Psalm 17:12

Modern

…like a lion greedy for prey, like a young lion lurking in ambush.

Traditional

Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.

Literal

His likeness is as a lion longing to tear, and like a young lion lurking in hidden places.

Latin

Susceperunt me sicut leo paratus ad prædam, et sicut catulus leonis habitans in abditis.

Hebrew

English

…like a lion greedy for prey, like a young lion lurking in ambush.

The psalmist asks for God's protection and justice, affirms his own integrity, and prays for the Lord to defeat his strong enemies.

The psalms in this section emphasize integrity and purity (Psalms 17:15; 18:20–26; 19:13–14). They describe people as living in God’s presence (Psalms 16:9–11; 17:15) and remaining steadfast (15:5; 16:8).

Theme notes and profiles

Psalm 7:2
…or they will shred my soul like a lion and tear me to pieces with no one to rescue me.
1 Peter 5:8
Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Psalm 10:9
He lies in wait like a lion in a thicket; he lurks to seize the oppressed; he catches the lowly in his net.
Psalm 22:13
They open their jaws against me like lions that roar and maul.
2 Timothy 4:17
But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed, and all the Gentiles would hear it. So I was delivered from the mouth of the lion.