This verse, though a straightforward plea for deliverance, subtly highlights the insidious nature of evil. David doesn't just ask to be saved from "evil men," but specifically from "violent men," revealing that the danger isn't just brute force, but also the deliberate, injurious intent behind their actions.
Deliver me, O LORD, from evil men; preserve me from violent men, who plan evil things in their heart and stir up wars continually. They make their tongue sharp as a serpent’s, and under their lips is the venom of asps. Selah Guard me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from violent men, who have planned to trip up my feet. The arrogant have hidden a trap for me, and with cords they have spread a net; beside the way they have set snares for me. Selah
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm plunges us into a desperate plea for protection against dangerous enemies who are actively plotting harm. David, the psalmist, feels surrounded by people who are not just deceitful but also physically threatening, driven by malicious intent. The verses immediately following elaborate on the venomous words and wicked schemes these individuals are employing to ensnare him, setting the stage for his fervent prayer for divine intervention.
David cries out for deliverance from 'the evil man' and 'the violent man.' But is he talking about just one person, or a whole crowd?
The singular terms in this verse can be a bit tricky! While David might have a specific individual or individuals in mind (like King Saul or his advisors, as some commentators suggest), the Hebrew language often uses the singular to represent a general class or type of person. David isn't just facing one bad guy; he's up against a pattern of evil. The psalm quickly shifts to the plural, showing he's dealing with a group who share the same wicked intentions. This reminds us that sometimes, the 'evil' we face isn't confined to a single person but can be a pervasive attitude or system.
What does it truly mean to be an 'evil' or 'violent' man in God's eyes? David gives us a glimpse into their character.
David doesn't just ask for protection; he describes the kind of people he needs deliverance from. They are characterized by:
Ask a follow-up
This isn't just about physical harm; it's about a deliberate intent to cause ruin through deceit and aggression.
David doesn't just cry 'Help!' He also offers a reason why God should help him. What's his defense?
David frames his prayer by implicitly highlighting his own innocence. He doesn't say, 'Deliver me because I deserve it,' but rather, 'Deliver me from those who are unjustly attacking me.' The commentary notes suggest David 'studied peace with them' and 'never having injured them.' This isn't about self-righteousness; it's about presenting a case to God based on the injustice of the situation. When we are wrongly accused or attacked, appealing to God's justice, grounded in our own sincere efforts to live peacefully, is a valid form of prayer. It’s a reminder that God hears the cries of those who are suffering unfairly.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The proper name of the covenant-keeping God of Israel, the I AM, who reveals Himself to His people. It signifies His eternal self-existence and faithfulness to His promises.
ra' · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
In a biblical context, this refers to that which is morally corrupt, wicked, or contrary to the character and will of God. It encompasses both sinful actions and the destructive influence of those who oppose God’s righteousness.
chamas · Hebrew Noun
Refers to people characterized by ruthless, physical aggression or cruelty. The term implies a disregard for justice and the wellbeing of others, often resulting in oppression.
lebab · Hebrew Noun
The core of a person’s being, including their intellect, will, emotions, and moral intent. In the Bible, it is the seat of decision-making and the primary site where intentions toward God and neighbor are formed.
milchamah · Hebrew Noun
An active, ongoing state of conflict or hostility, often used metaphorically for spiritual or interpersonal strife. It signifies deliberate opposition and the mobilization of effort to cause harm.
lashon · Hebrew Noun
The primary organ of speech, used in Scripture to manifest the inner state of a person. It is frequently associated with the power to either bless or curse, heal or destroy, reflecting the righteousness or wickedness of the speaker.
rasha' · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
A term used to describe those who are legally or morally guilty before God. It denotes individuals who have turned away from God's law and live in active disobedience or hostility toward the righteous.
ge'eh · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
Individuals characterized by pride and self-exaltation. In Scripture, arrogance is seen as a root of sin, as it elevates human perspective above the sovereignty and wisdom of God.
pach · Hebrew Noun
A device used to ensnare or bring someone to ruin. Metaphorically, it refers to the schemes, temptations, or obstacles that wicked people place in the path of the righteous to cause them to stumble or fall into sin.
