You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse isn't just about overcoming obvious threats; the repetition of "lion" and "adder" (and their youthful, more dangerous forms) highlights the triumph over both open, violent enemies and insidious, hidden dangers. It's about a total dominion, where even the most fearsome and cunning adversaries are completely subdued underfoot.
You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse continues the powerful assurances of divine protection promised to those who trust in God, following the depiction of God's mighty angels guarding them. It climaxes the psalm's theme by declaring that the faithful will completely conquer all threats, whether they be open and violent like a lion or hidden and deadly like a serpent, symbolizing ultimate victory over evil forces. Following this bold declaration, the psalm concludes with God's personal promise to answer the prayers of those who call on Him, to be with them in trouble, to deliver and honor them, and to grant them long life and salvation.
Imagine facing down the fiercest beasts, not with fear, but with absolute confidence. This verse paints a picture of total dominance.
This verse uses powerful imagery of dangerous animals – the lion and the adder, the young lion and the serpent – to represent formidable enemies and threats. Historically, placing a foot on a conquered foe's neck was a sign of ultimate subjugation. Here, God promises His people not just safety, but a complete and triumphant victory over all that seeks to harm them. These aren't just minor annoyances; they are the 'open and violent foes' (lions) and the 'secret and malignant ones' (serpents), symbolizing everything from overt attacks to insidious treachery.
This is about overcoming.
What's the secret ingredient that turns a promise of treading on enemies into a reality for us?
The power to tread on these formidable threats isn't based on our own strength or cleverness. It's rooted in our trust in God. The verses immediately following Psalm 91:13 explain this victory is possible: 'Because he hath trusted in me, I will deliver him.'
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This trust isn't passive wishing; it's an active reliance on God's character and promises. It’s knowing His name, delighting in Him, and actively calling on Him.
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 snakes and scorpions, directly echoing the imagery of overcoming dangerous creatures found in Psalms 91:13.
Romans 16:20This verse promises that the God of peace will soon crush Satan under the believers' feet, aligning with the theme of triumphing over malevolent forces, symbolized by the lion and serpent.
1 Peter 5:8Peter warns believers to be sober and vigilant because the devil prowls like a roaring lion, which is directly combated by the promise in Psalms 91 of treading upon such powerful, predatory spiritual enemies.
Joshua 10:24The imagery of kings placing their feet on the necks of defeated enemies, as commanded by Joshua, powerfully illustrates the triumphant conquest described in Psalms 91:13, where dangerous foes are trampled underfoot.
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 overcoming obvious threats; the repetition of "lion" and "adder" (and their youthful, more dangerous forms) highlights the triumph over both open, violent enemies and insidious, hidden dangers. It's about a total dominion, where even the most fearsome and cunning adversaries are completely subdued underfoot.
This verse continues the powerful assurances of divine protection promised to those who trust in God, following the depiction of God's mighty angels guarding them. It climaxes the psalm's theme by declaring that the faithful will completely conquer all threats, whether they be open and violent like a lion or hidden and deadly like a serpent, symbolizing ultimate victory over evil forces. Following this bold declaration, the psalm concludes with God's personal promise to answer the prayers of those who call on Him, to be with them in trouble, to deliver and honor them, and to grant them long life and salvation.
This verse continues the powerful assurances of divine protection promised to those who trust in God, following the depiction of God's mighty angels guarding them. It climaxes the psalm's theme by declaring that the faithful will completely conquer all threats, whether they be open and violent like a lion or hidden and deadly like a serpent, symbolizing ultimate victory over evil forces. Following this bold declaration, the psalm concludes with God's personal promise to answer the prayers of those who call on Him, to be with them in trouble, to deliver and honor them, and to grant them long life and salvation.
"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 overcoming obvious threats; the repetition of "lion" and "adder" (and their youthful, more dangerous forms) highlights the triumph over both open, violent enemies and insi…
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Last reviewed October 2026