Psalm 118:12
New International Version
They swarmed around me like bees, but they were consumed as quickly as burning thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them down.

New Living Translation
They swarmed around me like bees; they blazed against me like a crackling fire. But I destroyed them all with the authority of the LORD.

English Standard Version
They surrounded me like bees; they went out like a fire among thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off!

Berean Standard Bible
They swarmed around me like bees, but they were extinguished like burning thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
They surrounded me like bees; They were quenched like a fire of thorns; For in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.

New American Standard Bible
They surrounded me like bees; They were extinguished like a fire of thorn bushes; In the name of the LORD I will certainly fend them off.

NASB 1995
They surrounded me like bees; They were extinguished as a fire of thorns; In the name of the LORD I will surely cut them off.

NASB 1977
They surrounded me like bees; They were extinguished as a fire of thorns; In the name of the LORD I will surely cut them off.

Legacy Standard Bible
They surrounded me like bees; They were extinguished as a fire of thorns; In the name of Yahweh I will surely cut them off.

Amplified Bible
They swarmed around me like bees; They flare up and are extinguished like a fire of thorns; In the name of the LORD I will surely cut them off.

Christian Standard Bible
They surrounded me like bees; they were extinguished like a fire among thorns; in the name of the LORD I destroyed them.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
They surrounded me like bees; they were extinguished like a fire among thorns; in the name of Yahweh I destroyed them.

American Standard Version
They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: In the name of Jehovah I will cut them off.

Contemporary English Version
They swarmed around like bees, but by the power of the LORD, I got rid of them and their fiery sting.

English Revised Version
They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: in the name of the LORD I will cut them off.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They swarmed around me like bees, but they were extinguished like burning thornbushes. [So armed] with the name of the LORD, I defeated them.

Good News Translation
They swarmed around me like bees, but they burned out as quickly as a brush fire; by the power of the LORD I destroyed them.

International Standard Version
They surrounded me like bees; but they will be extinguished like burning thorns. In the name of the LORD I will defeat them.

Majority Standard Bible
They swarmed around me like bees, but they were extinguished like burning thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off.

NET Bible
They surrounded me like bees. But they disappeared as quickly as a fire among thorns. Indeed, in the name of the LORD I pushed them away.

New Heart English Bible
They surrounded me like bees. They blazed like a fire among thorns. In the name of the LORD I cut them off.

Webster's Bible Translation
They encompassed me like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.

World English Bible
They surrounded me like bees. They are quenched like the burning thorns. In Yahweh’s name I cut them off.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
They surrounded me as bees, "" They have been extinguished as a fire of thorns, "" In the Name of YHWH I surely cut them off.

Young's Literal Translation
They compassed me about as bees, They have been extinguished as a fire of thorns, In the name of Jehovah I surely cut them off.

Smith's Literal Translation
They surrounded me as bees; they were quenched as the fire of thorns: in the name of Jehovah for I will destroy them.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
They surrounded me like bees, and they burned like fire among thorns: and in the name of the Lord I was revenged on them

Catholic Public Domain Version
They surrounded me like a swarm, and they burned like fire among the thorns. And, in the name of the Lord, I have been avenged over them.

New American Bible
They surrounded me like bees; they burned up like fire among thorns; in the LORD’s name I cut them off.

New Revised Standard Version
They surrounded me like bees; they blazed like a fire of thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off!
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
They surrounded me like hornets; they are quenched like the fire of stubble; for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
They surrounded me like wasps and were extinguished like a grass fire, and in The Name of LORD JEHOVAH I destroyed them!
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
They compass me about like bees; They are quenched as the fire of thorns; Verily, in the name of the LORD I will cut them off.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
They compassed me about as bees do a honeycomb, and they burst into flame as fire among thorns: but in the name of the Lord I repulsed them.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Give Thanks to the LORD, for He is Good
11They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. 12They swarmed around me like bees, but they were extinguished like burning thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off. 13I was pushed so hard I was falling, but the LORD helped me.…

Cross References
Isaiah 50:9
Surely the Lord GOD helps Me. Who is there to condemn Me? See, they will all wear out like a garment; the moths will devour them.

