What Does Psalms 140:4 Mean?

Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings. After describing enemies' evil character and methods (vv. 2-3), David returns to direct petition for divine protection. "Keep me, O LORD" (shomreni YHWH, שָׁמְרֵנִי יְהוָה) uses shamar (שָׁמַר), meaning "to keep, guard, watch, preserve"—active protection against threat. This verb describes watchmen guarding cities (2 Samuel 18:24-27), shepherds guarding flocks (Genesis 30:31), and notably God's covenant keeping (Deuteronomy 7:9). David appeals to God as guardian who doesn't sleep or slumber (Psalm 121:3-4).

"From the hands of the wicked" (mi-yedei rasha, מִידֵי רָשָׁע) identifies the threat. Yad (יָד, "hand") represents power to execute evil plans. Rasha (רָשָׁע, "wicked") describes those guilty of moral wrong, hostile to righteousness. David needs protection from their ability to harm, not just their intentions. Without divine intervention, human wickedness succeeds in destroying the righteous.

"Preserve me from the violent man" (me-ish chamasim titzreni, מֵאִישׁ חֲמָסִים תִּצְּרֵנִי) parallels the first petition with slightly different emphasis. Natsar (נָצַר, "preserve") means "to guard, keep, observe"—similar to shamar but emphasizing careful watching. Chamas (חָמָס, "violence") indicates physical force, brutality, injustice. The plural chamasim suggests "violent deeds" or "men of violence." David faces enemies who combine moral wickedness with physical aggression.

"Who have purposed to overthrow my goings" (asher chashvu lidchot pe'amai, אֲשֶׁר חָשְׁבוּ לִדְחוֹת פְּעָמָי) specifies their goal. Chashav (חָשַׁב, "purposed") is the same verb from v. 2 ("imagine mischiefs")—deliberate planning. Dachah (דָּחָה, "overthrow, thrust down") means "to push, topple, bring to ruin." Pe'am (פַּעַם, "goings, steps") represents one's life path or course. Enemies plan to derail David's God-appointed destiny, preventing him from fulfilling his calling as king.