Psalms 118:11

“They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.”

Immediate Context

The preceding line reads “All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the Lord will I destroy them.” The titled verse reads “They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the Lord I will destroy them.” The following line reads “They compassed me about like bees: they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the Lord I will destroy them.” Together, these lines show how Psalms 118:11 functions within its immediate canonical and literary sequence.

Reading the Verse

This poetic line concentrates its meaning through carefully chosen words and images. The verse should be heard as part of the movement of the psalm or song, where repetition, contrast, praise, lament, remembrance, and petition often shape the message.

The wording develops in three movements: “They compassed me about;” then “yea, they compassed me about:” and finally “but in the name of the Lord I will destroy them.” These clauses belong together and should govern the explanation of the verse.

Biblical Significance

Biblical poetry gives faithful language for speaking about God and responding to him. Its imagery is not permission to detach the line from its setting; rather, the surrounding lines help show whether the speaker is praising, pleading, remembering, warning, or giving thanks.

Application

The verse can guide prayer and reflection when its actual words remain central. Readers should notice what the speaker says about God, the community, or the human condition, and then respond in a way consistent with the whole poetic passage.

Read in this setting, Psalms 118:11 speaks through its own wording and context. Its claims, emphasis, and appropriate application all begin with the KJV text printed above.