Psalm 11 KJV
King James Version, Holy Bible
1 In the Lord put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?
2 For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart.
3 If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?
More Psalm 11
4 The Lord is in his holy temple, the Lord's throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.
5 The Lord trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.
6 Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup.
7 For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.
Key Takeaways from This Psalm:
Psalm 11:1
Verse: בְּיְהוָה בָּטַחְתִּי, מַה-תֹּאמַר לְנַפְשִׁי?
Transliteration: B’Adonai batachti, mah-tomar l’nafshi?
English: “In the Lord I take refuge; how can you say to my soul, ‘Flee as a bird to your mountain’?”
Focus Word: בָּטַח (Batach)
- Root: ב-ט-ח (Bet-Tet-Chet)
- Meaning: “Trust,” “take refuge,” “rely upon.”
- Deeper Insight: Batach in Hebrew reflects confident, active dependence on God—not passive hope, but assured security.
Biblical Scholars on This Chapter:
| Scholar (Institution & Dates) | Work | View on Psalm 11 |
|---|---|---|
| John Calvin (University of Paris / Orléans, 1509–1564) | Commentaries on the Psalms | Calvin interprets the Psalm as a call to trust God even when surrounded by adversity, emphasizing divine protection for the righteous. |
| William Perkins (Christ’s College, Cambridge, 1558–1602) | Commentary on the Psalms | Perkins stresses the believer’s confidence in God’s judgment over the schemes of the wicked. |
| George Buchanan (University of St Andrews, 1506–1582) | Commentarii in Psalmos | Buchanan highlights the Psalm as encouraging reliance on God’s justice in dangerous circumstances. |
| Matthew Poole (University of Oxford, 1624–1679) | Synopsis Criticorum | Poole reads it as showing the steadfastness of the righteous who place their trust fully in God. |
| Richard Sibbes (Pembroke College, Cambridge, 1577–1635) | The Bruised Reed | Sibbes emphasizes the believer’s confidence in God’s protection against enemies and calamities. |
| Scholar & Work | View |
|---|---|
| John Calvin – Commentary on the Psalms | Calvin sees the psalmist refusing fear despite the wicked’s threats. God reigns from His holy temple. His judgment is certain and righteous. |
| Matthew Henry – Exposition on the Psalms | Henry interprets the psalm as confidence in God amid danger. The wicked may shoot secretly, but God observes all. The righteous will behold His face. |
| Albert Barnes – Notes on the Psalms | Barnes views the psalm as encouraging steadfast trust. The foundations may seem destroyed, yet God remains sovereign. Judgment will vindicate the righteous. |
| Franz Delitzsch – Commentary on the Psalms | Delitzsch sees the psalm as contrasting earthly instability with divine security. The wicked attack from the shadows. God’s righteous rule guarantees justice. |
| C. F. Keil – Keil & Delitzsch Commentary | Keil interprets the psalm as showing confidence in God despite fear. God tests the righteous. The wicked face fiery judgment. |
| J. J. Stewart Perowne – The Psalms | Perowne views the psalm as affirming security in God’s reign. The psalmist rejects despair. God will vindicate the righteous. |
| William Binnie – The Psalms | Binnie sees the psalm as faith refusing to flee. God observes both the righteous and the wicked. Divine justice prevails. |
| Hermann Gunkel – Die Psalmen | Gunkel interprets the psalm as trust confronting danger. The wicked act covertly, but God’s throne is firm. His judgment is pure. |
| James G. Murphy – Commentary on the Psalms | Murphy sees the psalm as faith resisting panic. God’s throne remains unshaken. The wicked perish under His judgment. |
| Christopher Wordsworth – Commentary on the Psalms | Wordsworth interprets the psalm as the Church resting on God’s eternal throne. God’s eyes test humanity. His face shines upon the upright. |
