Psalms 140:11 (KJV)

What does Psalms 140:11 mean?

Psalms 140:11 asks that people who speak evil not be allowed to become secure or influential in the world, and says that those who act violently will eventually be brought down by the very evil they pursue. The verse is a prayer for justice, expressing confidence that wrongdoing will ultimately lead to its own downfall.

The psalm is written by David, who is speaking to God about the threats he faces from malicious and violent people. David is asking God not to let slanderers or violent men succeed or find a firm place in society. The verse highlights a belief that evil actions have consequences, and that those who harm others will eventually face ruin themselves.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 140:11

• "Established" (כּוּן, kun): This word means to be made firm or secure. David is asking God not to let an evil speaker become firmly rooted or influential in society, emphasizing a desire for justice.
• "Hunt" (צָדַד, tsadad): This verb means to pursue or track down. The verse pictures evil as something that actively chases after the violent person, suggesting that their own wrongdoing will catch up with them.
• "Violent" (חָמָס, chamas): This word refers to someone who is cruel or acts unjustly. The focus is on people who use force or injustice to harm others, not just physical violence but also moral wrongdoing.
• "Overthrow" (מַדְּחֵפָה, madkhefa): This word means to bring down or topple. The idea is that evil will eventually cause the downfall of the violent person, not just trouble but complete ruin.

Why Psalms 140:11 matters

• Psalms 140:11 clarifies that the psalmist is not just asking for personal safety, but for a broader justice where evil people do not gain influence or security in society.
• The verse emphasizes a strong belief in moral consequences: evil is pictured as something that will inevitably return to harm those who practice it.
• This verse connects to the wider psalm, where David repeatedly asks for protection from slanderers and violent people, showing a consistent trust that God will ultimately set things right.