Old Testament
Psalms 144:11
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, the psalmist is asking God for rescue and protection from people who are deceitful and untrustworthy, referred to as 'strange children.
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Rid me and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaks vanity, and whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood.
Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood:
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the psalmist is asking God for rescue and protection from people who are deceitful and untrustworthy, referred to as 'strange children.' These individuals speak empty words and use their power to mislead others. The 'mouth speaks vanity' suggests that their words lack truth and substance, while the 'right hand of falsehood' indicates that their actions are also deceptive. The psalmist recognizes the danger posed by such people and seeks divine intervention to be freed from their influence. This plea highlights the importance of seeking God's help in times of trouble, especially when faced with those who do not have our best interests at heart. It serves as a reminder to be cautious of those who may appear friendly but are actually harmful.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Psalms 144:11 to your life
In our daily lives, we may encounter individuals who are deceitful or manipulative. This verse encourages us to seek God's guidance and protection from such influences. We should be vigilant about the company we keep and rely on prayer to help us discern truth from falsehood.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 144:11 mean?
Psalms 144:11 expresses a plea for God’s rescue from deceitful people, referred to as 'strange children.' The verse highlights the danger of those who speak empty words and act with false intentions, emphasizing the need for divine protection.
What is the meaning of 'strange children' in Psalms 144:11?
In Psalms 144:11, 'strange children' refers to individuals who are deceitful and untrustworthy. The term suggests that these people are not aligned with the values of truth and integrity, posing a threat to the psalmist.
How can I apply Psalms 144:11 in my life?
You can apply Psalms 144:11 by being cautious of the people you associate with and seeking God's guidance in your relationships. It encourages you to pray for discernment to recognize deceitful behavior and to ask for protection from harmful influences.
What themes are present in Psalms 144:11?
Psalms 144:11 includes themes of divine protection, deception, and the importance of seeking help from God. It highlights the need to trust in God when facing individuals who may not have our best interests at heart.

The Book of Psalms
Psalm 1: Two Paths
This psalm describes two paths. The blessed person does not follow the counsel of the ungodly, does not stand in the way of sinners, and does not sit among the scornful. Instead, this person delights in the law of the LORD and thinks on it day and night.
Unlock the full Psalms summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Psalms — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 150 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Psalms summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.