King James Version

What Does Psalms 140:1 Mean?

Psalms 140:1 in the King James Version says “To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man; violen...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 140 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man; violent: Heb. man of violences”

Psalms 140:1 · KJV

Context

1

To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man; violent: Heb. man of violences

2

Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war.

3

They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. Selah.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man. Psalm 140 opens with urgent petition for divine protection against human evil and violence. This is one of David's imprecatory psalms—prayers for God's judgment against enemies. While such prayers can seem troubling to modern readers, they reflect honest struggle with injustice and trust that God is the righteous judge who will vindicate the oppressed.

"Deliver me, O LORD" (חַלְּצֵנִי יְהוָה/chaltzeni Yahweh) begins with strong appeal. Chalatz means to rescue, snatch away, pull out, deliver from danger. This is desperate plea for intervention, not casual request. The use of "Yahweh" (יְהוָה) invokes God's covenant name, appealing to His faithful commitment to protect His people. David's relationship with God permits bold, direct petition.

"From the evil man" (מֵאָדָם רָע/me'adam ra) identifies the threat. Adam simply means man, human. Ra means evil, wicked, harmful, bad. The singular "man" may indicate a specific enemy or represent evil people generally. David faced many "evil men" during his life—Saul's murderous jealousy, Absalom's treacherous rebellion, enemies seeking his destruction. Evil here isn't abstract concept but concrete human malice directed against God's servant.

"Preserve me" (תִּנְצְרֵנִי/tintzreni) from natsar means to guard, watch over, protect, keep. This goes beyond one-time deliverance to ongoing protection. David asks God not just to rescue him from immediate danger but to guard him continuously against future threats. This reflects understanding that spiritual warfare is ongoing, requiring constant divine protection.

"From the violent man" (מֵאִישׁ חֲמָסִים/me'ish chamasim) specifies the nature of threat. Chamasan (plural form) means violence, wrong, cruelty, injustice. These are not merely opponents but violent aggressors who use force, intimidation, and oppression. The plural form in Hebrew intensifies the meaning—extreme violence, habitual cruelty, persistent aggression. David faces not just opposition but violent assault.

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Historical & Cultural Context

David's life provides extensive context for this prayer. As a young shepherd, he faced lions and bears (1 Samuel 17:34-36). As Saul's servant, he faced the king's javelin thrown in murderous rage (1 Samuel 18:11). For years he fled through wilderness caves, constantly hunted by Saul's army (1 Samuel 23-26). Even after becoming king, he faced Absalom's violent rebellion (2 Samuel 15-18), Shimei's cursing (2 Samuel 16:5-13), and numerous military campaigns against violent enemies.

Imprecatory psalms—prayers calling for God's judgment on enemies—comprise a significant portion of the Psalter (Psalms 35, 69, 109, 137, 140). These can trouble modern readers accustomed to Jesus's command to "love your enemies" (Matthew 5:44). However, several factors explain these prayers: (1) They express honest emotion to God rather than taking personal vengeance; (2) They call for God's justice rather than personal revenge; (3) They recognize that evil must be judged and cannot be tolerated indefinitely; (4) They express solidarity with oppressed and suffering people throughout history who cry out for justice.

The distinction between "the evil man" and "the violent man" may reflect different types of opposition David faced. Some enemies worked through deception, slander, and conspiracy (evil). Others used direct physical violence, warfare, and armed assault (violent). David experienced both, requiring different forms of divine protection.

For persecuted Christians throughout history—facing Roman persecution, medieval torture, Communist oppression, Islamic extremism, or contemporary martyrdom—these psalms have given voice to suffering and hope for divine justice. They don't justify personal revenge but acknowledge that God is the righteous judge who will ultimately vindicate His people and punish evil.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can believers pray honestly about enemies and injustice while also obeying Jesus's command to love and pray for enemies?
  2. What is the difference between asking God to deliver from evil people versus taking personal revenge?
  3. How do imprecatory psalms validate the suffering of oppressed people throughout history who cry out for God's justice?
  4. In what ways might believers today face 'evil' opposition (deception, slander) versus 'violent' opposition (persecution, physical threat)?
  5. How does bringing honest anger and fear to God in prayer differ from harboring bitterness or taking vigilante justice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
חַלְּצֵ֣נִי1 of 7

“Deliver”

H2502

to pull off; hence (intensively) to strip, (reflexive) to depart; by implication, to deliver, equip (for fight); present, strengthen

יְ֭הוָה2 of 7

“me O LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

מֵאָדָ֣ם3 of 7

“man”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

רָ֑ע4 of 7

“from the evil”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

מֵאִ֖ישׁ5 of 7

“man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

חֲמָסִ֣ים6 of 7

“me from the violent”

H2555

violence; by implication, wrong; by metonymy unjust gain

תִּנְצְרֵֽנִי׃7 of 7

“preserve”

H5341

to guard, in a good sense (to protect, maintain, obey, etc.) or a bad one (to conceal, etc.)

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 140:1 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 140:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 18:48Psalms 71:4Psalms 140:4Habakkuk 1:2-3Psalms 140:11Psalms 17:13

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