Psalms 62:4
Psalms 62:4 in Multiple Translations
They fully intend to cast him down from his lofty perch; they delight in lies; with their mouths they bless, but inwardly they curse. Selah
They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.
They only consult to thrust him down from his dignity; They delight in lies; They bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. [Selah
Their only thought is to put him down from his place of honour; their delight is in deceit: blessing is in their mouths but cursing in their hearts. (Selah.)
They plan to throw me down from my high position; they love to tell lies. They say nice things to me, but inside they're cursing me. Selah.
Yet they consult to cast him downe from his dignitie: their delight is in lies, they blesse with their mouthes, but curse with their hearts. Selah.
Only — from his excellency They have consulted to drive away, They enjoy a lie, with their mouth they bless, And with their heart revile. Selah.
They fully intend to throw him down from his lofty place. They delight in lies. They bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.
They only consult to cast him down from his excellence: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.
For thy mercy is better than lives: thee my lips shall praise.
My enemies plan to remove me from my important position so that people no longer honor me. They delight in telling lies. They bless people by what they say [MTY], but in their inner beings they curse those people. (Think about that!)
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 62:4
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 62:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עַד
אָ֤נָה
תְּהֽוֹתְת֣וּ
עַל
אִישׁ֮
תְּרָצְּח֪וּ
כֻ֫לְּ/כֶ֥ם
כְּ/קִ֥יר
נָט֑וּי
גָּ֝דֵ֗ר
הַ/דְּחוּיָֽה
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
אָ֤נָה
ʼân
H575
where?
Adv
תְּהֽוֹתְת֣וּ
hâthath
H2050
to plot
V-o-Imperf-2mp
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
אִישׁ֮
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
תְּרָצְּח֪וּ
râtsach
H7523
to murder
V-Piel-Imperf-2mp
כֻ֫לְּ/כֶ֥ם
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms | Suff
כְּ/קִ֥יר
qîyr
H7023
wall
Prep | N-ms
נָט֑וּי
nâṭâh
H5186
to stretch
V-Qal-Inf-c
גָּ֝דֵ֗ר
gâdêr
H1447
wall
N-ms
הַ/דְּחוּיָֽה
dâchâh
H1760
to thrust
Art | V-Qal-Inf-c
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 62:4
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
אָ֤נָה
ʼân
H575
"where?"
Adv
The Hebrew word for 'where' is used to ask about location or direction, like in Genesis 3:9 and Exodus 2:13. It can also mean 'when' or 'how long'.
Definition: 1) where?, whither? (of place) 2) when?, until when?, how long? (of time)
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] any (no) whither, now, where, whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 16:8; 2 Kings 6:6; Psalms 13:2.
תְּהֽוֹתְת֣וּ
hâthath
H2050
"to plot"
V-o-Imperf-2mp
This verb means to plot or imagine mischief, describing someone who is planning harm or evil, as seen in KJV translations.
Definition: (Poel) to shout at, be frantic at, assail, break in, overwhelm, imagine mischief
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: imagine mischief. w See also: Psalms 62:4.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
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.
אִישׁ֮
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
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.
תְּרָצְּח֪וּ
râtsach
H7523
"to murder"
V-Piel-Imperf-2mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to murder or kill someone, like Cain killing Abel in Genesis. It emphasizes the intentional act of taking a human life. This word is about premeditated killing.
Definition: 1) to murder, slay, kill 1a)(Qal) to murder, slay 1a1) premeditated 1a2) accidental 1a3) as avenger 1a4) slayer (intentional) (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be slain 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to murder, assassinate 1c2) murderer, assassin (participle) (subst) 1d) (Pual) to be killed
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: put to death, kill, (man-) slay(-er), murder(-er). See also: Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 22:26; Psalms 62:4.
כֻ֫לְּ/כֶ֥ם
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
כְּ/קִ֥יר
qîyr
H7023
"wall"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a wall, often referring to the walls of houses, chambers, or even the altar. It is used to describe structures built for protection or division. The KJV translates it as wall or side.
Definition: 1) wall, side 1a) wall (of house or chamber) 1b) the sides (of the altar)
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] mason, side, town, [idiom] very, wall. See also: Exodus 30:3; 2 Chronicles 3:11; Psalms 62:4.
נָט֑וּי
nâṭâh
H5186
"to stretch"
V-Qal-Inf-c
To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.
