. This isn't a transactional request, but a prayer born out of an established, covenantal relationship between the Psalmist and his God, where 'You are my strength' is a foundational truth, not a hopeful aspiration.

Psalm 31 4 Commentary

Psalm 31:4 stands as a profound testament to a believer's absolute dependence on God in moments of extreme peril, particularly when faced with insidious, hidden dangers. The imagery of a "net secretly laid" vividly portrays cunning, malevolent plots designed to trap the innocent, far more insidious than open warfare. It highlights the experience of betrayal or unseen spiritual attack where one feels hopelessly ensnared. Yet, amidst this desperate situation, the Psalmist does not succumb to despair. Instead, his cry, "Pull me out," is an active invocation of God's power, signifying that the one praying has reached the limits of his own strength and needs a divine hand to intervene. The crucial shift is found in the powerful declaration, "For You are my strength." This statement moves the prayer from a petition born of weakness to an assertion of faith in God’s inherent character. God is not just powerful; He is my strength—a personal, intimate relationship where His might becomes the believer’s shield and secure refuge. This verse serves as a model for how to approach God when overwhelmed by unseen adversaries: acknowledge the danger, confess personal inability, and anchor all hope and plea in the unwavering omnipotence and faithfulness of the Almighty. Practically, it encourages us to bring our anxieties about hidden schemes or spiritual traps directly to God, trusting that His nature as our stronghold guarantees His active intervention.