Old Testament

Psalms 83:3

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

They have taken crafty counsel against your people and consulted against your hidden ones.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones.

What Psalms 83:3 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the psalmist describes a situation where enemies are plotting against God's people. The term "crafty counsel" suggests that these adversaries are using deceitful and clever strategies to undermine and attack those who belong to God. The phrase "your hidden ones" refers to those who are faithful and perhaps not in the spotlight, indicating that God has a special care for those who may be overlooked or marginalized. This verse highlights the reality of spiritual warfare, where the faithful face opposition from those who seek to harm them. It serves as a reminder that God is aware of these plots and is protective of His people, even when they are not visible or prominent. The psalmist calls upon God to intervene and defend His people against such schemes, emphasizing the need for divine assistance in times of trouble.

How to apply Psalms 83:3 to your life

In our lives, we may face opposition or deceit from others. This verse encourages us to trust in God's protection and to remain faithful, even when we feel vulnerable. We should seek God's guidance and support in our struggles, knowing He is aware of our challenges.

Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Rachel smiling as she holds her newborn son Joseph inside a lamp-lit tent

Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Joseph, Jacob's son

Wide frontal view of the Great Ziggurat of Ur, with a central brick stair rising between broad buttressed mud-brick walls in a hazy desert setting.

Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Ur

The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Psalms 83:3

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Psalms 83:3

At a Glance — the Book of Psalms

Author
David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
Written
Around 1000-500 BC
Genre
Poetry and worship
Original Audience
Worshipers of Israel

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Psalms 83:3 mean?

Psalms 83:3 describes enemies plotting against God's people using deceitful strategies. It emphasizes the reality of spiritual warfare and God's protective care for those who may be marginalized or overlooked.

What is the meaning of 'crafty counsel' in Psalms 83:3?

The term 'crafty counsel' in Psalms 83:3 refers to the deceitful and clever plans that enemies devise to undermine and attack God's people.

What does 'hidden ones' refer to in Psalms 83:3?

In Psalms 83:3, 'hidden ones' refers to faithful individuals who may not be in the spotlight but are still under God's care and protection.

How can Psalms 83:3 apply to my life today?

Psalms 83:3 encourages us to trust in God's protection during times of opposition or deceit, reminding us to remain faithful and seek His guidance in our struggles.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.