New International VersionThey are like a lion hungry for prey, like a fierce lion crouching in cover.
New Living TranslationThey are like hungry lions, eager to tear me apart— like young lions hiding in ambush.
English Standard VersionHe is like a lion eager to tear, as a young lion lurking in ambush.
Berean Standard Biblelike a lion greedy for prey, like a young lion lurking in ambush.
King James BibleLike as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.
New King James VersionAs a lion is eager to tear his prey, And like a young lion lurking in secret places.
New American Standard BibleHe is like a lion that is eager to tear, And as a young lion lurking in secret places.
NASB 1995He is like a lion that is eager to tear, And as a young lion lurking in hiding places.
NASB 1977He is like a lion that is eager to tear, And as a young lion lurking in hiding places.
Legacy Standard BibleHe is like a lion that is eager to tear, And as a young lion lurking in hiding places.
Amplified BibleHe is like a lion eager to tear [his prey], And like a young lion lurking in hiding places.
Christian Standard BibleThey are like a lion eager to tear, like a young lion lurking in ambush.
Holman Christian Standard BibleThey are like a lion eager to tear, like a young lion lurking in ambush.
American Standard VersionHe is like a lion that is greedy of his prey, And as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.
Contemporary English VersionThey are like hungry lions hunting for food, or like young lions hiding in ambush.
English Revised VersionHe is like a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationEach one of them is like a lion eager to tear [its prey] apart and like a young lion crouching in hiding places.
Good News TranslationThey are like lions, waiting for me, wanting to tear me to pieces.
International Standard VersionLike a lion they desire to rip us to pieces, like a young lion waiting in ambush.
NET BibleHe is like a lion that wants to tear its prey to bits, like a young lion crouching in hidden places.
New Heart English BibleHe is like a lion that is greedy of his prey, as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.
Webster's Bible TranslationLike as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Biblelike a lion greedy for prey, like a young lion lurking in ambush.
World English BibleHe is like a lion that is greedy of his prey, as it were a young lion lurking in secret places. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionHis likeness as a lion desirous to tear, "" As a young lion dwelling in secret places.
Young's Literal Translation His likeness as a lion desirous to tear, As a young lion dwelling in secret places.
Smith's Literal TranslationHis likeness as a lion will long for the prey, and as a young lion dwelling in secret places. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThey have taken me, as a lion prepared for the prey; and as a young lion dwelling in secret places.
Catholic Public Domain VersionThey have taken me, like a lion ready for the prey, and like a young lion dwelling in hiding.
New American Bible
Like lions eager for prey, like a young lion lurking in ambush.
New Revised Standard Version
They are like a lion eager to tear, like a young lion lurking in ambush.Translations from Aramaic Lamsa Bible
They are like a lion that is eager to prey, and like a young lion lurking in secret places.
Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
They are like a lion which seeks to tear apart and like a lion's whelp which sits in a secret place.OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917
He is like a lion that is eager to tear in pieces, And like a young lion lurking in secret places.
Brenton Septuagint Translation
They laid wait for me as a lion ready for prey, and like a lion's whelp dwelling in secretplaces.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Hear My Righteous Plea… 11They have tracked us down, and now surround us; their eyes are set to cast us to the ground, 12like a liongreedyfor prey,like a young lionlurkingin ambush.13Arise, O LORD, confront them! Bring them to their knees; deliver me from the wicked by Your sword,…
Cross References 1 Peter 5:8Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Revelation 12:9-10And the great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. / And I heard a loud voice in heaven saying: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ. For the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down—he who accuses them day and night before our God.
John 10:10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness.
Matthew 7:15Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.
2 Timothy 4:17But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles would hear it. So I was delivered from the mouth of the lion.
Acts 20:29I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.
1 Thessalonians 5:3While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
Luke 22:31Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you like wheat.
2 Corinthians 11:14And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
Ephesians 6:11-12Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. / For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Genesis 49:9Judah is a young lion—my son, you return from the prey. Like a lion he crouches and lies down; like a lioness, who dares to rouse him?
Hosea 13:7-8So like a lion I will pounce on them; like a leopard I will lurk by the path. / Like a bear robbed of her cubs I will attack them, and I will tear open their chests. There I will devour them like a lion, like a wild beast tearing them apart.
Daniel 6:24At the command of the king, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought and thrown into the den of lions—they and their children and wives. And before they had reached the bottom of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.
Isaiah 31:4For this is what the LORD has said to me: “Like a lion roaring or a young lion over its prey—and though a band of shepherds is called out against it, it is not terrified by their shouting or subdued by their clamor—so the LORD of Hosts will come down to do battle on Mount Zion and its heights.
Jeremiah 5:6Therefore a lion from the forest will strike them down, a wolf from the desert will ravage them. A leopard will lie in wait near their cities, and everyone who ventures out will be torn to pieces. For their rebellious acts are many, and their unfaithful deeds are numerous.
