Psalms 141:10 (KJV)

What does Psalms 141:10 mean?

Psalms 141:10 expresses a hope that those who do wrong (“the wicked”) will be caught by their own traps, while the speaker, who seeks to do right, will escape unharmed. The verse is a prayer for protection and justice, asking that evil plans backfire on those who make them.

King David is speaking to God, asking for deliverance from people who plot against him. The verse comes at the end of a psalm where David asks for help to avoid evil and to be kept safe from those who wish him harm. The focus is on trusting God to turn the schemes of the wicked back on themselves, while keeping the faithful safe.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 141:10

• “Wicked” (רָשָׁע, rashaʿ): This word refers to those who act unjustly or are morally wrong. It highlights that David is not just talking about enemies in general, but specifically about people who do evil.
• “Fall” (נָפַל, naphal): This verb means to fall or be brought down. The sense here is of the wicked being caught or brought low by their own actions.
• “Nets” (מְכוֹרָה, mekhorah): This word means traps or snares, often used for hunting. It paints a picture of the wicked being caught in the very dangers they set for others.
• “Withal” (יַחַד, yachad): This means “together” or “at the same time.” Here, it shows the contrast—while the wicked fall, the speaker escapes.
• “Escape” (עָבַר, avar): This verb means to pass over or through, suggesting a safe passage away from danger.

Why Psalms 141:10 matters

• Psalms 141:10 clarifies that David is not asking for revenge, but for justice—he wants those who set traps for others to be caught by their own schemes, not by his hand.
• The verse emphasizes the idea that evil often turns back on those who practice it, a theme found in other parts of the Bible.
• This verse ties together the psalm’s main request: that God would protect those who seek to do right, even when surrounded by people who wish them harm.