Psalms 91:13You will tread on the lion and cobra. You will trample the young lion and the serpent underfoot.
The setting
Ancient Near East, ~1000 BC. Lions and cobras were real threats to travelers and shepherds. This psalm promises supernatural protection in genuinely dangerous situations.
The emotion here: writing with fierce confidence after witnessing God's protection against real predators and enemies
The original word
darakh (דָּרַךְ) — to tread, march over with authority and dominance
Why it matters
Lions lived in the Jordan River valley until 1918, making this a literal danger for ancient Israelites
Read with care
What most readers miss in Psalms 91:13
The progression: first stepping on them, then trampling — complete victory over what once terrified you
Common misconceptionThis isn't about literal snake handling or reckless behavior. It's about God's protection when facing genuine spiritual and physical threats in the course of faithful living.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Psalms 91:13
Bible Genome reading
Psalms 91:13 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Psalms 91:13 comes from the book of Psalms, written during the United Kingdom period. These words are attributed to unknown. The dominant emotion in this verse is resting, with a comfort power of 80% and a tone that is celebratory. It belongs to the psalm genre of biblical literature. Key themes include victory, spiritual warfare, dominion. Notable phrases: tread on the lion; trample the serpent. This verse contains a promise of God.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same resting
“Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud,”
— 1 Corinthians 13:4
“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, "It is finished." He bowed his head, and gave up his spirit.”
— John 19:30
“Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.”
— Psalms 23:1
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfor…”
— Psalms 23:4
“"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth."”
— Psalms 46:10
Your reflection
What does Psalms 91:13 mean to you, today?
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