Psalms 64:6
Psalms 64:6 in Multiple Translations
They devise injustice and say, “We have perfected a secret plan.” For the inner man and the heart are mysterious.
They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search: both the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart, is deep.
They search out iniquities; We have accomplished, say they, a diligent search: And the inward thought and the heart of every one is deep.
Or make discovery of our secret purpose? The design is framed with care; and the inner thought of a man, and his heart, is deep.
They plot wicked things. “What a great plan we've created!” they say. There are no limits to the depths to which human minds and thoughts can sink.
They haue sought out iniquities, and haue accomplished that which they sought out, euen euery one his secret thoughtes, and the depth of his heart.
They search out perverse things, 'We perfected a searching search,' And the inward part of man, and the heart [are] deep.
They plot injustice, saying, “We have made a perfect plan!” Surely man’s mind and heart are cunning.
They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search: both the inward thought of every one of them , and the heart, is deep.
Wonderful in justice. Hear us, O God our saviour, who art the hope of all the ends of the earth, and in the sea afar off.
because we have planned very well the crime that we are going to commit!” No one can fully understand what people can think and plan!
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 64:6
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 64:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יְחַזְּקוּ
לָ֨/מוֹ
דָּ֘בָ֤ר
רָ֗ע
יְֽ֭סַפְּרוּ
לִ/טְמ֣וֹן
מוֹקְשִׁ֑ים
אָ֝מְר֗וּ
מִ֣י
יִרְאֶה
לָּֽ/מוֹ
יְחַזְּקוּ
châzaq
H2388
to strengthen
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
לָ֨/מוֹ
Prep | Suff
דָּ֘בָ֤ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms
רָ֗ע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Adj
יְֽ֭סַפְּרוּ
çâphar
H5608
to recount
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
לִ/טְמ֣וֹן
ṭâman
H2934
to hide
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
מוֹקְשִׁ֑ים
môwqêsh
H4170
snare
N-mp
אָ֝מְר֗וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
מִ֣י
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
יִרְאֶה
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לָּֽ/מוֹ
Prep | Suff
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 64:6
יְחַזְּקוּ
châzaq
H2388
"to strengthen"
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
To strengthen means to be strong or courageous, and can also mean to seize or conquer, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : strengthen/support/encourage 1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, grow strong 1a1a) to prevail, prevail upon 1a1b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure 1a1c) to press, be urgent 1a1d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense) 1a1e) to be severe, be grievous 1a2) to strengthen 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make strong 1b2) to restore to strength, give strength 1b3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage 1b4) to make strong, make bold, encourage 1b5) to make firm 1b6) to make rigid, make hard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make strong, strengthen 1c2) to make firm 1c3) to display strength 1c4) to make severe 1c5) to support 1c6) to repair 1c7) to prevail, prevail upon 1c8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support 1c9) to hold, contain 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to strengthen oneself 1d2) to put forth strength, use one's strength 1d3) to withstand 1d4) to hold strongly with
Usage: Occurs in 266 OT verses. KJV: aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. See also: Genesis 19:16; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 27:14.
לָ֨/מוֹ
""
Prep | Suff
דָּ֘בָ֤ר
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.
רָ֗ע
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.
יְֽ֭סַפְּרוּ
çâphar
H5608
"to recount"
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
This word refers to a scribe or secretary who records or inscribes information. It is used in the Bible to describe someone who counts or enumerates things. The KJV translates it as 'scribe, tell, writer'.
Definition: v 1) to count, recount, relate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to count (things) 1a2) to number, take account of, reckon 1b) (Niphal) to be counted, be numbered 1c) (Piel) to recount, rehearse, declare 1c1) to recount (something), rehearse 1c2) to talk 1c3) to count exactly or accurately 1d) (Pual) to be recounted, be rehearsed, be related
Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: commune, (ac-) count; declare, number, [phrase] penknife, reckon, scribe, shew forth, speak, talk, tell (out), writer. See also: Genesis 15:5; Esther 8:9; Psalms 2:7.
לִ/טְמ֣וֹן
ṭâman
H2934
"to hide"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
In the Bible, this word means to hide or conceal something, often secretly, as in Joshua. It can also mean to bury or lay something aside, out of sight or knowledge.
Definition: 1) to hide, conceal, bury 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hide 1a2) hiding, concealing, secretly laying (participle) 1a3) darkness (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to hide oneself 1c) (Hiphil) to hide
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: hide, lay privily, in secret. See also: Genesis 35:4; Psalms 35:7; Psalms 9:16.
