King James Version

What Does Psalms 62:4 Mean?

Psalms 62:4 in the King James Version says “They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curs...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 62 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah. inwardly: Heb. in their inward parts”

Psalms 62:4 · KJV

Context

2

He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved. defence: Heb. high place

3

How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall shall ye be, and as a tottering fence.

4

They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah. inwardly: Heb. in their inward parts

5

My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.

6

He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Enemies' counsel to 'cast him down from his excellency' indicates assault on David's position/dignity. 'Delight in lies... bless with their mouth but curse inwardly' reveals duplicity—public honor masking private hostility. This anticipates warnings against those who honor God with lips while hearts remain far (Isaiah 29:13, Matthew 15:8), showing that hypocrisy characterized God's enemies from ancient times.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This likely describes courtiers who outwardly honored David while plotting with Absalom or others. Ancient Near Eastern court intrigue often involved public obeisance concealing private conspiracy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you discern between genuine honor and flattery masking hostility?
  2. What does the linkage between lies and inward cursing teach about the unity of truth and blessing?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
אַ֤ךְ1 of 11
H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

מִשְּׂאֵת֨וֹ׀2 of 11

“from his excellency”

H7613

an elevation or leprous scab; figuratively, elation or cheerfulness; exaltation in rank or character

יָעֲצ֣וּ3 of 11

“They only consult”

H3289

to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve

לְהַדִּיחַ֮4 of 11

“to cast him down”

H5080

to push off; used in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (to expel, mislead, strike, inflict, etc.)

יִרְצ֪וּ5 of 11

“they delight”

H7521

to be pleased with; specifically, to satisfy a debt

כָ֫זָ֥ב6 of 11

“in lies”

H3577

falsehood; literally (untruth) or figuratively (idol)

בְּפִ֥יו7 of 11

“with their mouth”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

יְבָרֵ֑כוּ8 of 11

“they bless”

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

וּ֝בְקִרְבָּ֗ם9 of 11

“inwardly”

H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

יְקַלְלוּ10 of 11

“but they curse”

H7043

to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)

סֶֽלָה׃11 of 11

“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 62:4 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 62:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 55:21Psalms 28:3Psalms 5:9Romans 7:22Romans 1:32Revelation 22:15

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