Treasury of Scripture Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places. Like, etc. Psalm 7:2 Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rendingit in pieces, whilethere is none to deliver. Psalm 22:13 They gaped upon mewith their mouths,as a ravening and a roaring lion. 2 Timothy 4:17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, andthat all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. lurking [Heb. Jump to Previous AmbushCoverCrouchingDesiringDesirousDwellingEagerFoodGreatGreedyHidingHungryLionPiecesPlacesPreySecretTearWaitingYoungJump to Next AmbushCoverCrouchingDesiringDesirousDwellingEagerFoodGreatGreedyHidingHungryLionPiecesPlacesPreySecretTearWaitingYoungPsalm 17 1.David, in confidence of his integrity, craves defense of God against his enemies10.He shows their pride, craft, and eagerness13.He prays against them in confidence of his hopelike a lion greedy for preyThis phrase evokes the imagery of a lion, a powerful and fearsome predator, symbolizing the intense and relentless pursuit of David's enemies. In biblical times, lions were common in the regions of Israel and were known for their strength and ferocity. The lion is often used in Scripture to represent danger and destruction (e.g., 1 Peter 5:8, where Satan is described as a roaring lion seeking someone to devour). This imagery underscores the threat David feels from his adversaries, who are eager to harm him. The lion's greediness for prey highlights the insatiable and aggressive nature of these enemies, reflecting their determination to destroy David without mercy. like a young lion lurking in ambush
The young lion, or "young lion" in some translations, suggests a creature that is not only strong but also cunning and strategic. Young lions are known for their energy and ability to hide and wait patiently for the right moment to strike. This part of the verse emphasizes the stealth and deceit of David's foes, who are lying in wait to catch him off guard. The concept of ambush indicates a premeditated and calculated attack, further illustrating the danger David faces. This imagery can be connected to other biblical passages where enemies are described as lying in wait (e.g.,Psalm 10:9). The lurking young lion can also be seen as a type of the adversaries of Christ, who plotted against Him in secret, ultimately leading to His crucifixion. Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe author of Psalm 17, David is expressing his plea for God's protection against his enemies. He often uses vivid imagery to describe the threats he faces. 2. EnemiesThough not named specifically in this verse, David's enemies are likened to lions, symbolizing their ferocity and intent to harm. 3. LionA powerful and fearsome predator, the lion is used metaphorically to describe the danger and aggression of David's adversaries. 4. AmbushThis term indicates a hidden or surprise attack, emphasizing the stealth and cunning of David's enemies. Teaching Points Vigilance Against Spiritual ThreatsJust as David was aware of the physical threats from his enemies, Christians must be vigilant against spiritual threats, recognizing the devil's tactics and staying grounded in faith. Trust in God's ProtectionDespite the ferocity of his enemies, David's psalm is ultimately a prayer for divine protection. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's ability to safeguard them from harm. The Power of PrayerDavid's response to danger is to pray. This teaches the importance of turning to God in times of trouble, seeking His guidance and protection. Recognizing the Enemy's TacticsUnderstanding that the enemy often uses stealth and deception, Christians should be discerning and wise, relying on the Holy Spirit for insight. Lists and Questions Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 17
What qualities define a good shepherd in scripture?
Is the reference to enemies being like “lions” in Psalm 57:4 simply poetic imagery, or does it exaggerate any verifiable historical threat David faced?
Where is the historical or archaeological evidence for the specific persecutions mentioned in Psalm 17:9-12?
How does the Bible describe lions' strength and power?(12) Young lion.--Heb., kephir.The Hebrew has seven different names for the lion. Milton's description of Satan naturally recurs to the reader-- "About them round A lion now he stalks with fiery glare." Verse 12. - Like as a lion that is greedyof his prey; literally, his likeness [is] as a lion that is greedy to rend (comp. Psalm 7:2; Psalm 10:9; Psalm 57:4). And as it were a young lion ( kephir, "a lion in the first burst of youthful vigour") lurking insecret places; rather, crouching. The attitude of the lieu when he is just preparing to spring.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew like a lionכְּ֭אַרְיֵה(kə·’ar·yêh)Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 738:A liongreedyיִכְס֣וֹף(yiḵ·sō·wp̄)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3700:To become pale, to pine after, to fearfor prey,לִטְר֑וֹף(liṭ·rō·wp̄)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 2963:To pluck off, pull to pieces, to supply with foodlike a young lionוְ֝כִכְפִ֗יר(wə·ḵiḵ·p̄îr)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3715:A village, a young lionlurkingיֹשֵׁ֥ב(yō·šêḇ)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3427:To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marryin ambush.בְּמִסְתָּרִֽים׃(bə·mis·tā·rîm)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4565:A secret place, hiding place
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OT Poetry: Psalm 17:12 He is like a lion that (Psalm Ps Psa.) |
