Psalm 71 10

Psalm 71:10 kjv

For mine enemies speak against me; and they that lay wait for my soul take counsel together,

Psalm 71:10 nkjv

For my enemies speak against me; And those who lie in wait for my life take counsel together,

Psalm 71:10 niv

For my enemies speak against me; those who wait to kill me conspire together.

Psalm 71:10 esv

For my enemies speak concerning me; those who watch for my life consult together

Psalm 71:10 nlt

For my enemies are whispering against me.
They are plotting together to kill me.

Psalm 71 verses

Psalm 71 10 Meaning

Psalm 71:10 portrays the psalmist's acute distress and vulnerability due to his enemies' coordinated efforts. It reveals that adversaries are actively engaging in two specific actions: firstly, speaking maliciously against him, likely spreading calumnies or accusations to discredit him; and secondly, secretly conspiring and planning together to end his life or utterly destroy him. This verse encapsulates the intense physical and emotional threat posed by a determined, unified opposition.

Psalm 71 10 Context

Psalm 71 is a poignant prayer of an aged individual, deeply experienced in life's challenges, seeking God's unfailing protection and deliverance. Throughout the Psalm, the psalmist expresses profound reliance on God from his earliest days (verse 5-6), pleading for continuous help in old age (verse 9, 17-18). Verse 10 specifically describes the nature of the dire threat he faces, forming the immediate catalyst for his earnest pleas for divine intervention against malicious and conspiring adversaries. Historically, this psalm resonates with periods of distress for God's faithful, potentially reflecting experiences like those of David in his later life, surrounded by treachery or weakened by age, or later, exilic communities facing hostile nations.

Psalm 71 10 Word analysis

• For (כִּי - ki): A conjunction signifying cause or reason. It links this verse to the preceding prayers for deliverance, providing the basis why the psalmist needs rescue – because his enemies are actively hostile. It marks the ground for the psalmist's plea.
• mine enemies (אֹיְבַי - 'oyebay): Refers to personal adversaries, those in direct opposition to the psalmist. The plural emphasizes a multitude or group of foes, enhancing the sense of overwhelming danger. This term is consistently used in the Psalms to denote those who seek the downfall of the righteous or God's anointed.
• speak against me (דִבְּרוּ לִי - dibberu li): Literally "they speak concerning me" or "about me." While "against" accurately conveys the hostile intent, the Hebrew can also imply slandering, denouncing, or planning verbally in relation to the psalmist. It indicates the verbal aspect of their attack – whether public accusation, private calumny, or malicious plotting in their discussions. It targets reputation and integrity.
• and they that lay wait for my soul (וְשֹׁמְרֵי נַפְשִׁי - v'shom'rei nafshi): This phrase highlights a specific, insidious form of threat.
  • lay wait / watch (שֹׁמְרֵי - shom'rei): Those who watch, keep guard, or lie in ambush. Implies surveillance, stealth, and a pre-meditated, hidden trap.
  • for my soul (נַפְשִׁי - nafshi): "Soul" (נֶפֶשׁ - nephesh) here signifies the psalmist's very life, being, or personal existence. Thus, these are individuals plotting to end his life or utterly destroy his well-being. This is an existential threat.
• take counsel together (נוֹעֲצוּ יַחְדָּו - no'atsu yachdav): This emphasizes the organized and unified nature of the enemies' malevolence.
  • take counsel (נוֹעֲצוּ - no'atsu): To consult, deliberate, or conspire. It indicates intentional planning and decision-making for harmful purposes.
  • together (יַחְדָּו - yachdav): As one, jointly, in unity. It underscores that the enemies are not merely individual threats but a collective, strategic force. This heightens the perceived danger, as concerted efforts are far more effective and menacing than isolated attacks.
• "mine enemies... speak against me; and they that lay wait for my soul...": This juxtaposition presents two facets of the adversarial attack: verbal assault and covert, physical plotting. The verbal attacks undermine reputation and may create an atmosphere conducive to the physical threat. It demonstrates the multi-layered assault against the psalmist's person and standing.
• "...take counsel together,": The culmination of their malice. The joint counsel signifies a formal, shared intent and planning for destructive action. This collective scheming makes the threat appear insurmountable by human strength alone, driving the psalmist to depend entirely on God.

Psalm 71 10 Bonus section

The language used in Psalm 71:10, particularly "lay wait for my soul," echoes a predatory image, much like an animal lurking to ambush its prey. This signifies the ruthless and inhumane nature of the enemies' intentions. Furthermore, this verse can be seen as a lament that defines the depth of the spiritual conflict, highlighting that the believer's trust is often tested precisely when human opposition becomes most calculated and formidable. The Psalm, read as a whole, positions God's enduring faithfulness from youth to old age against this constant threat of human evil, demonstrating that even the aged, often seen as vulnerable, are targets, thus making their divine refuge all the more essential. This specific verse acts as the sharp description of the "why" behind the continuous prayer for salvation and unwavering confidence in God's protective power, a power explicitly requested to foil the very counsels described here.

Psalm 71 10 Commentary

Psalm 71:10 concisely lays bare the psalmist's predicament: he faces a dual assault from coordinated enemies. On one hand, their "speaking against me" suggests a campaign of slander, false accusation, or derisive taunts, aimed at eroding his reputation or weakening his resolve. This verbal aggression serves to isolate him or justify their malicious intent to others. On the other hand, the deeper threat comes from "they that lay wait for my soul," which means a secretive, insidious plotting to take his very life or destroy his well-being. This isn't just animosity; it's an active, existential threat. Their decision to "take counsel together" reveals a concerted, unified strategy, amplifying the danger beyond mere individual enmity to a collective, well-devised conspiracy. This situation exemplifies the vulnerable position of the righteous who trust in God amidst a hostile world. It prompts a deeper reliance on God as the only secure refuge when human efforts fail to counteract such deep-seated, organized malice. The psalmist's outcry stemming from this verse sets the stage for his plea for God's justice and powerful deliverance.

• Example: Just as a believer facing widespread gossip and a coordinated campaign to discredit them might feel, so the psalmist felt the crushing weight of public vilification combined with private schemes.
• Example: The verse speaks to those times when opposition seems overwhelming, not just isolated acts, but a conspiracy that feels orchestrated, reflecting the biblical truth that even righteous individuals face deep, organized antagonism.