Psalms 64:5
Psalms 64:5 in Multiple Translations
They hold fast to their evil purpose; they speak of hiding their snares. “Who will see them?” they say.
They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them?
They encourage themselves in an evil purpose; They commune of laying snares privily; They say, Who will see them?
They make themselves strong in an evil purpose; they make holes for secret nets; they say, Who will see it,
They encourage one another to do evil, planning how to secretly trap people, telling themselves, “Nobody will notice.”
They encourage themselues in a wicked purpose: they commune together to lay snares priuilie, and say, Who shall see them?
They strengthen for themselves an evil thing, They recount of the hiding of snares, They have said, 'Who doth look at it?'
They encourage themselves in evil plans. They talk about laying snares secretly. They say, “Who will see them?”
They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who will see them?
Blessed is he whom thou hast chosen and taken to thee: he shall dwell in thy courts. We shall be filled with the good things of thy house; holy is thy temple,
They encourage each other about doing the evil things that they are planning to do; they talk with each other about where they can set traps to catch people, and they think, “No one [RHQ] will see what we are doing,
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 64:5
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 64:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לִ/יר֣וֹת
בַּ/מִּסְתָּרִ֣ים
תָּ֑ם
פִּתְאֹ֥ם
יֹ֝רֻ֗/הוּ
וְ/לֹ֣א
יִירָֽאוּ
לִ/יר֣וֹת
yârâh
H3384
to shoot
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
בַּ/מִּסְתָּרִ֣ים
miçtâr
H4565
hiding
Prep | N-mp
תָּ֑ם
tâm
H8535
complete
Adj
פִּתְאֹ֥ם
pithʼôwm
H6597
suddenly
Adv
יֹ֝רֻ֗/הוּ
yârâh
H3384
to shoot
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp | Suff
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יִירָֽאוּ
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
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 64:5
לִ/יר֣וֹת
yârâh
H3384
"to shoot"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To show or teach something, like pointing it out or shooting an arrow. It is used in Psalms and Proverbs to describe instructing or directing others.
Definition: 1) to shoot, pour 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shoot arrows 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to shoot at 1b2) part. shooter, archer 1c) to throw water, rain
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase]) archer, cast, direct, inform, instruct, lay, shew, shoot, teach(-er,-ing), through. See also: Genesis 31:51; Job 8:10; Psalms 11:2.
בַּ/מִּסְתָּרִ֣ים
miçtâr
H4565
"hiding"
Prep | N-mp
This Hebrew word means a secret or hiding place, often used for protection or to conceal something, as seen in the Bible's description of hiding from danger. It can also refer to a place where wrongdoings are hidden. The KJV translates it as secret or secretly.
Definition: 1) secret place, hiding place 1a) secret place 1b) hiding place 1b1) for protection 1b2) for perpetration of crime
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: secret(-ly, place). See also: Psalms 10:8; Jeremiah 13:17; Psalms 10:9.
תָּ֑ם
tâm
H8535
"complete"
Adj
This word means being complete or perfect, and is used to describe someone who is morally pure and gentle. In the Bible, it describes people like Job, who was called 'blameless and upright'. It is often translated as 'perfect' or 'upright'.
Definition: 1) perfect, complete 1a) complete, perfect 1a1) one who lacks nothing in physical strength, beauty, etc 1b) sound, wholesome 1b1) an ordinary, quiet sort of person 1c) complete, morally innocent, having integrity 1c1) one who is morally and ethically pure
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: coupled together, perfect, plain, undefiled, upright. See also: Genesis 25:27; Job 9:21; Psalms 37:37.
פִּתְאֹ֥ם
pithʼôwm
H6597
"suddenly"
Adv
This word means happening suddenly or quickly, like an unexpected event. It is used in the Bible to describe surprising things that happen to people like Jacob and Joseph.
Definition: adv 1) suddenly, surprisingly subst 2) suddenness
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: straightway, sudden(-ly). See also: Numbers 6:9; Proverbs 7:22; Psalms 64:5.
יֹ֝רֻ֗/הוּ
yârâh
H3384
"to shoot"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp | Suff
To show or teach something, like pointing it out or shooting an arrow. It is used in Psalms and Proverbs to describe instructing or directing others.
Definition: 1) to shoot, pour 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shoot arrows 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to shoot at 1b2) part. shooter, archer 1c) to throw water, rain
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase]) archer, cast, direct, inform, instruct, lay, shew, shoot, teach(-er,-ing), through. See also: Genesis 31:51; Job 8:10; Psalms 11:2.
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִירָֽאוּ
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
Study Notes — Psalms 64:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 64:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 64:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 64:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 64:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 64:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 64:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 64:5
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 64:5
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 64:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 64:5
- Sermons on Psalms 64:5
Context — The Hurtful Tongue
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. 7But God will shoot them with arrows; suddenly they will be wounded.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 140:5 | The proud hide a snare for me; the cords of their net are spread along the path, and lures are set out for me. Selah |
| 2 | Psalms 10:11 | He says to himself, “God has forgotten; He hides His face and never sees.” |
| 3 | Ezekiel 8:12 | “Son of man,” He said to me, “do you see what the elders of the house of Israel are doing in the darkness, each at the shrine of his own idol? For they are saying, ‘The LORD does not see us; the LORD has forsaken the land.’” |
| 4 | Job 22:13 | Yet you say: ‘What does God know? Does He judge through thick darkness? |
| 5 | Psalms 59:7 | See what they spew from their mouths— sharp words from their lips: “For who can hear us?” |
| 6 | Psalms 94:7 | They say, “The LORD does not see; the God of Jacob pays no heed.” |
| 7 | Psalms 124:7 | We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowler; the net is torn, and we have slipped away. |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 23:19–23 | 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.” |
| 9 | Matthew 26:3–4 | At that time the chief priests and elders of the people assembled in the courtyard of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and they conspired to arrest Jesus covertly and kill Him. |
| 10 | Isaiah 41:6 | Each one helps the other and says to his brother, “Be strong!” |
Psalms 64:5 Summary
Psalms 64:5 talks about people who are determined to do evil and think they can hide their bad plans from others. They think no one will ever find out what they're doing, but God sees everything (as in Psalm 139:1-6). We should remember that God is always watching and will bring justice, just like it says in Psalm 37:12-13. We can trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, even when we face evil plans, and pray for His protection and guidance, as in Matthew 6:10.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is meant by 'they hold fast to their evil purpose' in Psalms 64:5?
