Psalm 71 4

Psalm 71:4 kjv

Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.

Psalm 71:4 nkjv

Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, Out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.

Psalm 71:4 niv

Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of those who are evil and cruel.

Psalm 71:4 esv

Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and cruel man.

Psalm 71:4 nlt

My God, rescue me from the power of the wicked,
from the clutches of cruel oppressors.

Psalm 71 verses

Psalm 71 4 Meaning

Psalm 71:4 is an earnest plea from an individual, likely elderly and facing intense persecution, for God's divine intervention. The psalmist implores the Lord, addressed intimately as "my God," to rescue him from the grasp and oppressive power of individuals characterized as "wicked," "unrighteous," and "cruel." This verse underscores a profound trust in God as the ultimate deliverer from severe human antagonism.

Psalm 71 4 Context

Psalm 71 is a poignant prayer of an elderly person, perhaps King David in his later years or another aged servant of God, facing grave personal danger and humiliation from relentless enemies. The psalm is characterized by deep trust in God, remembrance of God's faithfulness from youth, and fervent appeals for deliverance and vindication. The immediate context of verse 4 falls within the initial petitions (verses 1-6), where the psalmist establishes God as his refuge and deliverer, recounting a lifelong relationship of dependence on the Almighty. The plea against "the wicked, the unrighteous, and cruel man" speaks to the pervasive and deeply personal nature of the suffering experienced by the psalmist at the hands of those who are morally bankrupt and physically threatening, potentially aiming for his death or disgrace (as indicated in later verses like Psa 71:10, 13).

Psalm 71 4 Word analysis

• Deliver me (חַלְּצֵנִי - ḥalṣēnī): A strong verb meaning "to draw out," "pull out," "rescue," or "set free." It implies a state of being entangled, trapped, or bound, from which the psalmist urgently desires liberation. It is not merely a request for protection, but for an active extraction from a perilous situation.

• O my God (אֱלֹהַי - ʾElohai): This is an intimate, possessive address, signifying a deep personal relationship and covenantal trust. It shows the psalmist's sole reliance on God and acknowledges Him as his personal sovereign and Helper. It is a declaration of personal faith amidst distress.

• Out of the hand (מִכַּף - miKkaf): This idiomatic expression signifies "from the power," "from the control," "from the grip" or "from the reach" of another. It emphasizes that the enemies possess the means and intent to inflict harm, and the psalmist feels subject to their power unless God intervenes. The repetition underscores the grave extent of the enemies' oppressive power.

• Of the wicked (רָשָׁע - rāshāʿ): Refers to the morally evil, impious, guilty, or ungodly. These are individuals whose actions and intentions are contrary to God's will and law, marked by rebellion and injustice.

• Of the unrighteous (עַוָּל - ʿawwāl): Denotes those who are crooked, unjust, or perverse in their dealings. While rāshāʿ indicates moral depravity against God, ʿawwāl specifically points to ethical wrongdoing, particularly in terms of injustice, oppression, and corruption in human affairs.

• And cruel man (וְחֹמֵץ - wəḥomēṣ): The Hebrew word ḥomēṣ (often transliterated as chametz in its original form) primarily refers to that which is "leavened" or "sour." However, in this context and based on the Qere (traditional reading) of the Masoretic Text, it is understood as a participial noun derived from a verb meaning "to oppress," "to treat violently," or "to do injury." Thus, it describes a violent, brutal, or aggressive individual, one who causes pain and brings suffering. This progression from "wicked" to "unrighteous" to "cruel" shows an escalating intensity of malevolence and threat.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "Deliver me, O my God": This immediate juxtaposition highlights the desperate personal need for God's active rescue. It underscores the intimate and singular reliance on God, a direct appeal born of established faith, indicating that no human means of escape or help is available or sufficient.
  • "out of the hand... out of the hand": The repetition of "out of the hand" emphasizes the perceived totality and severity of the enemies' grip. It conveys a deep sense of vulnerability and entrapment, demonstrating that the psalmist is under immediate threat and subject to the direct power and malicious will of his adversaries.
  • "the wicked, the unrighteous and cruel man": This three-fold description is cumulative, painting a vivid and progressively darker picture of the enemies. They are not merely morally errant ("wicked"), nor simply unjust in their actions ("unrighteous"), but are actively violent, oppressive, and inflicting suffering ("cruel"). This suggests adversaries who are spiritually rebellious, ethically corrupt, and physically malevolent, encompassing the full spectrum of evil.

Psalm 71 4 Bonus section

The threefold description of the enemies—wicked (moral/spiritual rebellion), unrighteous (ethical injustice), and cruel (violent oppression)—is a common biblical rhetorical device, known as hendiatris or amplification. This literary technique intensifies the portrayal of the antagonist, illustrating their comprehensive malevolence on every level: heart, action, and effect. It shows that the psalmist's suffering isn't casual; it stems from a profound spiritual and ethical perversion directed towards him. The "hand" as a symbol of power and control is deeply ingrained in ancient Near Eastern and biblical cultures, often used to signify dominance or ownership. Deliverance "from the hand" means being released from total subjugation and having one's freedom restored by a greater power. This highlights God's sovereignty even over human authority and aggression.

Psalm 71 4 Commentary

Psalm 71:4 is a powerful testament to the desperation and steadfast faith of a believer facing overwhelming adversity. It portrays the psalmist, possibly David in old age, caught in the grip of powerful and malevolent adversaries. His cry to be delivered "out of the hand" signifies not just a request for general safety, but for extraction from the direct control and oppressive schemes of these enemies. The specific categorization of his foes as "wicked," "unrighteous," and "cruel" demonstrates a full understanding of their character: they are not just opponents, but those morally corrupt (wicked), ethically unjust in their dealings (unrighteous), and physically violent or oppressive in their methods (cruel). This triple indictment elevates the nature of the threat, making the need for divine intervention paramount. The personal address, "O my God," roots the entire plea in a lifelong, intimate relationship with the Lord, asserting that despite the power of his enemies, God remains his sole and reliable refuge and deliverer. It's a prayer of absolute dependency on God's omnipotence to overcome seemingly insurmountable human malice. This verse serves as an enduring model for those facing profound injustice and persecution, reminding them to turn directly to the Living God, whose arm is not too short to save from the direst human grip.

• Practical usage: When facing unfair accusations or being oppressed by those who delight in causing harm, believers can echo this prayer, placing their plight squarely in God's hands. When facing systemic injustice that feels overwhelming, one can cling to "O my God," trusting His intervention above all human remedies.