Definition: 1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer 1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent) 1a3) to bend, turn, incline 1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down 1a3b) to bend, bow 1a3c) to hold out, extend (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stretch out 1c2) to spread out 1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away
Usage: Occurs in 207 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afternoon, apply, bow (down, -ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down, be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched, overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread (out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away), wrest, cause to yield. See also: Genesis 12:8; Psalms 31:3; Psalms 17:6.
גָּ֝דֵ֗ר
gâdêr
H1447
"wall"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for wall or fence, used to describe a barrier or enclosure, is found in various Bible translations as fence, hedge, or wall.
Definition: fence, wall Also means: ge.der (גֶּדֶר "wall" H1444)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: fence, hedge, wall. See also: Numbers 22:24; Isaiah 5:5; Psalms 62:4.
הַ/דְּחוּיָֽה
dâchâh
H1760
"to thrust"
Art | V-Qal-Inf-c
To thrust or push down means to force something or someone away, like chasing or driving something out. It can also mean to overthrow or make something unstable, as seen in its various translations.
Definition: 1) to push, thrust, chase, overflow, totter, sore, drive away or out, be outcast, be cast down 1a) (Qal) to push, push violently 1b) (Niphal) to be thrust, be cast down 1c) (Pual) to be thrust down
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: chase, drive away (on), overthrow, outcast, [idiom] sore, thrust, totter. See also: Psalms 35:5; Psalms 147:2; Psalms 36:13.
Study Notes — Psalms 62:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 62:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 62:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 62:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 62:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 62:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 62:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 62:4
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 62:4
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 62:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 62:4
- Sermons on Psalms 62:4
Context — Waiting on God
2He alone is my rock and my salvation. He is my fortress; I will never be shaken.
3How long will you threaten a man? Will all of you throw him down like a leaning wall or a tottering fence?
4They fully intend to cast him down from his lofty perch; they delight in lies; with their mouths they bless, but inwardly they curse. Selah
5Rest in God alone, O my soul, for my hope comes from Him. 6He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress; I will not be shaken.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 55:21 | His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed. |
| 2 | Psalms 28:3 | Do not drag me away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, who speak peace to their neighbors while malice is in their hearts. |
| 3 | Psalms 5:9 | For not a word they speak can be trusted; destruction lies within them. Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit. |
| 4 | Romans 7:22 | For in my inner being I delight in God’s law. |
| 5 | Romans 1:32 | Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things are worthy of death, they not only continue to do these things, but also approve of those who practice them. |
| 6 | Revelation 22:15 | But outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. |
| 7 | Acts 4:16–17 | “What shall we do with these men?” they asked. “It is clear to everyone living in Jerusalem that a remarkable miracle has occurred through them, and we cannot deny it. But to keep this message from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them not to speak to anyone in this name.” |
| 8 | John 8:44 | You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies. |
| 9 | Psalms 52:3 | You love evil more than good, falsehood more than speaking truth. Selah |
| 10 | John 11:47–50 | Then the chief priests and Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, “What are we to do? This man is performing many signs. If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” But one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all! You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.” |
Psalms 62:4 Summary
Psalms 62:4 describes the wicked intentions of those who seek to harm the righteous, by trying to bring them down from their position of influence and speaking lies about them. However, as believers, we can trust in God's sovereignty and rest in His goodness, knowing that He is our rock and salvation, as described in Psalms 62:2 and 6. We must be careful not to be deceived by the lies of the wicked, and instead, cultivate a heart of love and truth, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:15 and 25. By trusting in God and standing firm against the enemy's attacks, we can experience the peace and security that comes from knowing that God is our refuge and strength, as described in Psalms 46:1-3.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'cast him down from his lofty perch' in Psalms 62:4?
This phrase means to bring someone down from a position of power or influence, and it can be seen in the context of the enemy's desire to destroy the righteous, as also mentioned in Psalms 37:12-13, where the wicked plot against the righteous but will ultimately be defeated.
Why do the wicked 'delight in lies' according to Psalms 62:4?
The wicked delight in lies because they are driven by their own sinful nature, as described in Romans 1:25, where it says that those who reject God exchange the truth for a lie, and in John 8:44, where Jesus says that the devil is the father of lies.
What does it mean to 'bless with their mouths but inwardly curse' in Psalms 62:4?
This phrase means to speak kindly or positively to someone's face, but secretly harbor hatred or ill will towards them, which is a form of hypocrisy, as also condemned in Matthew 15:8, where Jesus quotes Isaiah 29:13, saying that the people honor Him with their lips but their hearts are far from Him.