This phrase indicates that the wicked are committed to their sinful plans and will not easily give them up, much like the stubbornness of Pharaoh in Exodus 7:13-14.
Why do the wicked think they can hide their snares?
The wicked believe they can hide their evil plans because they think they are clever and no one will discover them, but as Proverbs 10:9 says, 'The man of integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out'.
What is the significance of the phrase 'Who will see them?'?
This phrase shows the wicked's arrogance and lack of fear of God, similar to the attitude of those in Psalm 10:11 who say 'God has forgotten, He has hidden His face, He will never see it'.
How does this relate to our lives as believers?
As believers, we must be aware of the schemes of the wicked and trust in God's sovereignty, remembering that He sees all and will bring justice, as stated in Psalm 37:12-13 and Psalm 73:16-17.
Reflection Questions
- How can I, as a believer, avoid being influenced by the evil plans of the wicked and instead trust in God's sovereignty?
- In what ways can I be more mindful of the schemes of the enemy and pray for protection and discernment, as in Ephesians 6:18?
- How can I, like David, trust in God's justice and providence when faced with the evil plans of others, as expressed in Psalm 23:4 and Romans 8:28?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be unintentionally 'hiding snares' or being dishonest, and how can I repent and seek God's forgiveness?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 64:5
They encourage themselves [in] an evil matter,.... Or "strengthen him" (c); that is, Saul, by making use of arguments and reasonings to induce him to go on in his wicked persecution of David; or they
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 64:5
They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 64:5
They encourage themselves, Heb. they strengthen or fortify themselves, by firm resolutions, by assured confidence of success, by uniting their counsels and forces together, and by mutual encouragements and exhortations. Who shall see them? their snares are so secretly laid that David cannot discern, and therefore not avoid them.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 64:5
Psalms 64:5 They encourage themselves [in] an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them?Ver. 5. They encourage themselves in an evil matter] Thus he riseth in his complaint, and showeth how, by the neglect of piety and humanity, they were grown obdurate and obstinate, yea, confident, or rather impudent, in their evil practices. They commune of laying snares privily] viz. To entangle and entrap me. See Nehemiah 4:11, They say, Who shall see them?] God, who is all eye, shall, but they, having hid God from themselves, think they can likewise hide themselves and their snares from God. But - εχειθεοςεκδικονομμα
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 64:5
(5) They encourage themselves.—Literally, they strengthen for themselves an evil thing (or “word,” margin, LXX., and Vulg.,) which evidently means that they take their measures carefully, and are prepared to carry them out resolutely. They commune . . .—Better, they calculate how they may lay snares privily. The conspirators carefully and in secret go over every detail of their plot. Who shall see them?—Literally, who shall look to them? which seems at first glance to mean, “who will see the snares?” but this is weak. It may be equivalent to, “who is likely to see us?” the question being put indirectly. But in 1 Samuel 16:7, the expression, “looketh on,” implies “regard for,” which may possibly be the meaning here, “who careth for them?”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 64:5
Verse 5. They commune of laying snares] They lay snares to entrap those whom they cannot slay by open attack or private ambush.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 64:5
5. They encourage &c.] Lit., They make strong for themselves an evil scheme, sparing no pains to make their plot successful. they say] Lit. they have said, i.e. to themselves; they have made up their minds that there is no retributive Providence in the world. This is the reason of their unrestrained wickedness. Who shall see them?] An indirect form of speech in place of the direct Who will see us? More exactly the Heb. means, Who will see to them? They have persuaded themselves that there is no God who will take any account of their proceedings. Cp. Psalms 10:11; Psalms 10:13; Psalms 12:4; Psalms 59:7; Isaiah 29:15, &c.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 64:5
They encourage themselves - literally, they strengthen themselves, or make themselves strong.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 64:5
5. They encourage themselves—They strengthen themselves in an evil plot or counsel.
Sermons on Psalms 64:5
| 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 Proud Have Hid a Snare by Bob Jones Sr. | In this sermon, Dr. Bob Jones Sr. emphasizes the importance of being aware of the enemies we face when following God's path. He highlights the need to rely on the Bible for guidanc |
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The Cry of Sodom and Gomorrah (Kwasizabantu) by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares his personal testimony of being a former homosexual who was saved by the Lord. He expresses his concern and frustration with the acceptance and |
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Jesus Christ My Glory by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher highlights the corrupt state of the world, drawing parallels between the present day and the biblical times. The preacher emphasizes that God's nature |
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Who Sees Us? Who Will Know? by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks addresses the prevalence of atheism in the hearts of sinners, illustrating how various forms of idolatry replace God in their lives, such as wealth, pleasure, and amb |
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The Question by Warren Wiersbe | Warren Wiersbe delves into Psalms 10:1-13, exploring the profound question of 'Why?' that David raises three times in this psalm. He contrasts the atheist, rationalist, and legalis |
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Ephesians by J.B. Rowell | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a hardworking mother who sacrificed to send her son to college. When the mother visits her son's room at college, she notices the p |