Psalms 91:13
You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse isn't just about avoiding danger, but about actively conquering it. The repetition of "lion" and "adder" with their stronger forms, "young lion" and "dragon," shows a progression – not only will you be safe from threats, but you will utterly overcome and dominate even the most formidable ones. This is about total victory granted by God, symbolized by the powerful image of trampling these fearsome creatures underfoot.
This verse is part of a powerful psalm promising divine protection to those who trust in God. Following declarations of God as a refuge and deliverer from hidden dangers, the psalm escalates to imagery of triumph over fearsome beasts. It culminates in God's direct promise to answer, be with believers in trouble, deliver them, grant them long life, and show them His salvation.
Why does the Psalmist list multiple types of dangerous creatures? What do they represent for us today?
This verse uses powerful imagery to speak about the threats we face. The "lion" and "young lion" represent open, violent, and powerful opposition. Think of the big challenges that confront you head-on, the ones that roar and try to overwhelm you with their strength.
On the other hand, the "adder" and "dragon" (or serpent) symbolize hidden dangers, insidious treachery, and subtle attacks. These are the temptations that slither in unexpectedly, the poisonous words that aim to destabilize, or the doubts that work in the shadows.
By mentioning both, the Psalmist assures us that God's protection covers the full spectrum of dangers, whether they come with a roar or a hiss.
How can a mere mortal 'tread' on powerful beasts? It's not about our strength, but about whose power is at work.
The imagery of 'treading' and 'trampling' signifies complete victory and domination. It’s a picture of utter subjugation, like a conqueror placing his foot on the neck of a defeated foe.
This isn't a passive safety; it's an active triumph. God doesn't just shield us from these dangers; He empowers us to overcome them. The strength to tread on the lion and trample the serpent comes not from ourselves, but from our trust in the Lord.
When we rely on God's promises and His presence, the ferocity of our enemies is neutralized, and their subtle attacks lose their venom. We are made more than conquerors through Him who loves us.
Understand the original words
dārak · Hebrew Verb
To trample, step upon, or walk over; metaphorically signifies total victory, dominion, and mastery over enemies or obstacles.
Jesus gives His disciples authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, directly echoing the imagery of overcoming dangerous creatures found in Psalm 91:13.
Romans 16:20This verse promises that the God of peace will soon crush Satan under the believers' feet, connecting the physical trampling imagery to the spiritual victory over evil.
1 Peter 5:8Peter warns believers to be alert because the devil prowls like a roaring lion, highlighting the 'lion' and 'serpent' imagery as representations of spiritual adversaries.
Revelation 12:9The great dragon, identified as the devil or Satan, is cast down, showing how these powerful, destructive forces are ultimately overcome by God's power through His people.
bensonPsalms 91:13: "Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet."
Psalm 91:13 . Thou shalt tread upon the lion — The lion shall lie prostrate at thy feet, and thou shalt securely put thy feet upon his neck, as the Israelites did upon the necks of the Canaanitish kings, Joshua 10:24 . The young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample, &c. — By which he figuratively understands all pernicious creatures, though never so strong, and fierce, and su…
wesleyPsalms 91:13: "Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet."
91:13 The lion - Shall lie prostrate at thy feet, and thou shalt securely put thy feet upon his neck. Dragon - By which he understands all pernicious creatures, though never so strong, and all sorts of enemies.
This verse isn't just about avoiding danger, but about actively conquering it. The repetition of "lion" and "adder" with their stronger forms, "young lion" and "dragon," shows a progression – not only will you be safe from threats, but you will utterly overcome and dominate even the most formidable ones. This is about total victory granted by God, symbolized by the powerful image of trampling these fearsome creatures underfoot.
This verse is part of a powerful psalm promising divine protection to those who trust in God. Following declarations of God as a refuge and deliverer from hidden dangers, the psalm escalates to imagery of triumph over fearsome beasts. It culminates in God's direct promise to answer, be with believers in trouble, deliver them, grant them long life, and show them His salvation.
This verse is part of a powerful psalm promising divine protection to those who trust in God. Following declarations of God as a refuge and deliverer from hidden dangers, the psalm escalates to imagery of triumph over fearsome beasts. It culminates in God's direct promise to answer, be with believers in trouble, deliver them, grant them long life, and show them His salvation.
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"You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot." — This verse isn't just about avoiding danger, but about actively conquering it. The repetition of "lion" and "adder" with their stronger forms, "young lion" and "dragon," shows a progression – not o…
