A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.

PSALMS 3:1KJV
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Psalms 3:1 (KJV)

What does Psalms 3:1 mean?

Psalms 3:1 describes David crying out to God because many people have turned against him and are causing him trouble. The verse shows David’s distress as he notices that those who oppose him are growing in number.

David is speaking directly to the LORD while he is fleeing from his son Absalom, who has started a rebellion against him. The verse sets the scene for the whole psalm, highlighting David’s sense of being overwhelmed by enemies and his urgent need for help. This moment captures both the personal pain of betrayal by family and the public danger of many adversaries.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 3:1

  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible, showing that David is addressing God directly and personally, not just making a general complaint.
  • increased (רָבָה, rabah): This word means to become many or to multiply. David is not just facing a few opponents—he feels surrounded by a growing number of people who want to harm him.
  • trouble (צָרַר, tsarar): This word often means to be in distress, to be hemmed in, or to be under pressure. It highlights the intensity of David’s situation, not just the number of enemies but the real threat they pose.
  • up (קוּם, qum): This word means to rise up, often used for people taking a stand against someone. It suggests active opposition, not just passive dislike.

Why Psalms 3:1 matters

  • Psalms 3:1 clears up that David’s trouble is not just from outside enemies but from those close to him, including his own son, making the situation deeply personal and painful.
  • The verse emphasizes that David’s distress is not exaggerated—his enemies really are increasing, which sets the tone for the rest of the psalm as a cry for help in a desperate time.
  • Understanding the setting helps readers see the honesty of David’s prayer, showing that the Bible includes real human emotions and struggles, not just idealized faith.

Where else these words appear

“increased” Hebrew H7231 · used in 17 verses

  • Genesis 6:1 And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them,
  • Psalms 38:19 But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied.
  • Isaiah 22:9 Ye have seen also the breaches of the city of David, that they are many: and ye gathered together the waters of the lower pool.

“Psalm” Hebrew H4210 · used in 57 verses

  • Psalms 4:1 To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm of David. Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.
  • Psalms 39:1 To the chief Musician, even to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David. I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.
  • Psalms 79:1 A Psalm of Asaph. O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps.

“fled” Hebrew H1272 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 16:6 But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee. And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face.
  • 1 Samuel 22:20 And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.
  • Job 9:25 Now my days are swifter than a post: they flee away, they see no good.

“Absalom” Hebrew H53 · used in 92 verses

  • 2 Samuel 3:3 And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;
  • 2 Samuel 15:1 And it came to pass after this, that Absalom prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him.
  • 2 Samuel 17:15 Then said Hushai unto Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, Thus and thus did Ahithophel counsel Absalom and the elders of Israel; and thus and thus have I counselled.