King James Version

What Does Psalms 64:5 Mean?

Psalms 64:5 in the King James Version says “They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them? matter...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 64 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them? matter: or, speech of: Heb. to hide his snares”

Psalms 64:5 · KJV

Context

3

Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words:

4

That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not.

5

They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them? matter: or, speech of: Heb. to hide his snares

6

They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search: both the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart, is deep. they: or, we are consumed by that which they have throughly searched a diligent: Heb. a search searched

7

But God shall shoot at them with an arrow; suddenly shall they be wounded. shall they: Heb. their wound shall be

Read Psalms 64 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The wicked encouraging 'themselves in an evil matter' reveals conspiracy's self-reinforcing nature. 'Commune of laying snares privily' indicates shared plotting. Their question 'Who shall see them?' demonstrates practical atheism—assuming no divine accountability. This hubris anticipates the fool's claim 'There is no God' (Psalm 14:1).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The secret plotting recalls Absalom's conspiracy where he 'stole the hearts' of Israel (2 Samuel 15:6) through private conversations undermining David. Such covert operations depend on assuming God doesn't observe.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the wicked's mutual encouragement in evil parallel or parody believers' mutual encouragement in good?
  2. What does the assumption 'Who shall see?' reveal about the importance of God's omniscience?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
יְחַזְּקוּ1 of 11

“They encourage”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

לָ֨מוֹ׀2 of 11
H0
דָּ֘בָ֤ר3 of 11

“matter”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

רָ֗ע4 of 11

“themselves in an evil”

H7451

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

יְֽ֭סַפְּרוּ5 of 11

“they commune”

H5608

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

לִטְמ֣וֹן6 of 11

“of laying”

H2934

to hide (by covering over)

מוֹקְשִׁ֑ים7 of 11

“snares”

H4170

a noose (for catching animals) (literally or figuratively); by implication, a hook (for the nose)

אָ֝מְר֗וּ8 of 11

“they say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מִ֣י9 of 11
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

יִרְאֶה10 of 11

“Who shall see”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

לָּֽמוֹ׃11 of 11
H0

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 64:5 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 64:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 140:5Psalms 10:11Psalms 59:7Ezekiel 8:12Job 22:13Psalms 94:7

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 64 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Psalms 64 with CommentaryAll Psalms ChaptersComplete Psalms QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes