King James Version

What Does Psalms 11:2 Mean?

Psalms 11:2 in the King James Version says “For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upri...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart. privily: Heb. in darkness”

Psalms 11:2 · KJV

Context

1

To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?

2

For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart. privily: Heb. in darkness

3

If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?

4

The LORD is in his holy temple, the LORD'S throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.

Read Psalms 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The imagery of wicked archers drawing bows in darkness portrays secret assault on the righteous. The Hebrew 'yashar leb' (upright in heart) contrasts with those who walk in darkness. This anticipates Paul's spiritual warfare teaching about flaming arrows of the evil one (Ephesians 6:16). The darkness suggests both secrecy and moral blindness—the wicked cannot perceive light (John 3:19-20).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Reflects the experience of David fleeing from Saul, when he faced assassination attempts from hidden enemies. Bows and arrows were standard weapons of ancient warfare.

Reflection Questions

  1. What unseen spiritual attacks threaten your integrity?
  2. How do you maintain uprightness when facing hidden opposition?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
כִּ֤י1 of 14
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הִנֵּ֪ה2 of 14
H2009

lo!

הָרְשָׁעִ֡ים3 of 14

“For lo the wicked”

H7563

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

יִדְרְכ֬וּן4 of 14

“bend”

H1869

to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)

קֶ֗שֶׁת5 of 14

“their bow”

H7198

a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris

כּוֹנְנ֣וּ6 of 14

“they make ready”

H3559

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

חִצָּ֣ם7 of 14

“their arrow”

H2671

properly, a piercer, i.e., an arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, (of god) thunder-bolt; the shaft of a spear

עַל8 of 14
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יֶ֑תֶר9 of 14

“upon the string”

H3499

properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)

לִיר֥וֹת10 of 14

“shoot”

H3384

properly, to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by

בְּמוֹ11 of 14
H1119

in, with, by, etc

אֹ֝֗פֶל12 of 14

“that they may privily”

H652

dusk

לְיִשְׁרֵי13 of 14

“at the upright”

H3477

straight (literally or figuratively)

לֵֽב׃14 of 14

“in heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 11:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 11:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 64:3-5Psalms 37:14Jeremiah 9:3Psalms 21:12Psalms 10:21 Samuel 18:21

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