Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood:

PSALMS 144:11KJV
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Psalms 144:11 (KJV)

What does Psalms 144:11 mean?

Psalms 144:11 is a prayer asking God to rescue and deliver the speaker from people who are deceitful and untrustworthy, described as "strange children" whose words are empty and whose promises cannot be trusted. The verse highlights a plea for protection from those who speak lies and act dishonestly.

King David is speaking in this psalm, calling out to God for help against enemies who are not only foreign but also marked by their falsehood and empty talk. The phrase "strange children" refers to people who are outsiders or who act in ways that are unfaithful and deceptive. David is concerned not just with physical danger, but also with the harm caused by lies and broken promises in his society.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 144:11

  • "Strange" (נֵכָר, nekar): This word often means "foreign" or "alien," but here it points to people who are not just outsiders by nationality, but also by their untrustworthy character.
  • "Vanity" (שָׁוְא, shav): This word means "emptiness" or "worthlessness," emphasizing that the speech of these people is hollow and unreliable.
  • "Right hand of falsehood" (יְמִין שָׁקֶר, yemin sheqer): The "right hand" is usually a symbol of strength or trust, but here it is called a "right hand of falsehood," showing that even their strongest promises or actions are deceptive.

Why Psalms 144:11 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David's concern is not only with physical enemies but also with the damage caused by dishonesty and broken trust in relationships and society.
  • The focus on "vanity" and "falsehood" shows that the psalm is about more than just military threats; it is about the moral and social dangers of living among people who cannot be trusted.
  • Understanding the original words and images helps readers see that the plea is for deliverance from both external and internal threats—those who are "strange" not just by origin, but by their actions and character.

Where else these words appear

“Rid” Hebrew H6475 · used in 15 verses

  • Genesis 4:11 And now art thou cursed from the earth, which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand;
  • Judges 11:36 And she said unto him, My father, if thou hast opened thy mouth unto the LORD, do to me according to that which hath proceeded out of thy mouth; forasmuch as the LORD hath taken vengeance for thee of thine enemies, even of the children of Ammon.
  • Psalms 144:10 It is he that giveth salvation unto kings: who delivereth David his servant from the hurtful sword.

“strange” Hebrew H5236 · used in 35 verses

  • Genesis 17:12 And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed.
  • 1 Samuel 7:3 And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.
  • Psalms 144:7 Send thine hand from above; rid me, and deliver me out of great waters, from the hand of strange children;

“vanity” Hebrew H7723 · used in 48 verses

  • Exodus 20:7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
  • Psalms 89:47 Remember how short my time is: wherefore hast thou made all men in vain?
  • Jeremiah 46:11 Go up into Gilead, and take balm, O virgin, the daughter of Egypt: in vain shalt thou use many medicines; for thou shalt not be cured.

“falsehood” Hebrew H8267 · used in 109 verses

  • Exodus 5:9 Let there more work be laid upon the men, that they may labour therein; and let them not regard vain words.
  • Psalms 144:8 Whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood.
  • Jeremiah 8:8 How do ye say, We are wise, and the law of the LORD is with us? Lo, certainly in vain made he it; the pen of the scribes is in vain.