Psalms 140:11
Psalms 140:11 in Multiple Translations
May no slanderer be established in the land; may calamity hunt down the man of violence.
Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him.
An evil speaker shall not be established in the earth: Evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him.
Let not a man of evil tongue be safe on earth: let destruction overtake the violent man with blow on blow.
Don't let people who slander others live in our land. May disaster strike down violent people.
For the backbiter shall not be established vpon the earth: euill shall hunt the cruell man to destruction.
A talkative man is not established in the earth, One of violence — evil hunteth to overflowing.
An evil speaker won’t be established in the earth. Evil will hunt the violent man to overthrow him.
Let not an evil speaker be established on the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him .
Do not allow those who slander others to succeed; cause evil things to happen to violent men and destroy them!
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 140:11
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 140:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
ימיטו
יִמּ֥וֹטוּ
עֲלֵי/הֶ֗ם
גֶּֽחָ֫לִ֥ים
בָּ/אֵ֥שׁ
יַפִּלֵ֑/ם
בְּ֝/מַהֲמֹר֗וֹת
בַּֽל
יָקֽוּמוּ
ימיטו
môwṭ
H4131
to shake
V-Hiphil-Juss-3mp
יִמּ֥וֹטוּ
môwṭ
H4131
to shake
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
עֲלֵי/הֶ֗ם
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
גֶּֽחָ֫לִ֥ים
gechel
H1513
coal
N-cp
בָּ/אֵ֥שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
Prep | N-cs
יַפִּלֵ֑/ם
nâphal
H5307
to fall
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
בְּ֝/מַהֲמֹר֗וֹת
mahămôrâh
H4113
flood
Prep | N-fp
בַּֽל
bal
H1077
not
Part
יָקֽוּמוּ
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 140:11
ימיטו
môwṭ
H4131
"to shake"
V-Hiphil-Juss-3mp
This Hebrew word means to shake or waver, like something that's unstable. It appears in books like Psalms and Proverbs, to describe things that are falling apart or unstable. The KJV translates it as 'be carried' or 'fall'.
Definition: 1) to totter, shake, slip 1a) (Qal) to totter, shake, slip 1b) (Niphal) to be shaken, be moved, be overthrown 1c) (Hiphil) to dislodge, let fall, drop 1d) (Hithpael) to be greatly shaken
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: be carried, cast, be out of course, be fallen in decay, [idiom] exceedingly, fall(-ing down), be (re-) moved, be ready, shake, slide, slip. See also: Leviticus 25:35; Psalms 62:3; Psalms 10:6.
יִמּ֥וֹטוּ
môwṭ
H4131
"to shake"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to shake or waver, like something that's unstable. It appears in books like Psalms and Proverbs, to describe things that are falling apart or unstable. The KJV translates it as 'be carried' or 'fall'.
Definition: 1) to totter, shake, slip 1a) (Qal) to totter, shake, slip 1b) (Niphal) to be shaken, be moved, be overthrown 1c) (Hiphil) to dislodge, let fall, drop 1d) (Hithpael) to be greatly shaken
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: be carried, cast, be out of course, be fallen in decay, [idiom] exceedingly, fall(-ing down), be (re-) moved, be ready, shake, slide, slip. See also: Leviticus 25:35; Psalms 62:3; Psalms 10:6.
עֲלֵי/הֶ֗ם
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
גֶּֽחָ֫לִ֥ים
gechel
H1513
"coal"
N-cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a burning coal or hot ember, often used to describe intense heat or purification. It appears in various contexts, including Isaiah and Ezekiel. The word symbolizes refinement and cleansing.
Definition: coal, burning coal, coals of fire, hot coals
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: (burning) coal. See also: Leviticus 16:12; Psalms 140:11; Psalms 18:9.
בָּ/אֵ֥שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
Prep | N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
יַפִּלֵ֑/ם
nâphal
H5307
"to fall"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
בְּ֝/מַהֲמֹר֗וֹת
mahămôrâh
H4113
"flood"
Prep | N-fp
The Hebrew word for a deep pit or flood of water, used to describe a large body of water or a deep hole, like in Psalm 69:2 where it says 'I sink in the deep mire'.
Definition: a flood, a pit of water, watery pit
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: deep pit. See also: Psalms 140:11.
