Psalms 116:11
I said in my alarm, “All mankind are liars.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Psalms 116:11
I said in my alarm, “All mankind are liars.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
When David cries out, "All mankind are liars," he's not just complaining about people; he's confessing a moment of spiritual panic where he's lost sight of God's ultimate faithfulness. This outburst, made in the throes of intense fear and alarm, reveals how easily we can mistake our own desperate feelings for the absolute truth, even forgetting that God's promises stand firm when human reliability crumbles.
In deep distress and near despair, the psalmist cries out that he's been afflicted and feels forgotten. This desperate feeling leads him to exclaim that all people are liars, implying a profound sense of betrayal and a lack of human reliability when he needs it most. He's speaking from a place of great turmoil, where even the most solid human support systems seem to crumble.
Have you ever felt so overwhelmed that you just wanted to declare everyone untrustworthy? David did, but it wasn't a settled belief.
David cries out, “All mankind are liars.” The Hebrew word used here doesn't just mean 'false'; it carries a sense of confusion, alarm, or being agitated. He wasn't making a calm, reasoned theological statement about human nature.
A State of Distress
Imagine David in a moment of extreme panic or distress. His world is likely crumbling around him, and the help he expected from people isn't materializing. In this state of alarm, the thought strikes him that everyone is unreliable, a source of deception.
Not a Final Verdict
This wasn't David's final, settled opinion of humanity. The commentaries suggest he said this 'in haste' or 'in fear.' It was a declaration born out of intense suffering, not a sober, objective analysis. It reveals how personal crisis can warp our perception, making us feel utterly alone and convinced of everyone else's unfaithfulness.
David's outburst about 'liars' might not just be about human failure, but about God's steadfastness in contrast.
While David was in deep distress, his statement "All mankind are liars" can also be understood as a profound comparison.
The Standard of Truth
Human beings, in their fallen state, are prone to deceit and unreliability. Their promises can fail, their loyalty can waver, and their understanding can be flawed. They simply cannot measure up to the absolute truth and faithfulness of God.
God Stands Alone
In his distress, David might have realized that while everyone else could potentially fail him, God's promises and character are eternally true. The realization that all humanity is imperfect and prone to falsehood highlights just how unique and dependable God's truth is. He is the ultimate standard against which all human fallibility is measured.
Understand the original words
chophzi · Hebrew Noun
In biblical contexts, this denotes a state of agitation, panic, or overwhelming anxiety. It often describes the human reaction to severe distress or impending danger, sometimes revealing a lack of faith or perspective in the moment.
adam · Hebrew Noun
A collective term for humanity in its frailty, mortality, and fallen nature. It emphasizes the weakness and unreliability of human beings compared to the steadfastness of God.
kazab · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
One who speaks falsely or deceptively; in a theological sense, someone who is not aligned with God's truth. Often used in the Psalms to describe those who cannot be trusted or those who abandon truth.
When David declares 'All mankind are liars' in distress, he's likely reflecting on the fickle nature of human loyalty and support, especially during his desperate flight from King Saul. Human promises and alliances failed him, driving him to realize that only God's faithfulness could be truly trusted.
c. 1020 BC— this verse
David Flees Saul
The young David, anointed king by Samuel, is forced to flee from the jealous King Saul, who seeks to kill him. David lives as a fugitive, often in great danger.
c. 1020-1010 BC
David's Wilderness Years
David spends years on the run, gathering followers and living in various wilderness strongholds, constantly evading Saul's pursuit and facing numerous trials.
c. 1010 BC
Saul's Death
King Saul and his sons are killed in battle against the Philistines, ending their pursuit of David and paving the way for David to become king.
This New Testament passage echoes the sentiment of Psalm 116:11, with Paul affirming that God is true though every man be false, highlighting the contrast between human fallibility and divine faithfulness.
Job 19:13-17Job expresses a similar sense of isolation and betrayal by his closest relationships during his affliction, lamenting that 'all my close friends despise me,' which resonates with the Psalmist's feeling of being let down by humanity.
Jeremiah 17:5This verse presents a stark warning against trusting in man, stating, 'Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind and makes flesh his strength,' aligning with the Psalmist's realization of human unreliability in times of distress.
1 Corinthians 10:13Paul assures believers that God will not let them be tempted beyond what they can bear and will provide a way out, offering a counterpoint to the despair of Psalm 116:11 by emphasizing God’s ultimate reliability.
pulpitPsalms 116:11: "I said in my haste, All men are liars."
Verse 11. - I said in my haste, All men are liars. The connection of the thoughts is not apparent, unless God's faithfulness (vers. 5-8) suggests man's unfaithfulness.
henryPsalms 116:10-19: "I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted:"
116:10-19 When troubled, we do best to hold our peace, for we are apt to speak unadvisedly. Yet there may be true faith where there are workings of unbelief; but then faith will prevail; and being humbled for our distrust of God's word, we shall experience his faithfulness to it. What can the pardoned sinner, or what can those who have been delivered from trouble or distress, render to the Lord for his benefits? W…
When David cries out, "All mankind are liars," he's not just complaining about people; he's confessing a moment of spiritual panic where he's lost sight of God's ultimate faithfulness. This outburst, made in the throes of intense fear and alarm, reveals how easily we can mistake our own desperate feelings for the absolute truth, even forgetting that God's promises stand firm when human reliability crumbles.
In deep distress and near despair, the psalmist cries out that he's been afflicted and feels forgotten. This desperate feeling leads him to exclaim that all people are liars, implying a profound sense of betrayal and a lack of human reliability when he needs it most. He's speaking from a place of great turmoil, where even the most solid human support systems seem to crumble.
In deep distress and near despair, the psalmist cries out that he's been afflicted and feels forgotten. This desperate feeling leads him to exclaim that all people are liars, implying a profound sense of betrayal and a lack of human reliability when he needs it most. He's speaking from a place of great turmoil, where even the most solid human support systems seem to crumble.
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"I said in my alarm, “All mankind are liars.”" — When David cries out, "All mankind are liars," he's not just complaining about people; he's confessing a moment of spiritual panic where he's lost sight of God's ultimate faithfulness. This outburst,…