I said in my alarm, “All mankind are liars.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
In his distress, the psalmist declares "All mankind are liars," but the original Hebrew word translated "alarm" implies more than just fear—it carries a sense of being thrown into confusion or amazement. This suggests his sweeping statement wasn't just a pessimistic outburst, but an expression of profound disorientation where human reliability seemed to vanish in the face of overwhelming circumstances, leading him to question everyone and everything but God.
I said in my alarm, “All mankind are liars.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
In the midst of his severe distress, the psalmist confesses he spoke rashly, declaring that all people are untrustworthy. This cry of alarm comes after he recounts God's deliverance and faithfulness, suggesting a stark contrast between God's steadfastness and the perceived unreliability of humanity during his affliction. His earlier trust and spoken testimony are momentarily overshadowed by this outburst of despair, but his subsequent words indicate a return to reliance on God alone.
Ever felt so overwhelmed that you just blurted out something you later regretted? This verse captures that raw, disoriented moment.
The psalmist uses the phrase "in my haste" (or "alarm," "terror," "fear") to describe the state of mind in which he made this sweeping declaration. This wasn't a calm, reasoned judgment but an outburst fueled by intense distress.
In his lowest moment, the psalmist paints humanity with a broad, dark brush. What does this extreme statement truly reveal?
The declaration "All mankind are liars" is a powerful, and perhaps shocking, indictment. It arises from a place of deep disappointment and perceived betrayal.
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This verse isn't the end of the story. It's a turning point, revealing how even our deepest doubts can lead us back to God.
The incredible journey of Psalm 116 shows that even a statement born of despair can be a catalyst for deeper faith and worship.
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.
This verse captures a moment of profound despair where, in the midst of intense personal danger and the betrayal of trusted figures, the Psalmist declares all humanity unreliable. It’s not a general statement about human nature, but a raw cry from someone feeling utterly alone and let down by everyone but God.
c. 1010 BC— this verse
David flees from Saul
David, a fugitive from King Saul's jealousy, experiences intense fear and paranoia, leading him to question the loyalty and truthfulness of everyone around him.
c. 1010 BC
David seeks refuge with Achish of Gath
In his desperation, David pretends to be mad before Achish, king of the Philistine city of Gath. This highlights his extreme distress and reliance on deception in a moment of crisis.
c. 1000 BC
David anointed King of Judah
After Saul's death, David is finally recognized as king over the tribe of Judah, marking a significant step toward his eventual reign over all Israel.
c. 990 BC
David becomes King over all Israel
David unites the tribes and establishes his rule over the entire nation, bringing a period of relative peace and expansion.
Paul directly quotes and applies this sentiment, emphasizing that God's faithfulness is proven even when all humanity proves unreliable and false.
Job 19:13-19Job describes a similar experience of abandonment by friends and family during extreme suffering, echoing the feeling that everyone has turned against him.
Jeremiah 17:5This verse pronounces a curse on those who trust in humanity, highlighting the inherent unreliability of people and the wisdom of trusting solely in God.
2 Corinthians 4:13The Apostle Paul quotes this verse to affirm his own unwavering faith and public declaration, even amidst affliction, showing how belief compels speaking.
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…
In his distress, the psalmist declares "All mankind are liars," but the original Hebrew word translated "alarm" implies more than just fear—it carries a sense of being thrown into confusion or amazement. This suggests his sweeping statement wasn't just a pessimistic outburst, but an expression of profound disorientation where human reliability seemed to vanish in the face of overwhelming circumstances, leading him to question everyone and everything but God.
In the midst of his severe distress, the psalmist confesses he spoke rashly, declaring that all people are untrustworthy. This cry of alarm comes after he recounts God's deliverance and faithfulness, suggesting a stark contrast between God's steadfastness and the perceived unreliability of humanity during his affliction. His earlier trust and spoken testimony are momentarily overshadowed by this outburst of despair, but his subsequent words indicate a return to reliance on God alone.
In the midst of his severe distress, the psalmist confesses he spoke rashly, declaring that all people are untrustworthy. This cry of alarm comes after he recounts God's deliverance and faithfulness, suggesting a stark contrast between God's steadfastness and the perceived unreliability of humanity during his affliction. His earlier trust and spoken testimony are momentarily overshadowed by this outburst of despair, but his subsequent words indicate a return to reliance on God alone.
"I said in my alarm, “All mankind are liars.”" — In his distress, the psalmist declares "All mankind are liars," but the original Hebrew word translated "alarm" implies more than just fear—it carries a sense of being thrown into confusion or amazem…
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Last reviewed October 2026