King James Version

What Does Psalms 140:2 Mean?

Psalms 140:2 in the King James Version says “Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 140 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 140:2 · 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.

4

Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings.

Read Psalms 140 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war. This verse describes the wicked men from whom David seeks deliverance (v. 1), specifying their internal and external evil. "Which imagine mischiefs" (asher chashvu ra'ot be-lev, אֲשֶׁר חָשְׁבוּ רָעוֹת בְּלֵב) exposes their thought life. Chashav (חָשַׁב) means "to think, plan, devise, calculate"—deliberate mental activity, not impulsive reaction. Ra'ot (רָעוֹת, "mischiefs, evils") are harmful plots against the innocent. Lev (לֵב, "heart") represents the inner person—mind, will, seat of decision-making. These enemies plot evil internally before executing it externally.

This description fulfills Jesus's teaching that sin originates in the heart: "out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders... blasphemies" (Matthew 15:19). David's enemies aren't merely reacting to circumstances; they actively conceive wickedness. Their evil is premeditated, not accidental. This makes them especially dangerous—they strategically plan harm rather than randomly inflicting it.

"Continually are they gathered together for war" (kol-yom yaguru milchamot, כָּל־יוֹם יָגוּרוּ מִלְחָמוֹת) describes their persistent aggression. Kol-yom (כָּל־יוֹם, "all day, continually") emphasizes constancy—not occasional hostility but daily antagonism. Gur (גּוּר) means "to stir up, provoke, instigate"—they actively foment conflict. Milchamot (מִלְחָמוֹת, "wars, battles") indicates sustained attack, not minor irritation. David faces coordinated, continuous assault from enemies who dedicate themselves to his destruction. This likely refers to Saul's persistent pursuit or Absalom's organized rebellion—enemies who made destroying David their life's work.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

David experienced sustained persecution from multiple sources throughout his life. Saul pursued him for years with organized military forces (1 Samuel 19-26), requiring David to live as fugitive in wilderness and among Philistines. Even after becoming king, David faced conspiracies: Absalom's rebellion involved careful planning over years (2 Samuel 15:1-12), turning David's counselors and people against him. The Psalms of David repeatedly reference such enemies (Psalm 3, 7, 31, 35, 52, 54, 56, 57, 59, 63, 64, 109, 142)—enemies who plotted his death, spoke lies to turn others against him, and pursued him relentlessly. David's experience of coordinated evil against God's anointed typologically anticipates Christ's experience (Matthew 26:3-4, Acts 4:25-28)—enemies gathering in conspiracy against the Messiah.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it reveal about human evil that David's enemies 'imagine mischiefs in their heart' before acting, and how does this relate to Jesus's teaching in Matthew 15:19?
  2. How should believers respond when facing enemies who persistently and deliberately plot harm, rather than merely reacting defensively to random opposition?
  3. How does David's experience of coordinated evil against him as God's anointed prefigure Christ's experience of conspiracy and persecution?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
אֲשֶׁ֤ר1 of 8
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

חָשְׁב֣וּ2 of 8

“Which imagine”

H2803

properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou

רָע֣וֹת3 of 8

“mischiefs”

H7451

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

בְּלֵ֑ב4 of 8

“in their heart”

H3820

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

כָּל5 of 8
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

י֝֗וֹם6 of 8

“continually”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

יָג֥וּרוּ7 of 8

“are they gathered together”

H1481

properly, to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place);

מִלְחָמֽוֹת׃8 of 8

“for war”

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

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 140:2 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 140:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 56:6Psalms 36:4Psalms 64:5-6Psalms 120:7Micah 2:1-3Hosea 7:6

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 140 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Psalms 140 with CommentaryAll Psalms ChaptersComplete Psalms QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes