Psalm 36:11-12
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The verse isn't just about avoiding trouble; it's a plea to not be displaced from God's presence or purpose. The "foot of arrogance" suggests a crushing, dismissive force that intends to trample and belittle, while the "hand of the wicked" implies an active expulsion, driving the believer away from where they belong.
Let not the foot of arrogance come upon me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away. There the evildoers lie fallen; they are thrust down, unable to rise.
English Standard Version (ESV)
In this psalm, the psalmist has just reflected on the deep-seated wickedness of evil people who disregard God. Now, he turns to prayer, asking God to continue his steadfast love and righteousness toward those who know Him. He then pleads specifically for protection, praying that proud oppressors wouldn't trample him and wicked hands wouldn't drive him out or disturb him from his place.
Ever felt like someone's smugness is a physical weight pressing down on you? This verse captures that feeling with powerful imagery.
The psalmist uses the image of a 'foot of arrogance' to describe a specific kind of oppression. It's not just about someone being proud; it's about that pride leading them to actively try and crush others.
A Crushing Force
Think about the weight of a foot pressing down. It signifies dominance, disdain, and the intent to subdue. The arrogance here isn't passive; it's an active force seeking to trample the vulnerable. It's the attitude that says, 'I'm better than you, and I'll make sure you know it, and I'll keep you down.'
Against the Believer
When this foot is directed 'against me,' it means this arrogant force is aiming to destroy, to negate, and to overwhelm the person of faith. It's a direct assault on their dignity and standing, seeking to press them into the dust.
It's one thing to be looked down on, but what happens when the wicked actively try to remove you from everything you hold dear?
The second part of the verse speaks of the 'hand of the wicked.' This imagery points to active, forceful removal or expulsion.
Expelled from Safety
The 'hand' represents action, agency, and often violence or manipulation. The wicked aren't just thinking arrogant thoughts; they are acting on them. They seek to 'drive me away,' which could mean several things:
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The prayer is for God's intervention to prevent this forceful displacement by those who act without regard for divine justice.
When arrogance tramples and wickedness seeks to expel, where is our ultimate hope found?
This verse isn't just a complaint; it's a prayer rooted in a deep understanding of God's character. The context, especially the verses immediately preceding (Psalms 36:10), is crucial.
A Plea Rooted in Knowledge
Verse 10 speaks of God's 'steadfast love' (mercy) and 'righteousness' extended to those who know Him and are upright. The prayer in verse 11 is made by someone who knows God in this way. They are asking for protection because they belong to God and trust in His nature.
The Contrast
The prayer is a plea for God to act according to His character, to uphold the righteous against the oppressive forces that seek to bring them down. It’s a declaration that safety isn’t found in self-defense but in divine protection.
Understand the original words
ga'awah · Hebrew Noun
Prideful self-exaltation that rebels against God's authority and disregards His law, leading to oppression of the righteous.
rasha' · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
One who deviates from the ethical and moral standards established by God, characterized by hostility toward divine truth and the faithful.
po'ale 'awen · Hebrew Noun Phrase
Those who habitually practice wrong, actively engaging in transgression against God’s commands and the welfare of their neighbors.
naphal · Hebrew Verb
To be forcefully cast down or overturned, signifying total defeat, divine judgment, and the inability to recover power or influence.
dachah · Hebrew Verb
To be forcefully pushed or repelled; in a theological context, it often refers to being driven out by the decisive, authoritative intervention of God.
This psalm resonates deeply with the trauma of exile, where the arrogant oppressors sought to trample and scatter the people of God. It's a cry from the heart of those displaced, praying for divine protection against those who would drive them from their homes and their worship.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Siege of Jerusalem
The Neo-Assyrian Empire under Sennacherib campaigned in Judah, demanding tribute and threatening Jerusalem. This event brought intense fear and pressure on King Hezekiah and the people.
597 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon besieged Jerusalem and carried away King Jehoiachin and many of the prominent citizens into exile. This marked a significant decline in Judah's sovereignty.
586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem and Temple Destruction
Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling most of the remaining population. This was a catastrophic event, leaving many scattered and vulnerable.
c. 586-538 BC
Babylonian Exile
The Jewish people lived in exile in Babylon, experiencing loss of land, national identity, and the absence of Temple worship. This period was characterized by vulnerability to oppressive forces and a longing for restoration.
539 BC
Persian Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon, paving the way for the return of exiled peoples, including the Jews.
538 BC
Edict of Cyrus for Return
Cyrus issued a decree allowing exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple, marking the end of the Babylonian exile for many.
This verse echoes the sentiment of safety found in God's name, directly contrasting the 'foot of arrogance' and 'hand of the wicked' by presenting God's name as a fortified tower where the righteous find refuge.
Psalm 1:1It describes the blessedness of those who do not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners, paralleling the psalmist's plea to avoid being driven away by evil influences and ungodly actions.
Galatians 5:1This passage speaks of standing firm in the freedom Christ has granted us and warns against being entangled again by the yoke of slavery, reflecting the psalmist's fear of being removed or subjugated by oppressive forces.
1 Peter 5:8-9It urges believers to be sober, vigilant, and to resist the devil, who prowls like a roaring lion, reinforcing the psalmist's plea to stand strong against the schemes and attacks of arrogant and wicked adversaries.
calvinPsalms 36:10-12: "O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart."
Prolong [11] thy mercy to them that know thee, and thy righteousness to the upright in heart. 11. Let not the foot of pride come upon me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me. 12. There the workers of iniquity are fallen: they are thrust down, and shall not be able to rise.
Prolong thy mercy to them that know thee. David now sets himself to pray. And, first,…
ellicottPsalms 36:11: "Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me."
(11) The foot of pride . . . the hand of the wicked. —The one tramples on the lowly; the other is full of violence. Remove.—Better, expel, but we have no indication from where. Perhaps from the Temple.
The verse isn't just about avoiding trouble; it's a plea to not be displaced from God's presence or purpose. The "foot of arrogance" suggests a crushing, dismissive force that intends to trample and belittle, while the "hand of the wicked" implies an active expulsion, driving the believer away from where they belong.
In this psalm, the psalmist has just reflected on the deep-seated wickedness of evil people who disregard God. Now, he turns to prayer, asking God to continue his steadfast love and righteousness toward those who know Him. He then pleads specifically for protection, praying that proud oppressors wouldn't trample him and wicked hands wouldn't drive him out or disturb him from his place.
In this psalm, the psalmist has just reflected on the deep-seated wickedness of evil people who disregard God. Now, he turns to prayer, asking God to continue his steadfast love and righteousness toward those who know Him. He then pleads specifically for protection, praying that proud oppressors wouldn't trample him and wicked hands wouldn't drive him out or disturb him from his place.
"Let not the foot of arrogance come upon me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away. There the evildoers lie fallen; they are thrust down, unable to rise." — The verse isn't just about avoiding trouble; it's a plea to not be displaced from God's presence or purpose. The "foot of arrogance" suggests a crushing, dismissive force that intends to trample…
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Last reviewed October 2026
