For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart.

PSALMS 11:2KJV
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Psalms 11:2 (KJV)

What does Psalms 11:2 mean?

Psalms 11:2 describes how wicked people secretly prepare to attack those who are upright and sincere in heart, using the image of archers bending their bows and aiming their arrows in hiding. The verse highlights the danger faced by people who try to live rightly, as they can be targeted by those with evil intentions.

In this psalm, David is speaking about a situation where he feels threatened by enemies who act in secret. The language paints a vivid picture of danger, using the metaphor of archers preparing to shoot at the innocent from a hidden place. This verse sets up the contrast between the righteous and the wicked, and shows the real risks faced by those who try to do what is right.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 11:2

  • "wicked" (רָשָׁע, rashaʿ): This word refers to people who act with moral wrongness or evil intent, emphasizing that the threat comes from those who oppose what is good.
  • "privily" (מַחֲשָׁךְ, machashak; לְמוֹ, l'mo): The Hebrew words here point to shooting "in darkness" or "in secret," stressing the hidden and sneaky nature of the attack, not just a physical ambush but also a sense of underhandedness.
  • "upright" (יָשָׁר, yashar): This word means someone who is straight, honest, or morally upright, clarifying that those being targeted are not just innocent but people who try to live with integrity.

Why Psalms 11:2 matters

  • Psalms 11:2 clarifies that threats to the righteous often come in secret, not always openly, which can make them harder to detect or defend against.
  • The verse emphasizes the moral contrast between the "wicked" and the "upright in heart," showing that living rightly does not guarantee safety from harm.
  • This verse sets the stage for the rest of the psalm, where David explores trust in God despite the hidden dangers posed by those who do evil.

Where else these words appear

“privily” Hebrew H652 · used in 8 verses

  • Job 3:6 As for that night, let darkness seize upon it; let it not be joined unto the days of the year, let it not come into the number of the months.
  • Job 23:17 Because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither hath he covered the darkness from my face.
  • Job 30:26 When I looked for good, then evil came unto me: and when I waited for light, there came darkness.

“privily” Hebrew H1119 · used in 10 verses

  • Job 9:30 If I wash myself with snow water, and make my hands never so clean;
  • Job 19:16 I called my servant, and he gave me no answer; I intreated him with my mouth.
  • Isaiah 43:2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

“arrow” Hebrew H2671 · used in 50 verses

  • Genesis 49:23 The archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him:
  • 2 Chronicles 26:15 And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented by cunning men, to be on the towers and upon the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones withal. And his name spread far abroad; for he was marvellously helped, till he was strong.
  • Proverbs 25:18 A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.

“bend” Hebrew H1869 · used in 59 verses

  • Numbers 24:17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.
  • Psalms 7:12 If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready.
  • Jeremiah 9:3 And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the LORD.