What is the significance of the word 'Selah' at the end of Psalms 62:4?
The word 'Selah' is a Hebrew term that is often used in the Psalms to indicate a pause or a moment of reflection, as seen in Psalms 3:2, where it follows a declaration of trust in God, and it serves as a reminder to the reader to stop and consider the weight and significance of what has just been said, as also seen in Psalms 32:4-5, where David reflects on the joy of forgiveness.
Reflection Questions
- How do I recognize when others are speaking lies or hiding their true intentions, and how can I respond to them in a way that honors God?
- In what ways can I be guilty of 'blessing with my mouth but cursing inwardly', and how can I cultivate a more genuine and loving heart towards others?
- What are some ways that the enemy seeks to 'cast me down from my lofty perch', and how can I stand firm against his attacks, as described in Ephesians 6:10-18?
- How can I rest in God's sovereignty and trust in His goodness, even when faced with opposition or lies, as encouraged in Psalms 37:3-7?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 62:4
They only consult to cast [him] down from his excellency,.... Either from the excellency of God, from his greatness, and from his height, as Kimchi; or from his grace, as the Arabic version: that is,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 62:4
They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 62:4
Him, to wit, the man mentioned , i.e. himself; of whom he continues to speak in the third person. From his excellency; from the hopes and attainment of that royal dignity, to which God hath designed and anointed me. In lies; in secret slanders and execrations, covered with flatteries and fair speeches, as it here follows.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 62:4
Psalms 62:4 They only consult to cast [him] down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.Ver. 4. They only consult to cast him down from his excellency] Or, yet they consult; q.d. Notwithstanding all that I can say or that God will do to them, they will on in their evil devices and endeavours against me; there is no reclaiming of them. Deus quos destruit dementat. They delight in lies] Not only he that maketh a lie, but he that loveth and delighteth in it when made by another, shall be shut out of heaven, Revelation 22:15 Romans 1:32. They bless with their mouths] Heb. with his mouth, that is, every one doth so; neither is there ever a better of these glavering companions, dissembling scrubs.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 62:4
(4) Their mouth.—Literally, his mouth. They bless each with his mouth, &c Excellency.—Rather, height, carrying on the metaphor of preceding verse.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 62:4
Verse 4. To cast him down from his excellency] They are consulting to dethrone me, and use treachery and falsehood in order to bring it about: "They delight in lies." They bless with their mouth] Probably alluding to Absalom's blandishments of the people. He flattered them in order to get the sovereign rule. Or it may refer to the people of Jerusalem, whose perfidy he saw, while they were full of professions of loyalty, c. but he could not trust them, and therefore retired from Jerusalem.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 62:4
4. Only to thrust him down from his dignity have they taken counsel, delighting in a lie: With his mouth doth each of them bless, but inwardly they curse. Their plot is ‘a lie,’ false in its principle and in its aim (Psalms 4:2, note); and they have been guilty of the grossest hypocrisy and duplicity in promoting it. Cp. Psalms 12:2; Psalms 28:3; Psalms 55:21.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 62:4
They only consult to cast him down from his excellency - This is the object of all their counsels and plans. They aim at one high in rank - and their purpose, their sole purpose, is to bring him down.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 62:4
4. They only consult to cast him down—On only, truly, see Psalms 62:1.
Sermons on Psalms 62:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Secret Faults and Presumptuous Sins by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the human tendency to be both praising and accusing God at the same time. He emphasizes the importance of surrendering our unsatisfied desire |
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Are You Keeping Well by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the body as a means of communication with the outside world. He explains that while we can recognize others based on their phys |
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Passion Prayer by Stewart Ruch | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story of a family vacation where they faced a perilous situation with their van breaking down. The speaker emphasizes the importance o |
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Under Sin by Don McClure | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the impact of sin on the human mind and its ability to comprehend spiritual matters. He highlights the irony of highly intelligent individuals |
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In My Flesh Shall I See God by C.H. Spurgeon | The preacher delves into the significance of the Greek word 'taphos,' often used in the New Testament to refer to literal burial places but also figuratively by Paul to describe de |
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(Genesis) Genesis 21:1-11 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of believers having two natures - an old nature and a new nature. He explains that before conversion, the old nature controls a p |
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(Romans) Romans 7:1-25 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of freedom from a legalistic approach to serving God. He explains that even though believers may understand the truth of being cru |