מוֹקְשִׁ֑ים
môwqêsh
H4170
"snare"
N-mp
A snare or trap, this word is used to describe a device to catch animals. In the Bible, it is also used figuratively to describe being trapped by sin or temptation, as seen in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: bait, lure, snare
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: be ensnared, gin, (is) snare(-d), trap. See also: Exodus 10:7; Psalms 69:23; Psalms 18:6.
אָ֝מְר֗וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
מִ֣י
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
יִרְאֶה
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
לָּֽ/מוֹ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Psalms 64:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 64:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 64:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 64:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 64:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 64:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 64:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 64:6
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 64:6
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 64:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 64:6
- Sermons on Psalms 64:6
Context — The Hurtful Tongue
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. 8They will be made to stumble, their own tongues turned against them. All who see will shake their heads.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 17:9–10 | The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve. |
| 2 | Matthew 26:59 | Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death. |
| 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 | Proverbs 20:5 | The intentions of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out. |
| 5 | Daniel 6:4–5 | Thus the administrators and satraps sought a charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom, but they could find no charge or corruption, because he was trustworthy, and no negligence or corruption was found in him. Finally these men said, “We will never find any charge against this Daniel, unless we find something against him concerning the law of his God.” |
| 6 | Isaiah 29:15 | Woe to those who dig deep to hide their plans from the LORD. In darkness they do their works and say, “Who sees us, and who will know?” |
| 7 | 1 Corinthians 4:5 | Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God. |
| 8 | Psalms 35:11 | Hostile witnesses come forward; they make charges I know nothing about. |
| 9 | John 18:29–30 | So Pilate went out to them and asked, “What accusation are you bringing against this man?” “If He were not a criminal,” they replied, “we would not have handed Him over to you.” |
| 10 | 1 Samuel 24:9 | and said to Saul, “Why do you listen to the words of men who say, ‘Look, David intends to harm you’? |
Psalms 64:6 Summary
[Psalms 64:6 is saying that some people make plans to hurt others and think they can get away with it because they think their plans are secret. But the Bible says that God knows our hearts and sees everything we do, even when we think it's hidden (Psalms 44:21). We should be careful what we plan and think about because God is always watching and will bring justice in the end (Psalms 37:37-38).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'devise injustice' in Psalms 64:6?
To devise injustice means to plan and plot evil actions, often with the intention of harming others, as seen in the context of Psalms 64:4-5 where the wicked are ambushing the innocent and speaking of hiding their snares, which is also reminiscent of the wicked plans described in Jeremiah 11:15.
Why do the wicked think their secret plans will succeed?
The wicked think their secret plans will succeed because they believe they can hide their true intentions and deeds from others and even from God, as stated in Psalms 64:5 where they say 'Who will see them?', but this is a false sense of security as God sees all and knows the heart, as stated in Psalms 44:21 and 1 Samuel 16:7.
What does it mean that 'the inner man and the heart are mysterious'?
This phrase suggests that human hearts and minds are complex and difficult to fully understand, even to ourselves, which is why God searches the heart and examines the mind, as stated in Jeremiah 17:10, to reveal our true intentions and motivations.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the Psalm?
This verse is part of a larger description of the wicked and their plans, which are ultimately thwarted by God, as seen in Psalms 64:7-8 where God shoots them with arrows and their own tongues turn against them, demonstrating God's sovereignty and justice.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I might be devising injustice in my own heart, even if I don't realize it?
- How can I be sure that my plans and actions are just and pleasing to God?
- What does it mean to have a 'secret plan' in my heart, and how can I ensure that my secrets are not sinful or harmful to others?
