Psalms 64:4
Psalms 64:4 in Multiple Translations
ambushing the innocent in seclusion, shooting suddenly, without fear.
That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not.
That they may shoot in secret places at the perfect: Suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not.
So that in secret they may let loose their arrows at the upright, suddenly and unseen.
They shoot from their hiding places at innocent people—doing this without warning, not afraid of being caught.
To shoote at the vpright in secrete: they shoote at him suddenly, and feare not.
To shoot in secret places the perfect, Suddenly they shoot him, and fear not.
to shoot innocent men from ambushes. They shoot at him suddenly and fearlessly.
That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not.
The words of the wicked have prevailed over us: and thou wilt pardon our transgressions.
Without being afraid, they lie about people and slander people who have not done what is wrong, like someone who suddenly jumps up from where he is hiding and shoots arrows at his enemy [MET].
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 64:4
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 64:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
שָׁנְנ֣וּ
כַ/חֶ֣רֶב
לְשׁוֹנָ֑/ם
דָּרְכ֥וּ
חִ֝צָּ֗/ם
דָּבָ֥ר
מָֽר
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
שָׁנְנ֣וּ
shânan
H8150
to sharpen
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
כַ/חֶ֣רֶב
chereb
H2719
sword
Prep | N-fs
לְשׁוֹנָ֑/ם
lâshôwn
H3956
tongue
N-cs | Suff
דָּרְכ֥וּ
dârak
H1869
to tread
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
חִ֝צָּ֗/ם
chêts
H2671
arrow
N-ms | Suff
דָּבָ֥ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms
מָֽר
mar
H4751
bitter
Adj
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 64:4
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
שָׁנְנ֣וּ
shânan
H8150
"to sharpen"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To sharpen means to make something pointy or to teach someone a lesson. In Psalm 52:2, the tongue is sharpened like a sword, showing its power to hurt or help.
Definition: 1) to sharpen, whet 1a) (Qal) to whet, sharpen 1b) (Piel) to sharpen, teach (incisively) 1c)(Hithpolel) to be pierced
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: prick, sharp(-en), teach diligently, whet. See also: Deuteronomy 6:7; Psalms 73:21; Psalms 45:6.
כַ/חֶ֣רֶב
chereb
H2719
"sword"
Prep | N-fs
A sword or cutting instrument is what this Hebrew word refers to, including knives and tools for cutting stone. It is used in the Bible to describe weapons and sharp objects.
Definition: 1) sword, knife 1a) sword 1b) knife 1c) tools for cutting stone
Usage: Occurs in 372 OT verses. KJV: axe, dagger, knife, mattock, sword, tool. See also: Genesis 3:24; 2 Samuel 2:16; Psalms 7:13.
לְשׁוֹנָ֑/ם
lâshôwn
H3956
"tongue"
N-cs | Suff
The tongue, used for eating, speaking, or describing a language. In the Bible, it appears in many books, including Genesis 11:1 and Acts 2:4.
Definition: : tongue/words 1) tongue 1a) tongue (of men) 1a1) tongue (literal) 1a2) tongue (organ of speech) 1b) language 1c) tongue (of animals) 1d) tongue (of fire) 1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)
Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] babbler, bay, [phrase] evil speaker, language, talker, tongue, wedge. See also: Genesis 10:5; Psalms 126:2; Psalms 5:10.
דָּרְכ֥וּ
dârak
H1869
"to tread"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To tread means to walk or step on something, and is used in the Bible to describe various actions, such as treading a press or leading an army. In Exodus 15:6 and Psalm 60:12, the word is used to describe God's power and leadership, highlighting His ability to guide and direct His people.
Definition: 1) to tread, bend, lead, march 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tread, march, march forth 1a2) to tread on, tread upon 1a3) to tread (a press) 1a4) to tread (bend) a bow 1a5) archer, bow-benders (participle) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to tread, tread down 1b2) to tread (bend with the foot) a bow 1b3) to cause to go, lead, march, tread
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: archer, bend, come, draw, go (over), guide, lead (forth), thresh, tread (down), walk. See also: Numbers 24:17; Proverbs 4:11; Psalms 7:13.