Isaiah 41:11-12
Behold, all who rage against you will be ashamed and disgraced; those who contend with you will be reduced to nothing and will perish. / You will seek them but will not find them. Those who wage war against you will come to nothing.

2 Corinthians 4:8-9
We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; / persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.

Romans 8:31
What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

2 Timothy 4:17-18
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. / And the Lord will rescue me from every evil action and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Exodus 15:9-10
The enemy declared, ‘I will pursue, I will overtake. I will divide the spoils; I will gorge myself on them. I will draw my sword; my hand will destroy them.’ / But You blew with Your breath, and the sea covered them. They sank like lead in the mighty waters.

Deuteronomy 28:7
The LORD will cause the enemies who rise up against you to be defeated before you. They will march out against you in one direction but flee from you in seven.

1 Samuel 17:45-47
But David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. / This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand. This day I will strike you down, cut off your head, and give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the creatures of the earth. Then the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. / And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.”

Isaiah 54:17
No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.

Micah 7:8-10
Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will arise; though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light. / Because I have sinned against Him, I must endure the rage of the LORD, until He argues my case and executes justice for me. He will bring me into the light; I will see His righteousness. / Then my enemy will see and will be covered with shame—she who said to me, “Where is the LORD your God?” My eyes will see her; at that time she will be trampled like mud in the streets.

Zechariah 12:3
On that day, when all the nations of the earth gather against her, I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who would heave it away will be severely injured.

Matthew 10:28
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Luke 10:19
Behold, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will harm you.

John 16:33
I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!”

Acts 18:9-10
One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking; do not be silent. / For I am with you and no one will lay a hand on you, because I have many people in this city.”


Treasury of Scripture

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.

like bees

Deuteronomy 1:44
And the Amorites, which dwelt in that mountain, came out against you, and chased you, as bees do, and destroyed you in Seir, even unto Hormah.

quenched

Psalm 83:14,15
As the fire burneth a wood, and as the flame setteth the mountains on fire; …

Ecclesiastes 7:6
For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity.

Isaiah 27:4
Fury is not in me: who would set the briers and thorns against me in battle? I would go through them, I would burn them together.

in the name

Psalm 8:9
O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!

Psalm 20:1,5
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee; …

1 Samuel 17:45
Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.

destroy them.

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Bees Blazed Burning Compass Compassed Cut Destroy Died Encompassed Extinguished Fire Quenched Quickly Round Surely Surrounded Swarmed Thorns Verily
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Bees Blazed Burning Compass Compassed Cut Destroy Died Encompassed Extinguished Fire Quenched Quickly Round Surely Surrounded Swarmed Thorns Verily
Psalm 118
1. An exhortation to praise God for his mercy
5. The psalmist by his experience shows how good it is to trust in God
19. Under the type of the psalmist the coming of Christ in his kingdom is expressed














They swarmed around me like bees
This phrase evokes an image of being surrounded by numerous and persistent enemies, much like a swarm of bees. In ancient Israel, bees were common and known for their aggressive defense of their hives. The imagery suggests a situation of overwhelming odds and relentless attack. Biblically, bees are mentioned in Deuteronomy 1:44, where the Amorites chased the Israelites as bees do, indicating a fierce and determined pursuit. This reflects the psalmist's experience of being besieged by adversaries, a common theme in the Psalms where the faithful often face overwhelming opposition.

but they were extinguished like burning thorns
Thorns, when set on fire, burn quickly and with intense heat but are soon consumed. This metaphor suggests that while the enemies were initially fierce and threatening, their threat was ultimately short-lived and easily overcome. In biblical times, thorns were often used as fuel for quick fires, symbolizing the temporary nature of the enemies' power. This imagery is echoed in Ecclesiastes 7:6, where the laughter of fools is compared to the crackling of thorns under a pot, emphasizing the fleeting nature of their threat. The psalmist's confidence in God's deliverance is highlighted here, as the enemies' efforts are rendered futile.

