Psalms 140:5 (KJV)

What does Psalms 140:5 mean?

Psalms 140:5 describes how proud or arrogant people have secretly set traps and snares along the way to catch or harm the speaker. The verse uses images of hidden dangers—snares, cords, nets, and gins—placed by the wayside, showing the speaker’s sense of being surrounded by threats from those who oppose him.

In this psalm, David is speaking to God about the dangers he faces from his enemies, who are described as proud and cunning. The verse paints a vivid picture of people laying out different kinds of traps in secret, emphasizing how real and constant the danger feels to David. The mention of “Selah” suggests a pause for reflection on the seriousness of these threats.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 140:5

• proud (זֵדִים, zedim): This word points to people who are not just enemies, but those acting with arrogance or defiance, highlighting their attitude as well as their actions.
• snare (פַּח, pach) and net (רֶשֶׁת, reshet): Both words refer to devices for trapping animals, used here as metaphors for hidden dangers or plots.
• cords (חֶבֶל, chevel): This can mean ropes or cords, often used to tie or restrain, adding another layer to the imagery of being trapped.
• gins (מוֹקֵשׁ, moqesh): This refers to a type of trap or noose, reinforcing the idea of multiple, varied dangers.
• wayside (יַד, yad; מַעְגָּל, ma’gal): These words together suggest traps set along the path where the speaker must walk, making the threat unavoidable and ever-present.
• Selah (סֶלָה, selah): Often understood as a musical or reflective pause, inviting the reader or listener to consider the weight of what has just been said.

Why Psalms 140:5 matters

• This verse clears up that David’s enemies are not attacking openly, but are using secret, cunning methods to try to harm him, which adds to the sense of danger and betrayal.
• The repeated use of different words for traps shows how thorough and relentless the opposition is, making David’s situation feel more desperate and real.
• The verse connects to the wider psalm, where David repeatedly asks God for protection from these hidden dangers, showing his trust in God even when he feels surrounded by threats.