King James Version

What Does Psalms 140:8 Mean?

Psalms 140:8 in the King James Version says “Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah. lest: or...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 140 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah. lest: or, let them not be exalted”

Psalms 140:8 · KJV

Context

6

I said unto the LORD, Thou art my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD.

7

O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.

8

Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah. lest: or, let them not be exalted

9

As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.

10

Let burning coals fall upon them: let them be cast into the fire; into deep pits, that they rise not up again.

Read Psalms 140 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah. David prays for divine intervention to thwart enemies' plans. "Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked" (al-titen YHWH ma'awayei rasha, אַל־תִּתֵּן יְהוָה מַאֲוַיֵּי רָשָׁע) requests God withhold success from evil aspirations. Natan (נָתַן, "grant, give") is causative—"do not cause to happen." Ma'awayim (מַאֲוַיִּים, "desires, wishes") are cravings, longings, ambitious goals. Rasha (רָשָׁע, "wicked") describes morally guilty, covenant-breaking persons. David asks God to prevent wicked people from achieving their evil goals.

"Further not his wicked device" (zemamo al-taphek, זְמָמוֹ אַל־תָּפֵק) intensifies the petition. Zimmah (זִמָּה, "device, scheme, plot") refers to calculated evil plan. Puk (פּוּק) in Hiphil means "to bring forth, produce, cause to succeed." David prays God will frustrate enemies' schemes, preventing their wicked plans from succeeding. This reflects biblical principle: "There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD" (Proverbs 21:30). Human schemes cannot succeed if God opposes them.

"Lest they exalt themselves" (pen yarumu, פֶּן יָרוּמוּ) states why God should act. Pen (פֶּן, "lest") introduces feared consequence. Rum (רוּם, "exalt, be high, rise up") means "to lift self up, become proud, assert superiority." If wicked succeed, they'll become arrogantly confident, attributing success to their own power rather than recognizing God's sovereignty. They'll believe their wickedness pays, encouraging continued evil. God's glory requires demonstrating that righteousness, not wickedness, triumphs ultimately. "Selah" (סֶלָה) marks pause for reflection on this crucial principle.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Throughout biblical history, God demonstrated this pattern: frustrating wicked schemes while vindicating righteousness. Pharaoh's plan to enslave Israel permanently failed when God delivered them (Exodus 1-15). Haman's plot to destroy the Jews reversed, resulting in his own execution (Esther 7). Sennacherib's siege of Jerusalem collapsed when the angel destroyed his army (2 Kings 19:35). Daniel's enemies' scheme to eliminate him through the lions' den law backfired, resulting in their own destruction (Daniel 6:24). Jesus's enemies thought crucifixion would end His movement, but God raised Him, establishing the church. The principle holds: God will not allow evil to succeed permanently, lest the wicked conclude their rebellion pays. His glory requires demonstrating that "the way of the ungodly shall perish" (Psalm 1:6).

Reflection Questions

  1. Why is it important to pray that God 'grant not the desires of the wicked' rather than simply accepting whatever happens as God's will?
  2. How does the wicked's potential self-exaltation (pride) if their schemes succeed provide motivation for God to frustrate their plans?
  3. What does it mean for believers to trust that 'there is no wisdom nor counsel against the LORD' (Proverbs 21:30) when wicked schemes seem to be succeeding?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
אַל1 of 10
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּתֵּ֣ן2 of 10

“Grant”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

יְ֭הוָה3 of 10

“not O LORD”

H3068

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

מַאֲוַיֵּ֣י4 of 10

“the desires”

H3970

a desire

רָשָׁ֑ע5 of 10

“of the wicked”

H7563

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

זְמָמ֥וֹ6 of 10

“not his wicked device”

H2162

a plot

אַל7 of 10
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תָּ֝פֵ֗ק8 of 10

“further”

H6329

to issue, i.e., furnish; causatively, to secure; figuratively, to succeed

יָר֥וּמוּ9 of 10

“lest they exalt”

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

סֶֽלָה׃10 of 10

“themselves Selah”

H5542

suspension (of music), i.e., pause

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 140:8 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 140:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 10:2-3Job 5:12-13Psalms 27:122 Samuel 15:31Deuteronomy 32:27Psalms 94:20-21

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