in the name of the LORD I cut them off
Invoking the name of the LORD signifies reliance on divine power and authority. In the Old Testament, the name of the LORD represents His character, presence, and power. The phrase "I cut them off" indicates a decisive victory over the enemies, achieved not by human strength but through divine intervention. This reflects the covenant relationship between God and His people, where God acts as the protector and deliverer. The phrase resonates with the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17, where David declares that he comes against Goliath in the name of the LORD, underscoring the theme of triumph through faith in God's power.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Psalmist
Traditionally attributed to King David, the psalmist is the speaker who describes being surrounded by enemies and finding deliverance through the LORD.

2. Enemies
Represented metaphorically as bees, these are the adversaries that surround the psalmist, symbolizing overwhelming and persistent threats.

3. The LORD
The covenant name of God, Yahweh, who provides strength and deliverance to the psalmist.

4. Bees
Used metaphorically to describe the numerous and aggressive nature of the psalmist's enemies.

5. Burning Thorns
A metaphor for the temporary and ultimately ineffective nature of the enemies' threats.
Teaching Points
Reliance on God's Name
The psalmist's victory is attributed to the name of the LORD. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's power and presence in times of trouble.

Temporary Nature of Adversity
Just as burning thorns are quickly extinguished, the challenges and threats we face are temporary when viewed in light of God's eternal power.

Metaphors of Faith
The use of vivid imagery (bees and thorns) helps us understand the nature of spiritual battles and the assurance of God's deliverance.

Spiritual Warfare
The psalmist's experience is a reminder of the spiritual battles Christians face and the importance of standing firm in faith.

Victory through God
The ultimate victory over adversaries comes not through human strength but through divine intervention and reliance on God.(12) Like bees.--The image of the "bees" may be derived from Deuteronomy 1:44 (comp. Isaiah 7:18), but the LXX. suggest that the poet employed an original and far more expressive image, for they read, "as bees surround the comb." Possibly the word comb dropped out of the Hebrew text, because the copyist was thinking of Deuteronomy 1:44.

The fire of thorns.--See Psalm 58:9, Note. The rapidity with which a fire made of thorns burns gives the point of the comparison. The LXX. and Vulg. gave this more plainly by rendering, "they burnt out like a fire in thorns." Shakespeare may have had this verse in his thought when he wrote:

"Shallow jesters and rash bavin (i.e., brushwood) wit,

Soon kindled and soon burnt."--King Henry IV. . . .

Verse 12. - They compassed me about like bees; i.e. in vast numbers, and with intense energy, and a furious desire to injure (comp. Deuteronomy 1:44; and the powerful description of Virgil, 'Georg.,' 4:236-238). They are quenched as the fire of thorns. Their fury dies away and goes out suddenly, like a fire kindled among thorns, which blazes up with vast heat and noise, but in a short time dies down and disappears. For in the Name of the Lord I will destroy them (see the comment on ver. 11).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
They swarmed around me
סַבּ֤וּנִי (sab·bū·nî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural | first person common singular
Strong's 5437: To turn about, go around, surround

like bees;
כִדְבוֹרִ֗ים (ḵiḏ·ḇō·w·rîm)
Preposition-k | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 1682: The bee

they were extinguished
דֹּ֭עֲכוּ (dō·‘ă·ḵū)
Verb - Pual - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 1846: To be extinguished, to expire, be dried up

like a fire
כְּאֵ֣שׁ (kə·’êš)
Preposition-k | Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 784: A fire

of thorns;
קוֹצִ֑ים (qō·w·ṣîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6975: A thorn, thornbush

in the name
בְּשֵׁ֥ם (bə·šêm)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8034: A name

of the LORD
יְ֝הוָ֗ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

I will surely
כִּ֣י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

cut them off.
אֲמִילַֽם׃ (’ă·mî·lam)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 4135: To cut short, curtail, to blunt, to destroy


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OT Poetry: Psalm 118:12 They surrounded me like bees (Psalm Ps Psa.)
Psalm 118:11
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