בַּֽל
bal
H1077
"not"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means not or nothing, often used to show something is absent or non-existent. It appears in various forms, like lest or neither. The KJV Bible translates it in different ways, including not or none.
Definition: not, hardly, else
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: lest, neither, no, none (that...), not (any), nothing. See also: 1 Chronicles 16:30; Psalms 140:12; Psalms 10:4.
יָקֽוּמוּ
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
Study Notes — Psalms 140:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 140:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 140:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 140:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 140:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 140:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 140:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 140:11
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 140:11
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 140:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 140:11
- Sermons on Psalms 140:11
Context — Rescue Me from Evil Men
9May the heads of those who surround me be covered in the trouble their lips have caused.
10May burning coals fall on them; may they be thrown into the fire, into the miry pits, never to rise again.
11May no slanderer be established in the land; may calamity hunt down the man of violence.
12I know that the LORD upholds justice for the poor and defends the cause of the needy. 13Surely the righteous will praise Your name; the upright will dwell in Your presence.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 34:21 | Evil will slay the wicked, and the haters of the righteous will be condemned. |
| 2 | Proverbs 18:21 | Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. |
| 3 | Isaiah 3:11 | Woe to the wicked; disaster is upon them! For they will be repaid with what their hands have done. |
| 4 | Proverbs 13:21 | Disaster pursues sinners, but prosperity is the reward of the righteous. |
| 5 | Proverbs 17:20 | The one with a perverse heart finds no good, and he whose tongue is deceitful falls into trouble. |
| 6 | Psalms 7:14–16 | Behold, the wicked man travails with evil; he conceives trouble and births falsehood. He has dug a hole and hollowed it out; he has fallen into a pit of his own making. His trouble recoils on himself, and his violence falls on his own head. |
| 7 | Proverbs 6:17 | haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, |
| 8 | Psalms 9:16 | The LORD is known by the justice He brings; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands. Higgaion Selah |
| 9 | Psalms 12:3–4 | May the LORD cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue. They say, “With our tongues we will prevail. We own our lips—who can be our master?” |
| 10 | Proverbs 12:13 | An evil man is trapped by his rebellious speech, but a righteous man escapes from trouble. |
Psalms 140:11 Summary
Psalms 140:11 is a prayer asking God to stop people who spread lies and hurt others from being successful, and to bring trouble to those who are violent. This verse reminds us that God is against violence and hurtful words, and that He will bring justice to those who have been wronged, as seen in Exodus 20:13 and Matthew 26:52. We can apply this verse to our lives by being kind and peaceful, and by seeking to promote love and justice in our relationships and community, just like Jesus taught us in Matthew 5:38-42. By trusting in God's sovereignty and justice, we can have confidence that He will bring peace and righteousness to our world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of 'slanderer' in Psalms 140:11?
A slanderer is someone who spreads false or hurtful information about others, as seen in Psalms 140:11, and is condemned by God, as stated in Proverbs 6:16-19, which lists 'a false witness who pours out lies' as one of the things the Lord hates.
How does God feel about violence, according to this verse?
According to Psalms 140:11, God is against violence, and calamity will hunt down those who practice it, which is also supported by Exodus 20:13, where God commands us not to murder, and Matthew 26:52, where Jesus teaches that those who live by violence will die by violence.
What is the relationship between this verse and the surrounding verses?
Psalms 140:11 is part of a larger prayer by David, asking God to protect him from his enemies and to bring justice to those who have wronged him, as seen in Psalms 140:9-10, where David asks for trouble to fall on those who have spoken against him, and in Psalms 140:12-13, where David expresses confidence in God's justice and care for the poor and needy.
How can we apply this verse to our lives today?
We can apply Psalms 140:11 to our lives by being mindful of the words we speak and the actions we take, and by seeking to promote peace, love, and kindness, as taught in Matthew 5:38-42, where Jesus teaches us to love our enemies and to turn the other cheek.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have spoken or acted in ways that have hurt others, and how can I make amends and seek forgiveness?
- How can I promote peace and love in my relationships and community, and what are some practical steps I can take to do so?
