Breakdown of Psalms 140:1-5

"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…" — The verse begins with a singular "evil man," but quickly shifts to the plural "violent men" (or "men of violences"). This isn't just a linguistic shift; it highlights how a single source of malice ca…

Psalms 140:1-5 Meaning Explained

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Psalms 140:1-5

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)

The verse begins with a singular "evil man," but quickly shifts to the plural "violent men" (or "men of violences"). This isn't just a linguistic shift; it highlights how a single source of malice can draw others into its destructive orbit, transforming personal persecution into a broader threat.

What Psalms 140:1-5 means

David, facing relentless enemies who plot his destruction with deceptive words and violent actions, cries out to God for protection. This psalm isn't just about a personal spat; it reflects a broader struggle against wickedness and persecution that affects God's people throughout history, including Jesus himself.

The Personal and Collective Enemy

David cries out to God for deliverance from 'the evil man' and 'the violent man.' But is he talking about one specific person, or a whole group?

While David often faced intense personal opposition, especially from King Saul and his advisors, the language here can be understood in both personal and collective ways.

Personal Threat: The singular terms ('man') often point to a specific antagonist who embodies the worst characteristics of evil and violence. For David, this could easily be Saul or Doeg, individuals who actively sought his destruction.
Collective Danger: However, the psalm quickly moves into the plural ('evil men,' 'violent men'), indicating that David also felt surrounded by a group, a society, or a faction that was hostile to him and to God's ways.
Broader Application: This duality means the psalm resonates not just with those facing a single, powerful adversary, but also with anyone who feels targeted by a hostile group, a corrupt system, or a culture that opposes righteousness.

Beyond Mere Annoyance: True Wickedness

David doesn't just ask to be delivered from difficult people, but from the 'evil' and 'violent.' What does this tell us about the nature of the threat?

The terms 'evil' and 'violent' here aren't about simple disagreements or personality clashes. They describe a deep-seated hostility rooted in malice and destructive intent.

Evil as Malice: 'Evil' points to a corrupt heart and wicked intentions, a deliberate opposition to good. It's not accidental; it's a chosen path.
Violence as Destructive Force: 'Violent' (or 'man of violences') describes someone who uses force, aggression, and oppression to achieve their aims. This can be physical harm, but also metaphorical violence like slander, deceit, and plots that seek to crush someone.

Understand the original words

Original language

LORDיְהוָה

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.

evilרָע

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.

violent menחָמָס

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.

heartלֵבָב

lebab · Hebrew Noun

Historical context

Written: Likely composed during David's reign, possibly around 1000-960 BC.
Author: Traditionally attributed to David, though some scholars suggest later authorship.
Location: Written from the perspective of being under threat, likely within Israel.
Genre: Poetry; features vivid metaphors and direct address to God.

Historical background

This psalm arises from a time of intense personal danger, where David felt hunted by individuals driven by malice and violence. It highlights how even those in positions of power (like Saul or his informants) could act with extreme cruelty, making the plea for divine deliverance deeply personal and urgent.

c. 1020-1010 BC— this verse
Saul's Persecution of David
King Saul, consumed by jealousy, relentlessly pursued David, seeing him as a threat to his throne. This period was marked by danger, treachery, and David's need for constant evasion.
c. 1010 BC
Doeg the Edomite's Betrayal
Doeg the Edomite, a servant of Saul, falsely accused David and the priests of Nob, leading to the massacre of 85 priests and their families.
c. 1010-1000 BC
David in Hiding
David spent years in hiding, often in caves and wilderness areas, gathering followers and evading Saul's forces. This time tested his faith and reliance on God for protection.

Key themes

01Dependence on divine rescue
02The danger of wicked people
03Prayer against violent opposition

Cross-references

Psalms 17:10-12

This passage describes the enemies of the psalmist as 'fat' and 'puissant,' actively seeking to trap and bring him down, much like the 'evil' and 'violent' men in Psalm 140.

Proverbs 4:14-17

Here, wisdom warns against joining the ranks of the wicked who plot evil and shed blood, echoing the character of the 'violent men' David prays to be delivered from.

Matthew 7:15

Jesus warns his followers about 'false prophets' who come in sheep's clothing but are inwardly ravenous wolves, mirroring the deceptive and dangerous nature of the 'evil men' David confronts.

2 Timothy 3:1-5

This passage paints a stark picture of people in the last days who are lovers of self, money-loving, boastful, arrogant, abusive, and violent, highlighting the persistent reality of such individuals throughout history.

Psalms 35:1-3

David cries out to God to fight against those who fight against him, to shield him, and to deliver him from those who persecute him unjustly, showing a similar plea for protection against oppressive enemies.

Scholarly commentary

Psalms 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.
ellicott

Psalms 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.
clarke

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What Psalms 140:1-5 means

Original language

LORDיְהוָה

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.

evilרָע

ra' · Hebrew Adjective/Noun

violent menחָמָס

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.

heartלֵבָב

lebab · Hebrew Noun

Historical context

Written: Likely composed during David's reign, possibly around 1000-960 BC.
Author: Traditionally attributed to David, though some scholars suggest later authorship.
Location: Written from the perspective of being under threat, likely within Israel.
Genre: Poetry; features vivid metaphors and direct address to God.

Historical background

c. 1020-1010 BC— this verse

Saul's Persecution of David

King Saul, consumed by jealousy, relentlessly pursued David, seeing him as a threat to his throne. This period was marked by danger, treachery, and David's need for constant evasion.

c. 1010 BC

Doeg the Edomite's Betrayal

Doeg the Edomite, a servant of Saul, falsely accused David and the priests of Nob, leading to the massacre of 85 priests and their families.

c. 1010-1000 BC

David in Hiding

David spent years in hiding, often in caves and wilderness areas, gathering followers and evading Saul's forces. This time tested his faith and reliance on God for protection.

Scholarly commentary

Psalms 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.
ellicott

Psalms 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.
clarke

Frequently asked questions

What does Psalms 140:1-5 mean?

Explain the meaning of Psalms 140:1-5

What is the context of Psalms 140:1-5?

Ask Sola about this verse

Ask Sola things like:

“What does "LORD" mean in the original Hebrew?”
“Why did Traditionally attributed to David, though some scholars suggest later authorship. write Psalms 140:1-5?”
“How does dependence on divine rescue show up in Psalms 140:1-5?”

Ask in the Sola app Get the app

Live chat about Psalms 140:1-5 is available in the Sola app.

What Psalms 140:1-5 means

The Personal and Collective Enemy

Beyond Mere Annoyance: True Wickedness

Original language

Historical context

Historical background

Key themes

Cross-references

Scholarly commentary

Frequently asked questions

Study this verse in Sola

Ask Sola about this verse

What Psalms 140:1-5 means

The Personal and Collective Enemy

Beyond Mere Annoyance: True Wickedness

Original language

Historical context

Historical background

Key themes

Cross-references

Scholarly commentary

Frequently asked questions

Study this verse in Sola

Ask Sola about this verse

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