King James Version
What Does Psalms 59:2 Mean?
“Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloody men.”
Psalms 59:2 · KJV
Context
1
To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David; when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him. Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me. Altaschith: or, To the chief Musician, destroy not, a golden Psalm of David defend: Heb. set me on high
2
Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloody men.
3
For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O LORD.
4
They run and prepare themselves without my fault: awake to help me, and behold. help: Heb. meet
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryDavid's prayer for deliverance uses two parallel descriptions of enemies: 'workers of iniquity' and 'bloody men.' The Hebrew 'aven' (iniquity/wickedness) indicates not mere error but active evil. 'Bloody men' (literally 'men of bloods') emphasizes violent intent. This dual description reveals that David's enemies are both morally corrupt and physically dangerous, requiring divine intervention.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The superscription references 1 Samuel 19:11 when Saul sent men to watch David's house to kill him. Michal's warning and David's escape through a window demonstrated both human and divine provision for deliverance.
Reflection Questions
- How does recognizing the moral and physical dimensions of threats shape your prayers?
- What does God's pattern of providing deliverance through both human and divine means teach about providence?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 6 wordsמִפֹּ֣עֲלֵי2 of 6
“me from the workers”
H6466to do or make (systematically and habitually), especially to practise
אָ֑וֶן3 of 6
“of iniquity”
H205strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol
וּֽמֵאַנְשֵׁ֥י4 of 6
“men”
H582properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
דָ֝מִ֗ים5 of 6
“me from bloody”
H1818blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
הוֹשִׁיעֵֽנִי׃6 of 6
“and save”
H3467properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
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 59:2 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 59:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge