I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.

PSALMS 3:6KJV
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Psalms 3:6 (KJV)

What does Psalms 3:6 mean?

Psalms 3:6 expresses the speaker’s confidence and lack of fear, even when surrounded by a huge number of enemies. The verse shows a trust that is not shaken by overwhelming opposition, no matter how many people are against the speaker.

King David is speaking in this psalm, addressing God during a time when he was fleeing from his son Absalom, who had led a rebellion against him. The verse highlights David’s trust in God’s protection, even though he is outnumbered and encircled by those who want to harm him.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 3:6

  • "afraid" (יָרֵא, yare): This word often means to fear or be terrified. Here, it emphasizes that David is making a conscious choice not to let fear control him, even in a dire situation.
  • "thousands" (רְבָבוֹת, revavot): This word refers to a very large number, often used to suggest an overwhelming force. The use of "ten thousands" paints a picture of an almost impossible situation, making David’s confidence stand out even more.
  • "people" (עָם, am): This word means a group or nation, not just a few individuals. David is not just facing a handful of opponents, but a whole crowd or army.
  • "set" (שָׁתָה, shath): This word means to place or set something firmly. The enemies are not just present; they have deliberately positioned themselves against David, showing intent and hostility.
  • "about" (סָבִיב, saviv): This means "all around" or "encircling." David’s enemies are not just in front of him but have surrounded him completely, making escape seem impossible.

Why Psalms 3:6 matters

  • Psalms 3:6 clarifies that the speaker’s courage is not based on the absence of danger but on trust in God’s protection, even when the odds seem hopeless.
  • The verse connects to the wider psalm, which is a prayer for deliverance during a crisis, and shows how faith can remain steady in the face of real threats.
  • This verse helps clear up the idea that faith means never facing trouble; instead, it shows that faith can exist right in the middle of overwhelming opposition.

Where else these words appear

“thousands” Hebrew H7233 · used in 16 verses

  • Genesis 24:60 And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them.
  • Deuteronomy 33:17 His glory is like the firstling of his bullock, and his horns are like the horns of unicorns: with them he shall push the people together to the ends of the earth: and they are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they are the thousands of Manasseh.
  • 1 Samuel 29:5 Is not this David, of whom they sang one to another in dances, saying, Saul slew his thousands, and David his ten thousands?

“set” Hebrew H7896 · used in 80 verses

  • Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
  • Job 10:20 Are not my days few? cease then, and let me alone, that I may take comfort a little,
  • Psalms 88:8 Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; thou hast made me an abomination unto them: I am shut up, and I cannot come forth.