חִ֝צָּ֗/ם
chêts
H2671
"arrow"
N-ms | Suff
An arrow is a sharp object shot from a bow, used for hunting or battle, like those used by archers in the book of Judges. It can also symbolize God's powerful judgment.
Definition: arrow
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] archer, arrow, dart, shaft, staff, wound. See also: Genesis 49:23; Psalms 91:5; Psalms 7:14.
דָּבָ֥ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
מָֽר
mar
H4751
"bitter"
Adj
Mar means bitter, describing something that tastes bad or is unpleasant. It can also describe emotional pain or discontent, like being angry or chafed.
Definition: adj 1) bitter, bitterness 1a) of water or food 1b) of harlot's end, end of wickedness, cry (fig.) 1c) of pain (subst) adv 2) bitterly
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] angry, bitter(-ly, -ness), chafed, discontented, [idiom] great, heavy. See also: Genesis 27:34; Psalms 64:4; Proverbs 5:4.
Study Notes — Psalms 64:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 64:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 64:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 64:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 64:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 64:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 64:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 64:4
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 64:4
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 64:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 64:4
- Sermons on Psalms 64:4
Context — The Hurtful Tongue
2Hide me from the scheming of the wicked, from the mob of workers of iniquity,
3who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows,
4ambushing the innocent in seclusion, shooting suddenly, without fear.
5They hold fast to their evil purpose; they speak of hiding their snares. “Who will see them?” they say. 6They devise injustice and say, “We have perfected a secret plan.” For the inner man and the heart are mysterious.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 55:19 | God will hear and humiliate them— the One enthroned for the ages— Selah because they do not change and they have no fear of God. |
| 2 | Psalms 11:2 | For behold, the wicked bend their bows. They set their arrow on the string to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart. |
| 3 | 1 Peter 2:22–23 | “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.” When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly. |
| 4 | Psalms 10:8–9 | He lies in wait near the villages; in ambush he slays the innocent; his eyes watch in stealth for the helpless. He lies in wait like a lion in a thicket; he lurks to seize the oppressed; he catches the lowly in his net. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 19:10 | Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear. But the spear struck the wall and David eluded him, ran away, and escaped that night. |
| 6 | Psalms 59:3–4 | See how they lie in wait for me. Fierce men conspire against me for no transgression or sin of my own, O LORD. For no fault of my own, they move swiftly to attack me. Arise to help me, and take notice. |
| 7 | Psalms 64:7 | But God will shoot them with arrows; suddenly they will be wounded. |
| 8 | Habakkuk 3:14 | With his own spear You pierced his head, when his warriors stormed out to scatter us, gloating as though ready to secretly devour the weak. |
| 9 | Nehemiah 4:11 | And our enemies said, “Before they know or see a thing, we will come into their midst, kill them, and put an end to the work.” |
| 10 | John 19:6 | As soon as the chief priests and officers saw Him, they shouted, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” “You take Him and crucify Him,” Pilate replied, “for I find no basis for a charge against Him.” |
Psalms 64:4 Summary
[Psalms 64:4 talks about how bad people try to hurt innocent people when no one is looking, which is like what happens in Proverbs 1:11-12. They do this without being afraid of getting caught because they don't fear God, as mentioned in Proverbs 9:10. We should remember that God sees everything and will punish the wicked, as seen in Psalms 64:7. By trusting in God's protection, like it says in Psalms 64:2, we can stay safe from these hidden dangers.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'ambush the innocent in seclusion' in Psalms 64:4?
This phrase refers to the wicked laying traps for unsuspecting victims in secret, much like the tactics described in Proverbs 1:11-12, where sinners set an ambush for the innocent. This highlights the cunning and hidden nature of evil.
How does this verse relate to spiritual warfare?
The ambush described in Psalms 64:4 can be seen as a spiritual attack, where the enemy of our souls, Satan, seeks to catch believers off guard, as mentioned in 1 Peter 5:8. Recognizing these tactics is crucial for spiritual defense.
What does 'shooting suddenly, without fear' imply about the character of the wicked?
This phrase indicates that the wicked are bold and unafraid to carry out their evil deeds, lacking the fear of God that is the beginning of wisdom, as stated in Proverbs 9:10. Their fearlessness is a manifestation of their rebellion against God's laws and standards.
