Psalm 11

"Trapped birds"

Purpose: To rebuke and exhort those who doubt YHWH's righteous rule.

Content: Flee, because we are under attack, and YHWH will not protect us, the righteous. But I have sought refuge in YHWH, because YHWH is righteous, and he will protect the righteous.

Message: "YHWH is righteous" (v. 7a).

Author: David

Overview

Translation

Click 'Expand' to the right to see our Close-but-Clear translation of Psalm 11.

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1. For the director. By David.

I have sought refuge in YHWH. How can you say to me,

"Flee to your mountain, birds!

2. For look! The wicked people are about to bend the bow.

They have put their arrows in place on the string

in order to shoot in deep darkness at the upright in heart.

3. For the foundations are about to be destroyed.

What has the righteous person done?"

4. YHWH is in his holy temple;

YHWH – his throne is in heaven.

His eyes observe;

his eyelids test humans.

5. YHWH refines the righteous person,

but his soul hates the wicked person, who loves violence.

6. May he rain traps on wicked people!

May the portion in their cup be fire, brimstone, and a scorching wind!

7. For YHWH is righteous; he loves righteous acts;

the upright people will look at his face.

The Close-but-clear translation (CBC) exists to provide a window into the Hebrew text according to how we understand its syntax and word-to-phrase-level semantics. It is not intended to be used as a stand-alone translation or base text, but as a supplement to Layer-by-Layer materials to help users make full use of these resources.

For links to other translations of Psalm 11, click here.

Verse-by-Verse

Click the link to view all of Psalm 11 Verse-by-Verse, or click on an individual verse below.

• v. 1
• v. 2
• v. 3
• v. 4
• v. 5
• v. 6
• v. 7

Layer-by-Layer

Psalm Overview

• Grammar
• Semantics
• Story behind the Psalm
• Discourse
• Poetics

Exegetical Issues

• The Text, Grammar, and Meaning of Ps. 11:1b
• The Semantics of Ps. 11:3
• The Division of Ps. 11:5