Psalm 59 3

Psalm 59:3 kjv

For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O LORD.

Psalm 59:3 nkjv

For look, they lie in wait for my life; The mighty gather against me, Not for my transgression nor for my sin, O LORD.

Psalm 59:3 niv

See how they lie in wait for me! Fierce men conspire against me for no offense or sin of mine, LORD.

Psalm 59:3 esv

For behold, they lie in wait for my life; fierce men stir up strife against me. For no transgression or sin of mine, O LORD,

Psalm 59:3 nlt

They have set an ambush for me.
Fierce enemies are out there waiting, LORD,
though I have not sinned or offended them.

Psalm 59 verses

Psalm 59 3 Meaning

Psalm 59:3 portrays King David's desperate plea to the Lord, highlighting the unjust and malicious nature of his persecutors. It describes their lethal intent—to ambush and take his life—and their aggressive unity against him. Crucially, David asserts before God that these violent actions are not the consequence of any transgression or sin on his part against them or God, appealing to divine justice for his unprovoked suffering.

Psalm 59 3 Context

Psalm 59 is a Michtam, a prayerful song or skilled writing by David, recorded at a moment of extreme peril. Its superscription specifically connects it to 1 Samuel 19:11-17, when King Saul sent messengers to David’s house with the intent to kill him. This psalm is a heartfelt lament, portraying David's imminent danger from formidable enemies who, without just cause, seek his life. The setting is likely at night, adding to the tension and treachery, and David describes his enemies using imagery of prowling dogs (v. 6, 14-15), emphasizing their ravenous and persistent malice. His declaration of innocence in verse 3 is foundational, providing the moral basis for his urgent plea for God’s intervention and vindication.

Psalm 59 3 Word analysis

• "For behold," (כִּי הִנֵּה, ki hinneh): "For" (ki) indicates a reason or explanation for what precedes (an implied cry for help). "Behold" (hinneh) is an emphatic particle, drawing immediate and urgent attention to the severe reality David faces. It's a call to witness the imminent danger.
• "they lie in wait" (יֶאֱרְבוּ, ya'arvu): Derived from the Hebrew root אָרַב ('arab), meaning "to ambush," "to lie in wait," "to lurk." This denotes a planned, hidden, and treacherous attack, highlighting the insidious and cowardly nature of David's enemies rather than open combat.
• "for my life" (לְנַפְשִׁי, le-naphshi): "Nephesh" (נֶפֶשׁ) in Hebrew encompasses not just the "soul" but the entire being, the self, the vital force. The intent is total annihilation, aiming for David's very existence.
• "fierce men" (עַזִּים, azzim): From the Hebrew adjective עַז ('az), meaning "strong," "mighty," "ruthless," "bold," or "violent." This term characterizes the enemies as powerful, relentless, and lacking restraint or compassion in their hostility.
• "stir up strife" (יִגּוֹרוּ, yiggoru): From the Hebrew root גּוּר (gur), meaning "to gather," "to assemble," or "to attack." In this context, it suggests active preparation for conflict, an organized banding together for hostile purposes. They are not merely antagonistic but actively creating or intensifying conflict.
• "against me," (עָלַי, alai): A direct and personal indication of the object of their hostility.
• "not for my transgression," (לֹא־פִשְׁעִי, lo-pishi): "Pesha" (פֶּשַׁע) refers to a deliberate rebellion, revolt, or breach of covenant. David denies any act of defiant sin or high-handed offense that would justly provoke such extreme aggression against him.
• "nor for my sin," (וְלֹא־חַטָּאתִי, ve-lo-chatati): "Chatta'ah" (חַטָּאָה) broadly means "sin," or "missing the mark." This general term for moral failing emphasizes David's assertion that there is no general wrongdoing on his part that warrants this deadly persecution. He does not claim perfect sinlessness before God, but asserts his innocence in relation to the actions of his enemies.
• "O LORD." (יְהוָה, YHWH): The covenant name of God, indicating His personal, relational, and unchanging character. David appeals directly to God, whose attributes include perfect justice and faithfulness to His people, implying that YHWH is the ultimate witness and righteous judge of his situation.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "For behold, they lie in wait for my life;": This phrase powerfully sets the scene of an imminent, grave danger. The "behold" creates a sense of urgency, forcing attention to the life-threatening, clandestine operation of his enemies who seek his total destruction. It speaks to a deeply personal and existential threat.
• "fierce men stir up strife against me,": This further clarifies the nature of the assailants and their aggression. They are not only treacherous but also strong, violent, and actively initiating conflict against David. It indicates a powerful, organized, and unbridled opposition.
• "not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O LORD.": This declaration is the ethical and theological core of the verse. It establishes David's plea of innocence before the Divine Judge. By disclaiming "transgression" (deliberate rebellion) and "sin" (general wrongdoing) relative to their actions, he highlights the absolute injustice and malevolence of his enemies. This appeal to YHWH directly engages God's character as the righteous judge who intervenes on behalf of the wrongly persecuted, legitimizing his urgent prayer for deliverance.

Psalm 59 3 Bonus section

• Typological Connection to Christ: David's experience of being persecuted without cause strongly foreshadows the perfect innocence and unjust suffering of Jesus Christ. Just as David asserted, Christ truly "committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth" (Isa 53:9; 1 Pet 2:22), yet He was hated and persecuted "without cause" (Jn 15:25) and crucified for humanity's transgressions, not His own.
• Human Sin vs. God's Justice: While David asserts innocence regarding his current persecution, this does not contradict his acknowledgment of personal sin elsewhere (e.g., Ps 51). Here, the emphasis is on the lack of justifiable grounds for his enemies' murderous actions, affirming that God’s justice is based on truth, not false accusations. This reinforces that while all have sinned against God, wrongful persecution by man is distinct and still merits divine intervention.

Psalm 59 3 Commentary

Psalm 59:3 articulates the core of David's desperate plea in the face of Saul’s attempts to murder him. The urgency in "For behold" introduces a stark reality: powerful, malicious enemies are not merely hostile but are actively engaged in a premeditated conspiracy to end his life. The vivid language describing "fierce men" ambushing and "stirring up strife" underscores their ruthless determination and the critical nature of David's plight. His pivotal assertion, "not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O LORD," is central to the Psalm’s appeal. It isn't a declaration of absolute perfection, but a vehement denial of any just cause for his enemies' actions from his perspective or God's perspective regarding their specific charges. This plea directly invokes YHWH, the covenant-keeping God, as the supreme and righteous arbiter who sees truth and injustice. David trusts that God, who knows the secrets of the heart, will discern his innocence in this particular conflict, providing the foundation for His divine intervention and delivering His faithful servant from unmerited violence. This verse establishes the ground for a righteous lament and an expectation of God's just deliverance.