Psalms 35:17 Meaning and Explanation
“Lord, how long wilt thou look on? rescue my soul from their destructions, my darling from the lions.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist cries out for God to end the delay and rescue him from deadly danger.
The Context of Psalms 35:17
The psalmist's patience reaches a breaking point.
What Does Psalms 35:17 Mean?
The question 'how long' voices the psalmist's anguish at God's apparent inaction. To say God 'looks on' suggests He sees but has not yet acted. The psalmist's patience is wearing thin, and he appeals for immediate intervention, not merely observation.
The metaphor of lions conveys that the threat is wild, predatory, and imminent. 'My darling' (or 'only one') emphasizes the psalmist's vulnerability and preciousness. This plea combines urgency, vulnerability, and the expectation that God will act.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 35:17
What does Psalms 35:17 mean?
The psalmist cries out for God to end the delay and rescue him from deadly danger.
What is the context of Psalms 35:17?
The psalmist's patience reaches a breaking point.