Psalms 56:6
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul.
American King James Version (AKJV)
They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul.
American Standard Version (ASV)
They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, They mark my steps, Even as they have waited for my soul.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
They come together, they are waiting in secret places, they take note of my steps, they are waiting for my soul.
Webster's Revision
They assemble themselves, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul.
World English Bible
They conspire and lurk, watching my steps, they are eager to take my life.
English Revised Version (ERV)
They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, even as they have waited for my soul.
Clarke's Psalms 56:6 Bible Commentary
They gather themselves together - They form cabals; have secret meetings and consultations how they may most effectually destroy me, under the pretense of justice and safety to the state.
They hide themselves - They do all secretly.
They mark my steps - They are constantly at my heels.
They wait for my soul - They lie in wait for my life. Our translators have missed the meaning of נפש nephesh and ψυχε, - which generally signify the animal life, not the immortal spirit, - more than any other words in the Old or New Testament.
Barnes's Psalms 56:6 Bible Commentary
They gather themselves together - That is, they do not attack me singly, but they unite their forces; they combine against me.
They hide themselves - They lurk in ambush. They do not come upon me openly, but they conceal themselves in places where they cannot be seen, that they may spring upon me suddenly.
They mark my steps - They watch me whatever I do. They keep a spy upon me, so that I can never be sure that I am not observed.
When they wait for my soul - As they watch for my life; or, as they watch for opportunities to take away my life. I am never secure; I know not at what time, or in what manner, they may spring upon me. This would apply to David when he fled to Achish, king of Gath; when he was driven away by him; and when he was watched and pursued by Saul and his followers as he fled into the wilderness. 1 Samuel 21:1-15; 22.
Wesley's Psalms 56:6 Bible Commentary
56:6 They gather - After they have severally employed their thoughts against me, they meet together to compare them, and to put them in execution. Hide - They lurk secretly, that they may pry into my most private actions. Steps - That they may find some occasion to reproach me. Soul - Or, life, to take it away.