King James Version
What Does Psalms 64:5 Mean?
“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”
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
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(5) **They encourage themselves.**—Literally, *they strengthen for themselves an evil thing *(or “word,” margin, LXX., and Vulg.,) which evidently means that they take their measures carefully, and are prepared to carry them out resolutely.
**They commune . . .**—Better, *they calculate how they may lay snares privily. *The conspirators carefully and in secret go over every detail of their plot.
**Who shall see them?**—Literally, *who shall look to them? *which seems at first glance to mean, “who will see the snares?” but this is weak. It may be equivalent to, *“*who is likely to see us?” the question being put indirectly. But in 1Samuel 16:7, the expression, “looketh on,” implies “regard for,” which may possibly be the meaning here, “who careth for them?”
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge