Psalms 27:12 Meaning and Explanation
“Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist asks God not to surrender him to enemies or false accusers.
The Context of Psalms 27:12
Protection against legal or social attacks involving false testimony.
What Does Psalms 27:12 Mean?
The specific threat of false witnesses points to legal or social attack, not merely physical violence. 'Breathing out cruelty' shows enemies animated by malice and hostile intent. The psalmist's plea is not for safety from accidents but from deliberate harm. Being delivered to enemies' will means losing all protection and control of his fate.
The request acknowledges human injustice and God's role as ultimate judge and protector. False witnesses distort truth, but God knows reality. The psalmist trusts that God sees through lies and will not allow innocence to be condemned. This verse reveals the psalmist's vulnerability to false accusation and his ultimate recourse to God's justice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 27:12
What does Psalms 27:12 mean?
The psalmist asks God not to surrender him to enemies or false accusers.
What is the context of Psalms 27:12?
Protection against legal or social attacks involving false testimony.