Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.

PSALMS 27:12KJV
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Psalms 27:12 (KJV)

What does Psalms 27:12 mean?

Psalms 27:12 is a plea from David asking God not to let him fall into the hands or plans of his enemies, because people have falsely accused him and are threatening him with violence. David is expressing his fear of being overwhelmed by those who lie about him and seek to harm him.

David is speaking directly to God, describing a situation where he feels surrounded by hostile people—his "enemies"—who have brought false charges against him and are acting with cruelty. The verse shows David’s vulnerability and his trust in God to protect him from both slander and physical danger. This request fits into the larger context of Psalm 27, where David alternates between confidence in God’s protection and honest cries for help in times of trouble.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 27:12

  • "Deliver" (נָתַן, nathan, H5414): This word means "to give" or "hand over." David is asking God not to hand him over to his enemies, showing a sense of being at God's mercy regarding his fate.
  • "Will" (נֶפֶשׁ, nephesh, H5315): Often translated as "soul" or "life," here it refers to the desires or intentions of his enemies. David is asking not to be given over to what his enemies want to do to him.
  • "Enemies" (צַר, tsar, H6862): This word means adversaries or those who cause distress. David’s enemies are not just opponents but people actively seeking to harm him.
  • "False" (שֶׁקֶר, sheqer, H8267) and "witnesses" (עֵד, ed, H5707): These words together point to people who are lying about David in a formal or legal sense, not just spreading rumors but making false accusations.
  • "Cruelty" (חָמָס, chamas, H2555): This word means violence or wrongdoing. The people against David are not just lying; they are also threatening or acting with violence.

Why Psalms 27:12 matters

  • This verse clarifies that David’s troubles are not just physical threats but also involve slander and false accusations, showing the range of dangers he faces.
  • The verse highlights David’s honesty with God about his fears, modeling how someone can bring both their confidence and their anxieties to God in prayer.
  • In the context of Psalm 27, this plea helps explain why David’s trust in God is so important—he is not just facing vague troubles, but specific, unjust attacks from people around him.

Where else these words appear

“witnesses” Hebrew H5707 · used in 59 verses

  • Genesis 31:44 Now therefore come thou, let us make a covenant, I and thou; and let it be for a witness between me and thee.
  • Joshua 22:27 But that it may be a witness between us, and you, and our generations after us, that we might do the service of the LORD before him with our burnt offerings, and with our sacrifices, and with our peace offerings; that your children may not say to our children in time to come, Ye have no part in the LORD.
  • Proverbs 19:28 An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.

“cruelty” Hebrew H2555 · used in 59 verses

  • Genesis 6:11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.
  • Psalms 72:14 He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence: and precious shall their blood be in his sight.
  • Jeremiah 51:46 And lest your heart faint, and ye fear for the rumour that shall be heard in the land; a rumour shall both come one year, and after that in another year shall come a rumour, and violence in the land, ruler against ruler.

“enemies” Hebrew H6862 · used in 102 verses

  • Genesis 14:20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.
  • Psalms 18:6 In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.
  • Proverbs 23:27 For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit.

“false” 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 144:11 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:
  • 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.