Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "breathe out violence" isn't just about being angry; it highlights how the enemies' words themselves are actively destructive and filled with malice, like a poisonous breath spreading harm. This isn't passive opposition; it's an aggressive, life-threatening force stemming from their very speech.
Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence.
English Standard Version (ESV)
David is crying out to God in a desperate situation, feeling abandoned by even his closest family and facing relentless opposition. He’s surrounded by enemies who are not only actively trying to harm him but are also spreading lies and false accusations about him, essentially setting a trap to destroy him. This verse is a plea for divine protection against these malicious adversaries and their violent schemes.
When your enemies rage against you, what is it they truly want? It's more than just your downfall; it's the deepest longing of their hearts.
The phrase 'the will of mine enemies' in Hebrew (literally 'the soul of my enemies') speaks to the intense, all-consuming desire of those who oppose God's people. It's not a casual dislike, but a deep-seated wish for destruction.
A Thirst for Ruin
This 'soul' or 'desire' is about what motivates them. They aren't just acting out of circumstance; they are driven by a deep-seated hunger for your hurt. This is why David pleads not to be given over to this profound, destructive longing of his adversaries.
Beyond Casual Conflict
Understanding this helps us see that opposition can go beyond simple disagreements. When people are driven by the 'soul' of their desire, their actions stem from a place of deep-seated malice, seeking not just to win an argument, but to utterly defeat and perhaps destroy.
Imagine people so consumed by hatred that their very words and actions are toxic. That's the picture painted here, a chilling reality for David.
The verse describes adversaries who don't just think cruel thoughts, but actively 'breathe out violence' and are 'false witnesses.' This isn't passive aggression; it's an active, aggressive assault.
The Power of Toxic Words
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'False witnesses' points to slander and lies that aim to destroy reputation and incite others against you. These aren't just factual inaccuracies; they are weapons designed to dismantle trust and justify persecution.
A Constant Assault
'Breathe out violence' vividly portrays someone utterly filled with malice, so much so that it’s their constant output – like breathing. Their words and actions are saturated with hostility, creating a hostile environment and posing an immediate physical or spiritual threat.
Understand the original words
tsar · Hebrew Noun
Refers to those who oppose or act as opponents, often in a legal or hostile sense, seeking the believer's downfall.
ed sheqer · Hebrew Noun phrase
Individuals who lie under oath or bear false testimony to harm another, reflecting the breaking of God’s commandment against bearing false witness and signaling pervasive injustice.
chamas · Hebrew Noun
Often translated as 'cruelty' or 'wrong,' it signifies destructive behavior, oppression, and physical aggression that violates God's peace (shalom).
This psalm was likely written during David's intense period of being hunted by King Saul. The 'false witnesses' and 'cruelty' David describes aren't just general threats, but reflect the very real, life-threatening accusations and violence he faced from Saul and his court.
c. 1015–1000 BC— this verse
David Fleeing Saul
David is on the run from King Saul, who is jealous of his popularity and seeks to kill him. During this period, David faces betrayal and false accusations.
c. 1010 BC
David Spares Saul
David has an opportunity to kill Saul in the cave of En Gedi but spares him, cutting off a piece of his robe. This act highlights David's integrity amidst Saul's persecution.
c. 1005 BC
David and Nabal
David's men are insulted by Nabal, a wealthy landowner. David prepares to attack Nabal's household but is dissuaded by Abigail, Nabal's wife, who intervenes with wise counsel and provisions.
c. 1000 BC
Death of Saul
Saul dies in battle against the Philistines. This marks the end of his pursuit of David and paves the way for David's eventual kingship.
This passage uses the same powerful imagery of 'breathing out threats' to describe Saul's intense hostility towards the early Christians, mirroring the violent intentions of the adversaries in Psalm 27.
Psalm 35:11This verse directly echoes the concern about 'false witnesses' and the violence they perpetrate, showing it was a recurring anxiety for the Psalmist and a theme of persecution.
1 Samuel 24:9This historical account illustrates how David was accused by false witnesses, particularly Saul, who believed David was seeking his downfall and threatening his kingdom, reflecting the Psalm's plea.
Matthew 26:59Here, false witnesses are brought against Jesus in His trial, demonstrating how this tactic of seeking to destroy an innocent person through lies and fabricated testimony is a persistent theme throughout Scripture.
cambridgePsalms 27:12: "Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty."
12 . enemies ] R.V., adversaries, as in Psalm 27:2 . false witnesses ] Slanderous calumniators are meant, rather than actual witnesses in court. Cp. Psalm 35:11 ; Proverbs 6:19 . such as breathe out cruelty ] Bent on injuring him by their talk. For the phrase cp. Acts 9:1 .
clarkePsalms 27:12: "Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty."
Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies - To their soul בנפש benephesh; their whole soul thirsts for my destruction. Let them not be gratified. They have suborned witnesses against me, but they are false witnesses: unmask their wickedness, and confound their counsels.
The phrase "breathe out violence" isn't just about being angry; it highlights how the enemies' words themselves are actively destructive and filled with malice, like a poisonous breath spreading harm. This isn't passive opposition; it's an aggressive, life-threatening force stemming from their very speech.
David is crying out to God in a desperate situation, feeling abandoned by even his closest family and facing relentless opposition. He’s surrounded by enemies who are not only actively trying to harm him but are also spreading lies and false accusations about him, essentially setting a trap to destroy him. This verse is a plea for divine protection against these malicious adversaries and their violent schemes.
David is crying out to God in a desperate situation, feeling abandoned by even his closest family and facing relentless opposition. He’s surrounded by enemies who are not only actively trying to harm him but are also spreading lies and false accusations about him, essentially setting a trap to destroy him. This verse is a plea for divine protection against these malicious adversaries and their violent schemes.
"Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence." — The phrase "breathe out violence" isn't just about being angry; it highlights how the enemies' words themselves are actively destructive and filled with malice, like a poisonous breath spreading ha…
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Last reviewed October 2026