How should believers respond to such evil tactics?
Believers should trust in God's protection and justice, as encouraged in Psalms 64:7, where it is written that God shoots the wicked with an arrow. Our response should be to seek refuge in God, as mentioned in Psalms 64:2, and to trust in His deliverance.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I might be ambushed by the enemy in my daily life, and how can I be on guard against such attacks?
- How does recognizing the hidden nature of evil help me in my spiritual walk, and what precautions can I take to avoid its traps?
- In what ways can I trust in God's protection and justice when faced with the sudden, fearlessness of evil, and what scriptures can I stand on for comfort and strength?
- How can I ensure that I am not contributing to the ambush of others through my actions or words, and what does it mean to be an agent of peace and truth in a world filled with hidden dangers?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 64:4
That they may shoot in secret at the perfect,.... Meaning himself, who though not without sin, and far from perfection in himself, in the sight of God and with respect to his righteous law, which was
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 64:4
That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not. That they may shoot in secret at the perfect - like night murderers waylaying the unwary traveler (Psalms 10:8-9).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 64:4
In secret; lying in ambush, or hiding themselves in secret places, as fowlers commonly do. The perfect; or, upright man; i.e. at me, who in spite of all their calumnies dare avow that my heart is perfect with God, and that I am blameless as to them, having given them no just provocation. Suddenly; at the very first opportunity. Fear not; neither men, because they conceal it from them, as appears from the foregoing and following words; nor God, whose judgments they despise.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 64:4
Psalms 64:4 That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not.Ver. 4. That they may shoot in secret at the perfect] Innocence and integrity is no target against calumny; but every Zopyrus shall be sure of his Zoilus, who, right or wrong, will shoot him down if he can, Aliquid saltem adhaerebit (Machiavel). Suddenly do they shoot at him] As the hunter when he lieth hidden in a bush; or as when hedges are lined, as they call it, with musketeers, which gall and kill. And fear not] They are not at all touched either with reverence toward God or respect to man, but are utterly debauched, they ride on without reins, &c. There is an elegance in the original that cannot be translated into English.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 64:4
(4) And fear not.—These are utterly unscrupulous, fearing neither God nor man.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 64:4
Verse 4. That they may shoot in secret] They lurk, that they may take their aim the more surely, and not miss their mark. Suddenly] When there is no fear apprehended, because none is seen.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 64:4
4. That they may shoot] Cp. Psalms 11:2. in secret] R.V., in secret places, as Psalms 10:8; Psalms 17:12. the perfect] The upright, blameless man, an epithet often applied to Job (Job 1:1, &c.). Cp. Psalms 37:37; Proverbs 29:10, and see note on the cognate word in Psalms 15:2. fear not] They neither fear God nor regard man. Cp. Psalms 55:19.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 64:4
That they may shoot in secret - From an unobserved quarter; from a place where they are so concealed that it cannot be known where the arrows come from.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 64:4
4. Shoot in secret—A mark at once of treachery, cowardice, and cruelty. See Psalms 10:8-10 and Psalms 11:2.
Sermons on Psalms 64:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Danger of Meddling by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the dangers of meddling with sinful behaviors. He emphasizes that when we yield ourselves to sin, it can lead to enslavement and destruction |
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Spiritual Fluctuations by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink explores the concept of 'Spiritual Fluctuations,' emphasizing that true Christians experience significant changes in their spiritual lives, contrasting with those who mai |
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Surrender or Else by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the purpose behind our actions and decisions. He challenges listeners to consider why they are in their curre |
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Be Ye Holy (Alternate 3) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the ministry, which is to turn people from darkness to life and from the power of Satan to God. He references Paul's testi |
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Joseph Reminds Me of Jesus-02 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the question of whether children in the audience are truly listening. He engages with a young boy named David and asks him about the title of |
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My Life in Christ by St. John of Kronstadt | St. John of Kronstadt, born in 1829, was a man of great prayer and compassion, known for his extraordinary ministry in Kronstadt, where he helped thousands with spiritual and mater |
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In Prayer and Patience by St. Polycarp of Smyrna | St. Polycarp of Smyrna encourages believers to persevere in hope and righteousness through Jesus Christ, who bore our sins and endured all things for us. He urges followers to imit |