This psalm vividly captures the desperate cries of someone hunted by a powerful, jealous leader. The historical context shows that David, facing relentless pursuit from King Saul and the treachery of figures like Doeg, poured out his raw fear and plea for divine protection.
c. 1020 BC
Saul Anointed King of Israel
Saul is anointed king, marking the transition from judges to monarchy. This event sets the stage for his later rivalry with David.
c. 1015 BC
David's Rise and Saul's Jealousy
David gains popularity for defeating Goliath and serving Saul. This success sparks Saul's intense jealousy and fear, leading him to plot David's demise.
c. 1015-1010 BC— this verse
David Flees Saul's Persecution
David is forced to flee from Saul's repeated attempts on his life, living as a fugitive in the wilderness. This period is characterized by constant danger and betrayal.
c. 1015 BC
Doeg the Edomite's Actions
Doeg the Edomite, a court official, spies on David and later carries out Saul's murderous orders against the priests of Nob, highlighting the violence and treachery of the era.
c. 1010 BC
Saul's Death
Saul and his son Jonathan die in battle against the Philistines at Mount Gilboa, ending Saul's troubled reign and David's immediate persecution.
This verse echoes the plea for deliverance from arrogant and violent individuals, directly paralleling the sentiment in Psalms 140:1 by describing enemies who 'have risen against me' and 'seek my life'.
Proverbs 1:10-11This passage speaks to the dangers of evil men who plot harm and violence, reinforcing the idea in Psalms 140:1 of needing protection from those who actively seek to do wrong and cause destruction.
Psalms 17:9-10Here, David cries out against 'enemies who oppress' and 'seek my life,' mirroring the prayer in Psalms 140:1 for deliverance from those who are both 'evil' and 'violent'.
2 Timothy 3:1-2This New Testament passage describes 'difficult times' filled with 'lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive,' which captures the essence of the 'evil' and 'violent' men David prayed against in Psalms 140:1.
ellicottPsalms 140:1: "To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man;"
(1) Evil man.— The singular of the object in this verse must not lead us to think the psalm is an expression of personal feeling against one enemy, for it is immediately changed to the plural. Violent man.—See Margin.
clarkePsalms 140:1: "To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man;"
From the evil man - Saul, who was full of envy, jealousy, and cruelty against David, to whom both himself and his kingdom were under the highest obligations, endeavored by every means to destroy him.
This verse, though a straightforward plea for deliverance, subtly highlights the insidious nature of evil. David doesn't just ask to be saved from "evil men," but specifically from "violent men," revealing that the danger isn't just brute force, but also the deliberate, injurious intent behind their actions.
This psalm plunges us into a desperate plea for protection against dangerous enemies who are actively plotting harm. David, the psalmist, feels surrounded by people who are not just deceitful but also physically threatening, driven by malicious intent. The verses immediately following elaborate on the venomous words and wicked schemes these individuals are employing to ensnare him, setting the stage for his fervent prayer for divine intervention.
This psalm plunges us into a desperate plea for protection against dangerous enemies who are actively plotting harm. David, the psalmist, feels surrounded by people who are not just deceitful but also physically threatening, driven by malicious intent. The verses immediately following elaborate on the venomous words and wicked schemes these individuals are employing to ensnare him, setting the stage for his fervent prayer for divine intervention.
"Deliver me, O LORD, from evil men; preserve me from violent men, who plan evil things in their heart and stir up wars continually. They make their tongue sharp as a serpent’s, and under their lips is the venom of as…" — This verse, though a straightforward plea for deliverance, subtly highlights the insidious nature of evil. David doesn't just ask to be saved from "evil men," but specifically from "violent men," rev…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
