Psalms 86:14 Meaning and Explanation
“O God, the proud are risen against me, and the assemblies of violent men have sought after my soul; and have not set thee before them.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →The proud and violent oppose the psalmist, showing no fear of God.
The Context of Psalms 86:14
The psalmist describes the reality of opposition from the godless.
What Does Psalms 86:14 Mean?
The rising up of enemies suggests active, organized opposition. These adversaries are characterized as proud—refusing to acknowledge limits or divine authority—and violent, willing to use force. Their root problem is revealed in the last clause: they have not set God before them, meaning they live as though God does not exist or does not matter.
The psalmist's situation is precarious because his enemies operate without God-consciousness. They are not restrained by fear or reverence for the divine, making them dangerous and unpredictable. Yet this very fact sets up the contrast: the psalmist has set God before him.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 86:14
What does Psalms 86:14 mean?
The proud and violent oppose the psalmist, showing no fear of God.
What is the context of Psalms 86:14?
The psalmist describes the reality of opposition from the godless.