Psalms 140:2
Psalms 140:2 in Multiple Translations
who devise evil in their hearts and stir up war all day long.
Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war.
Who devise mischiefs in their heart; Continually do they gather themselves together for war.
For their hearts are full of evil designs; and they are ever making ready causes of war.
Their minds are busy plotting evil things, stirring up trouble all day long.
Which imagine euill things in their heart, and make warre continually.
Who have devised evils in the heart, All the day they assemble [for] wars.
those who devise mischief in their hearts. They continually gather themselves together for war.
Who imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they assembled for war.
Let my prayer be directed as incense in thy sight; the lifting up of my hands, as evening sacrifice.
They are always planning to do evil things and they are always inciting/urging people to start quarrels.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 140:2
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 140:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
חַלְּצֵ֣/נִי
יְ֭הוָה
מֵ/אָדָ֣ם
רָ֑ע
מֵ/אִ֖ישׁ
חֲמָסִ֣ים
תִּנְצְרֵֽ/נִי
חַלְּצֵ֣/נִי
châlats
H2502
to rescue
V-Piel-Impv-2ms | Suff
יְ֭הוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
מֵ/אָדָ֣ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
Prep | N-ms
רָ֑ע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Adj
מֵ/אִ֖ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Prep | N-ms
חֲמָסִ֣ים
châmâç
H2555
violence
N-mp
תִּנְצְרֵֽ/נִי
nâtsar
H5341
to watch
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 140:2
חַלְּצֵ֣/נִי
châlats
H2502
"to rescue"
V-Piel-Impv-2ms | Suff
To arm or equip for war is the meaning of this verb, used to describe preparing for battle. It is translated as arm, deliver, or strengthen in the KJV Bible.
Definition: 1) to draw off or out, withdraw 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to draw, draw off 1a2) to withdraw 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be delivered 1b2) to be saved 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to pull out, tear out 1c2) to rescue, deliver, set free 1c3) to take away, plunder
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: arm (self), (go, ready) armed ([idiom] man, soldier), deliver, draw out, make fat, loose, (ready) prepared, put off, take away, withdraw self. See also: Leviticus 14:40; 2 Chronicles 20:21; Psalms 6:5.
יְ֭הוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
מֵ/אָדָ֣ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
Prep | N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
רָ֑ע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
מֵ/אִ֖ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
חֲמָסִ֣ים
châmâç
H2555
"violence"
N-mp
This word describes violence, injustice, or cruelty, often referring to unfair treatment of others. In Isaiah and Jeremiah, it condemns oppressive behaviors, highlighting the need for justice and fairness. It involves wrongdoing and harm to others.
Definition: violence, wrong, cruelty, injustice
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: cruel(-ty), damage, false, injustice, [idiom] oppressor, unrighteous, violence (against, done), violent (dealing), wrong. See also: Genesis 6:11; Proverbs 10:11; Psalms 7:17.
תִּנְצְרֵֽ/נִי
nâtsar
H5341
"to watch"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | Suff
This word means to watch or guard something, like the Israelites watching over the Passover in Exodus 12:42 or God watching over his people in Psalm 121:4.
Definition: 1) to guard, watch, watch over, keep 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to watch, guard, keep 1a2) to preserve, guard from dangers 1a3) to keep, observe, guard with fidelity 1a4) to guard, keep secret 1a5) to be kept close, be blockaded 1a6) watchman (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: besieged, hidden thing, keep(-er, -ing), monument, observe, preserve(-r), subtil, watcher(-man). See also: Exodus 34:7; Proverbs 2:8; Psalms 12:8.
Study Notes — Psalms 140:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 140:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 140:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 140:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 140:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 140:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 140:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 140:2
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 140:2
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 140:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 140:2
- Sermons on Psalms 140:2
Context — Rescue Me from Evil Men
1Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men. Protect me from men of violence,
2who devise evil in their hearts and stir up war all day long.
3They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips. Selah 4Guard me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked. Keep me safe from men of violence who scheme to make me stumble.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 56:6 | They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps while they wait to take my life. |
| 2 | Psalms 36:4 | Even on his bed he plots wickedness; he sets himself on a path that is not good; he fails to reject evil. |
| 3 | Psalms 64:5–6 | They hold fast to their evil purpose; they speak of hiding their snares. “Who will see them?” they say. They devise injustice and say, “We have perfected a secret plan.” For the inner man and the heart are mysterious. |
| 4 | Hosea 7:6 | For they prepare their heart like an oven while they lie in wait; all night their anger smolders; in the morning it blazes like a flaming fire. |
| 5 | Micah 2:1–3 | Woe to those who devise iniquity and plot evil on their beds! At morning’s light they accomplish it because the power is in their hands. They covet fields and seize them; they take away houses. They deprive a man of his home, a fellow man of his inheritance. Therefore this is what the LORD says: “I am planning against this nation a disaster from which you cannot free your necks. Then you will not walk so proudly, for it will be a time of calamity. |
| 6 | Proverbs 12:20 | Deceit is in the hearts of those who devise evil, but the counselors of peace have joy. |
| 7 | Psalms 120:7 | I am in favor of peace; but when I speak, they want war. |
| 8 | Nahum 1:11 | From you, O Nineveh, comes forth a plotter of evil against the LORD, a counselor of wickedness. |
| 9 | Psalms 2:1–2 | Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed One: |
| 10 | 1 Samuel 23:19–24 | Then the Ziphites came up to Saul at Gibeah and said, “Is not David hiding among us in the strongholds at Horesh, on the hill of Hachilah south of Jeshimon? Now, O king, come down whenever your soul desires, and we will be responsible for delivering him into your hand.” “May you be blessed by the LORD,” replied Saul, “for you have had compassion on me. Please go and prepare further. Investigate and watch carefully where he goes and who has seen him there, for I am told that he is extremely cunning. Observe and find out all the places where he hides. Then come back to me with certainty, and I will go with you. If he is in the land, I will search him out among all the clans of Judah.” So they set out and went to Ziph ahead of Saul. Now David and his men were in the Wilderness of Maon in the Arabah south of Jeshimon, |
Psalms 140:2 Summary
[Psalms 140:2 describes people who think about and plan evil things all the time, and even try to get others to fight, similar to the examples in Proverbs 6:14 and Proverbs 16:29. This kind of behavior is hurtful and damaging to those around them. We should be careful not to act like this ourselves, and instead strive to be peacemakers, as encouraged in Matthew 5:9. By trusting in God's protection and love, as seen in Psalms 23:4, we can stay safe from harm and live in peace, even when surrounded by conflict.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of people is the Psalmist asking to be rescued from in Psalms 140:2?