- What are some ways that I can seek justice and care for the poor and needy, as David expresses confidence in God's justice and care in Psalms 140:12-13?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and justice, even when I see injustice and violence in the world around me, and what are some Bible verses that can help me to do so, such as Romans 8:28 or Psalms 37:3-7?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 140:11
Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth,.... One that sets his mouth against the heavens, and speaks evil of God; of his being, perfections, purposes, and providences: whose tongue walks
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 140:11
Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him. Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth (cf.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 140:11
An evil speaker; such as slander me and other innocent persons, to exasperate princes against us. Evil; either the evil of punishment; or, which comes to the same thing, the evil of sin, their own wickedness, which shall recoil upon themselves.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 140:11
Psalms 140:11 Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow [him].Ver. 11. Let not an evil speaker] Heb. a man of tongue, whereof Geraldus reckoneth up twenty-four several sins; a world of wickedness, St James calleth it, James 3:6 Evil shall hunt the violent man] The angel of death shall hunt him into hell, saith the Chaldee. Of the blackbird’ s excrements is made bird lime, to catch him. Gaius Marius was slain with the sword he made when he was a cutler. Propiis pennis perire grave est, was Julian’ s motto. God’ s judgments against sinners are feathered from themselves, as a fowl shot with an arrow feathered from her own body.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 140:11
(11) An evil speaker.—Literally, as in LXX. and Vulg., a man of tongue; (Comp. Sir 8:3; Job 11:2.) margin,” man of lips.” It is hardly possible to resist the suggestion that some particular person, noted for the loudness or violence of his speech, was intended. Evil shall hunt . . .—Comp. Proverbs 13:21 and Horace, Odes iii. 2, Conington’s translation: “Though vengeance halt, she seldom leaves The wretch whose flying step she hounds.’ To overthrow.—The Hebrew is a noun, formed from a root meaning “to thrust,” and literally means either to destruction or with hasty pursuit. Some render “with successive thrusts;” but this is hardly a hunting figure.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 140:11
Verse 11. Let not an evil speaker be established] איש לשון ish lashon, "a man of tongue." There is much force in the rendering of this clause in the Chaldee גבר דמשתעי לישן תליתי gebar demishtai lishan telithai, "The man of detraction, or inflammation, with the three-forked tongue." He whose tongue is set on fire from hell; the tale-bearer, slanderer, and dealer in scandal: with the three-forked tongue; wounding three at once: his neighbour whom he slanders; the person who receives the slander; and himself who deals in it. What a just description of a character which God, angels, and good men must detest! Let not such a one be established in the land; let him be unmasked; let no person trust him; and let all join together to hoot him out of society. "He shall be hunted by the angel of death, and thrust into hell." - CHALDEE.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 140:11
11. A slanderer shall not be established in the land] Cp. Psalms 101:5. to overthrow him] Again the idea is that of the evil which he devises for others relentlessly pursuing him, lit. with thrust upon thrust. Cp. Psalms 35:5-6; Proverbs 13:21. The Targ. paraphrases, “misfortune shall hunt the violent man; the angel of death shall drive him down to hell.”
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 140:11
Let not an evil speaker - literally, “A man of tongue.” That is, a man whom the tongue rules; a man of an unbridled tongue; a man who does not control his tongue. See the notes at James 3:2-12.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 140:11
11. An evil speaker—Hebrew, A man of tongue. An idle tattler, a slanderer. In Ecclesiastes 10:11, “babbler,” is lord of the tongue—one who subjects his tongue to no restraint.
Sermons on Psalms 140:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Ninth Degree of Humility by St. Benedict of Nursia | St. Benedict of Nursia preaches on the ninth degree of humility, emphasizing the importance of monks restraining their tongues and practicing silence, only speaking when questioned |
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Tame Your Tongue by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taming one's tongue and the dangers of speaking evil. He compares the tongue to a treasure that can bring forth either goo |
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1992 Missions Conference Talk - Part 1 by Richard Wurmbrand | This sermon emphasizes the importance of listening to God and each other, highlighting a personal story of enduring love and faithfulness through trials. It delves into the concept |
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Hard-Heartedness in the Body of Christ by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of daily prayer and Bible reading. He warns the congregation about the impending hard times and chaos that will come to the c |
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In the School of God by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the impact of words and the importance of being an example of a believer. He shares stories of individuals who excelled in their faith and |
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The Plague of Profanity by Jon Courson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the impact of profanity on society and how it desensitizes people to the reality of eternity. He explains that there was a time when words li |
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The Foremost Proof of Holiness by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on his early days of preaching with great zeal but little wisdom. He emphasizes the importance of having both wisdom and fire in one's faith. |