- In what ways can I trust God to reveal the true intentions of my heart and to guide me in my decisions and actions?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 64:6
They search out iniquities,.... The Targum adds, "to destroy the just.'' Either occasions against them, by charging them with sin and hiring false witnesses against them, as did the enemies both of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 64:6
They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search: both the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart, is deep. -When all the plot is ripe, then ensues sudden destruction of the wicked plotters.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 64:6
They search out iniquities; they study diligently and constantly to find out either matter, which they may lay to my charge, or new ways and means of doing me mischief. They accomplish a diligent search; they have long and accurately searched, till at last they have ripened and perfected their thoughts, and found out a very cunning and deep plot. Or, they say, We have accomplished our accurate search. By long searching we have at last found what we desired. The heart is deep; mine enemies are not only cruel and malicious, but also very cunning, both to contrive and conceal, and to execute their plots.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 64:6
Psalms 64:6 They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search: both the inward [thought] of every one [of them], and the heart, [is] deep.Ver. 6. They search out iniquities] Abstrusissima quaeque exquisierunt; they search the devil’ s skull for new inventions; who is ready enough to lend them his seven heads to plot and his ten horns to push at good people. How wittily wicked was Saul to destroy David, if he could have done it! See his counsel to the Ziphites, 1 Samuel 23:22. They accomplish a diligent search] Heb. a search searched, i.e. They seek out all occasions, they try all tricks, they do all that can be done to undo me. Whereunto he fitly subjoineth this epiphonema by way of exclamation, Adeo intimum viri et cor profundum est, So deep is the inward part and heart of man (for so I read it)! so deep and fathomless, so deceitful, and desperately wicked.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 64:6
(6) They search out iniquities—i.e., they plan wicked schemes.They accomplish a diligent search.—See margin, which indicates the difficulty in this clause. The versions and some MSS. also suggest a corruption of the tent. Read “They have completed their subtle measures” (literally, the planned plan).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 64:6
Verse 6. They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search] The word חפש chaphash, which is used three times, as a noun and a verb, in this sentence, signifies to strip off the clothes. "They investigate iniquities; they perfectly investigate an investigation." Most energetically translated by the old Psalter: Thai ransaked wickednesses: thai failled ransakand in ransaking. To ransack signifies to search every corner, to examine things part by part, to turn over every leaf, to leave no hole or cranny unexplored. But the word investigate fully expresses the meaning of the term, as it comes either from in, taken privately, and vestire, to clothe, stripping the man bare, that he may be exposed to all shame, and be the more easily wounded; or from the word investigo, which may be derived from in, intensive, and vestigium, the footstep or track of man or beast. A metaphor from hunting the stag; as the slot, or mark of his foot, is diligently sought out, in order to find whither he is gone, and whether he is old or young, for huntsmen can determine the age by the slot. Tuberville, in his Treatise on Hunting, gives rules to form this judgment, To this the next verse seems to refer.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 64:6
6. They plan deeds of iniquity; We have perfected (say they) a consummate plan; And each man’s innermost thought and heart is deep. The form of the verb is anomalous, and it is uncertain whether it is meant for the first person, or, as A.V. takes it, the third person, ‘they accomplish.’ The first person is however more graphic and forcible. For a similar abrupt introduction of the persons spoken of as speakers, see Psalms 59:7. The various reading they have hidden is improbable. They conceal their thoughts deep in their own hearts, but in vain! God explores the lowest depths and most tortuous labyrinths of the human heart (Jeremiah 17:9-10). Cp. with this and the preceding verse Isaiah 29:15, “Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from Jehovah, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us?” and the sarcastic words of Mic 7:3, “Both hands are set to that which is evil to do it well.”
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 64:6
They search out iniquities - They search deep; they examine plans; they rack their invention to accomplish it.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 64:6
6. They search out iniquities—Mentally, and with great labour, they work out plans for accomplishing wicked ends, as Psalms 58:2.
Sermons on Psalms 64:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Plague of the Heart by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of sin and its stealthy nature. He highlights the fact that many people refuse to acknowledge the presence of sin in their hearts. |
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Practical Aspects of the Holy Spirit - Promise of a Father by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses three periods in the disciples' journey after Jesus' departure. The first period is characterized by Jesus intensifying His teaching and prepa |
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Plague of His Own Heart by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the consequences of sin and the need for repentance. He shares a story of a 15-year-old boy who committed a cold-blooded murder and reflects |
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Laying by the Pool by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of a man who had been lying by a pool for 38 years, hoping for healing. The pool was surrounded by a crowd of people, with the stro |
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Attitudes of a Christian Leader by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, Brother K.P. Johannon focuses on the attitudes of Christian leaders, specifically drawing a distinction between outer habits and inner attitudes. He emphasizes the |
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The Difficulty of Escaping the Damnation of Hell (Reading) by Edward Payson | In this sermon, the preacher addresses those who are focused on accumulating wealth and worldly possessions. He questions whether this is the right place to store their treasures a |
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Eternal Values - Demonstrating Heaven's Values by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of aligning our values with those of heaven, particularly in relation to money. He highlights the need to fight the good fight |