The Psalmist is asking to be rescued from people who have evil intentions and constantly provoke conflict, as seen in their actions described in Psalms 140:2, similar to those mentioned in Psalms 35:20 who love war and do not speak peaceably.
How do the evil intentions of these people affect their daily lives?
According to Psalms 140:2, these people devise evil in their hearts and stir up war all day long, indicating that their evil intentions consume their thoughts and actions, much like the wicked described in Proverbs 10:23 who delight in evil.
Can we apply the description in Psalms 140:2 to people in our lives?
Yes, we can apply this description to people in our lives who consistently exhibit malicious behavior, similar to the description of the wicked in Psalms 36:1-4 who have no fear of God and are fluent in deception.
How should we respond to people who devise evil in their hearts?
We should pray for protection and wisdom, as the Psalmist does in Psalms 140:4, and trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Romans 12:14-21, where we are instructed to bless those who persecute us and not take revenge.
Reflection Questions
- How do I recognize when someone is devising evil in their heart, and what should I do in response?
- What are some ways that I might be unintentionally stirring up conflict or devising evil in my own heart, and how can I change this?
- In what ways can I trust in God's protection and provision when faced with people who intend harm, as described in Psalms 23:4 and Psalms 91:4?
- How can I balance the command to love my enemies, as seen in Matthew 5:44, with the need to protect myself from those who intend harm?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 140:2
Which imagine mischiefs in [their] heart,.... This shows that not a single person barely is meant but more, as Saul's courtiers; who were secretly and continually meditating mischief against David,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 140:2
Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war. Continually are they gathered together (for) war - Hebrew, wars; not mere personal, disputes, but wars in the proper sense.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 140:2
To execute those bloody enterprises which they had devised in the first clause of this verse.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 140:2
Psalms 140:2 Which imagine mischiefs in [their] heart; continually are they gathered together [for] war.Ver. 2. Which imagine mischief in their heart] Where the devil worketh night and day as a mintman; as a smith in his forge; or an artificer in his shop. A godly man is said to have right thoughts, Proverbs 12:5, and that his desires are only good, Proverbs 11:23. An evil man is called a man of wicked devices, Proverbs 12:2; Proverbs 14:17, being ingeniose nequam, wittily wicked, as it was once said of Gaius Curio, the Roman lawyer. They are gathered together for war] Heb. they gather wars, as serpents gather poison to vomit out at others. Coacervant praelia, q.d. sunt tanquam tubae belli.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 140:2
(2) Imagine . . .—Or, contrive, plot. Gathered together.—This translation follows the analogy of Psa 56:6. Others render, “dwell with wars.” But it is preferable to derive from a root meaning to incite: “They are continually stirring up wars.” It is the situation described in Psalms 120:7 and frequently; Israel would be at peace, but within and without are those ever trying to involve her in troubles.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 140:2
Verse 2. They gathered together] He and his courtiers form plots and cabals against my life.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 140:2
2. Who have devised evils in their heart] Secretly and deliberately. continually &c.] Every day do they stir up strife: lit. wars. They are perpetually trying to pick a quarrel with me.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 140:2
Which imagine mischiefs in their heart - Here the language is changed to the plural number in the Hebrew, implying that while there was one man who was eminent in his wickedness and his wrong-doing,
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 140:2
2. Mischiefs in their heart—Here is the seat and fountain of all deeds of wrong and violence. Matthew 15:18-19. Satan’s workshop and council chamber are in the hearts “of the children of disobedience.” Ephesians 2:2.
Sermons on Psalms 140:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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1 Timothy 1:1, 2 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the dignity of an Apostle, emphasizing Paul's humility in being called by the commandment of God as an Apostle of Jesus Christ. Paul's authority as a |
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The Context of the Coming Kingdom by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing God as the revelation of Jesus as king and the beauty of the kingdom. He criticizes the superficiality of worship a |
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 162 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the church being a place of fellowship, encouragement, growth, and building up. He highlights the seven things that God ha |
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Philippians 4:4-7 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of rejoicing in the Lord always, even in the midst of trials and suffering, emphasizing the peace that comes from prayer, supplication, a |
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(Revelation - Part 6): Reign of Christ a Divine Imperative by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the current state of the world and the need for deliverance from oppression and sin. He emphasizes the importance of a perfect leader who can |
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Bringing the Power of God Into Prayer by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of speaking and the impact it can have on someone's life. He shares a story from the Old Testament about three lepers who made a c |
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Pray Big and Pray Bold by Sundar Krishnan | This sermon emphasizes the power of intercessory prayer in shaping the future and creating a better world. It explores the concept of spiritual defiance through prayer, believing i |