Psalm 36 11

Psalm 36:11 kjv

Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me.

Psalm 36:11 nkjv

Let not the foot of pride come against me, And let not the hand of the wicked drive me away.

Psalm 36:11 niv

May the foot of the proud not come against me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.

Psalm 36:11 esv

Let not the foot of arrogance come upon me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.

Psalm 36:11 nlt

Don't let the proud trample me
or the wicked push me around.

Psalm 36 verses

Psalm 36 11 Meaning

Psalm 36:11 is a fervent prayer from the psalmist, seeking divine protection from the oppressive power and aggressive actions of the proud and the wicked. It expresses a desire for spiritual and physical steadfastness, asking God to prevent human arrogance and malice from destabilizing the psalmist's walk with God or from causing them to stumble and be dislodged from their firm standing in faith and righteousness. It highlights the stark contrast between God's unwavering faithfulness and justice (as celebrated in earlier verses of Ps 36) and the encroaching forces of human pride and evil.

Psalm 36 11 Context

Psalm 36 presents a profound contrast between the nature of the wicked and the attributes of God. Verses 1-4 describe the "transgression of the wicked" from the psalmist's perspective, portraying their self-deception, sinfulness, and inherent rebellion against God, where "there is no fear of God before his eyes." Verses 5-9 shift dramatically, praising God's unparalleled lovingkindness, faithfulness, righteousness, and justice, extending to all creation. This section marvels at God's abundant provision and protection, depicting Him as the "fountain of life" and the source of light. Verse 11, therefore, concludes the psalm by bridging these two themes: it is a prayer for protection based on God's established character (His justice and faithfulness) against the described characteristics of the wicked (their pride and destructive intentions). The historical context aligns with an individual praying amidst prevalent ungodliness or societal oppression, seeking God's intervention to preserve the righteous from succumbing to the power or influence of the unrighteous.

Psalm 36 11 Word analysis

• Let not: A fervent supplication, indicating reliance on divine intervention and not human strength. It frames the verse as an urgent plea to God.
• the foot: Hebrew regel (רֶגֶל). Symbolically represents movement, aggression, subjugation, treading down, or making a destructive advance. In a spiritual context, it signifies the path or advance of a person or influence.
• of pride: Hebrew zadon (זָדוֹן). Denotes arrogance, presumptuousness, insolence, and rebellion against divine authority. It signifies haughty contempt for God's laws and justice. It is not just confidence but an inflated, sinful self-regard. This pride is depicted as an active, encroaching force.
• come against me: Implies an attack, an assault, a violation, or gaining a footing of control over the psalmist. The prayer seeks to prevent any form of arrogant aggression from overwhelming the righteous.
• Nor let: A continuation of the earnest petition, reinforcing the request for divine prevention.
• the hand: Hebrew yad (יַד). Symbolically represents power, authority, action, agency, or violent capability. It points to the active, decisive power exerted by the wicked.
• of the wicked: Hebrew rashaʿ (רָשָׁע). Refers to the ungodly, lawless, or those guilty of violating divine ordinances. This contrasts sharply with God's righteousness earlier in the psalm.
• drive me away: Hebrew taniʿēni (תְנִיעֵנִי), from the root nuʿa (נוּעַ), meaning to shake, reel, totter, wander, dislodge, or move from a stable position. It indicates being displaced, made insecure, exiled, or led astray from one's righteous standing or place of security in God. The prayer is against losing one's spiritual footing or physical safety.

Word-groups Analysis

• "the foot of pride": This vivid personification highlights the active, aggressive, and invading nature of arrogance. Pride isn't just an internal state but an outward force, symbolized by a foot making an advance to dominate or crush. It implicitly carries a polemic against reliance on human strength or self-exaltation.
• "the hand of the wicked": This similarly powerful personification emphasizes the agency and power of evil people to inflict harm, oppress, or displace others. "Hand" signifies effective action or coercive power. The combination warns against the practical consequences of unrighteousness directed towards the believer.
• "come against me" and "drive me away": These parallel phrases describe two facets of an attack: the initial invasive act and the desired outcome for the aggressor (dislodgment/ruin for the psalmist). The psalmist prays for protection against both the assault and its intended effect, desiring stability and perseverance.

Psalm 36 11 Bonus section

The juxtaposition of human 'foot' and 'hand' representing hostile agency with the preceding celebration of God's encompassing 'shadow' (Ps 36:7) and the 'light' by which we see (Ps 36:9) creates a powerful rhetorical contrast. God's protective embrace and illuminating presence are presented as the true refuge against the encroaching darkness of pride and wickedness. The verse emphasizes an active, rather than passive, spiritual battle where divine intervention is essential. This prayer highlights the constant need for dependence on God in the face of spiritual and earthly opposition, reaffirming the Lord as the ultimate Protector and Upholder. The Hebrew term zadon (pride) also implies an act of willful transgression against God, indicating that the source of the danger is not mere human frailty but deliberate rebellion and self-exaltation.

Psalm 36 11 Commentary

Psalm 36:11 is a crucial prayer nestled between a depiction of ultimate depravity and absolute divine glory. It serves as the believer's direct appeal to God's character amidst a world actively hostile to righteousness. The "foot of pride" signifies the presumptuous, arrogant advancement of those who deny God, seeking to dominate or destroy the humble. It speaks to an unyielding desire by the ungodly to suppress truth and righteousness. Simultaneously, the "hand of the wicked" denotes the oppressive power, practical actions, and oppressive control wielded by those hostile to God's ways. The core plea is against being destabilized, dislodged, or made to stumble spiritually or physically by such forces. This is not merely a prayer for physical safety but also for spiritual integrity and steadfastness, asking that one's faith and righteous walk not be overthrown. The verse reinforces the profound truth that our stability and ultimate preservation rest solely in God's faithfulness and justice, against which all human pride and wickedness will ultimately fail. For example, when faced with overwhelming pressures to compromise one's faith, this verse can be a prayer against being "driven away" from divine truth.