King James Version

What Does Psalms 64:6 Mean?

Psalms 64:6 in the King James Version says “They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search: both the inward thought of every one of them, and the hea...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 64 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Psalms 64:6 · KJV

Context

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

8

So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: all that see them shall flee away.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The 'search out iniquities' reveals meticulous plotting. 'They accomplish a diligent search' (literally 'searched search,' intensive Hebrew) shows thoroughness in devising wickedness. Yet 'the inward thought of every one... and the heart, is deep' indicates that plotters underestimate both their own depravity and God's deeper knowledge, demonstrating that sin's depths exceed human comprehension (Jeremiah 17:9).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The reference to deep inward thought and heart connects to wisdom literature's teaching about the heart's deceitfulness. Even the wicked cannot fully plumb their own capacity for evil, let alone escape God's deeper scrutiny.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the thoroughness of wicked plotting teach about taking spiritual warfare seriously?
  2. How does the 'deep' heart require divine illumination to be truly known?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
חֵ֣פֶשׂ1 of 9

“They search out”

H2664

to seek; causatively, to conceal oneself (i.e., let be sought), or mask

עוֹלֹ֗ת2 of 9

“iniquities”

H5766

(moral) evil

תַּ֭מְנוּ3 of 9

“they accomplish”

H8552

to complete, in a good or a bad sense, literal, or figurative, transitive or intransitive

חֵ֣פֶשׂ4 of 9

“They search out”

H2664

to seek; causatively, to conceal oneself (i.e., let be sought), or mask

מְחֻפָּ֑שׂ5 of 9

“search”

H2665

something covert, i.e., a trick

וְקֶ֥רֶב6 of 9

“both the inward”

H7130

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

אִ֝֗ישׁ7 of 9

“thought of every one”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

וְלֵ֣ב8 of 9

“of them and the heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

עָמֹֽק׃9 of 9

“is deep”

H6013

deep (literally or figuratively)

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 64:6 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 64:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 17:9-10Psalms 5:9Matthew 26:59Isaiah 29:15Proverbs 20:51 Corinthians 4:5

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