Psalms 62:4

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

They only consult to cast [him] down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.

Complete Jewish Bible:

They only want to shake him from his height, they take delight in lying with their mouths they bless, but inwardly they curse. (Selah)

Berean Standard Bible:

They fully intend to cast him down from his lofty perch; they delight in lies; with their mouths they bless, but inwardly they curse. Selah

American Standard Version:

They only consult to thrust him down from his dignity; They delight in lies; They bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. [Selah

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

They only consult^{H3289}{H8804)} to cast him down^{H5080}{H8687)} from his excellency^{H7613}: they delight^{H7521}{H8799)} in lies^{H3577}: they bless^{H1288}{H8762)} with their mouth^{H6310}, but they curse^{H7043}{H8762)} inwardly^{H7130}. Selah^{H5542}.

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Commentary for Psalms 62:4

Psalm 62:4, as part of the larger Psalm 62, is attributed to King David and reflects a moment of deep personal reflection and prayer during a period of distress. The verse speaks to the experience of being the target of deceitful and malicious plots by enemies who seek to undermine and destroy the individual's reputation and position. The themes present in this verse include the treachery of false friends or adversaries, the danger of flattery that masks malice, and the duplicity of those who offer praise while secretly harboring curses.

In the historical context of the time, David, like many rulers and leaders, would have faced constant political intrigue and personal threats. The verse captures the sobering reality of court life and the treacherous nature of human relationships where appearances can be deceiving. The term "Selah," often found at the end of verses in the Psalms, is thought to be a musical or liturgical notation, indicating a pause for reflection or emphasis on the preceding words, suggesting that the reader should consider the gravity of the situation described.

The verse underscores the human tendency to disguise true intentions and the spiritual struggle between good and evil, truth and falsehood. It serves as a reminder of the importance of discernment and the value of trusting in God amidst the uncertainties of human allegiances. For the faithful, it reinforces the message that true security and peace come not from the transient favor of people but from a steadfast relationship with God.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H3289
   There are 74 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יָעַץ
   Transliteration: yâʻats
   Pronunciation: yaw-ats'
   Description: a primitive root; to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve; advertise, take advise, advise (well), consult, (give, take) counsel(-lor), determine, devise, guide, purpose.
   
2. Strong's Number: H5080
   There are 51 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נָדַח
   Transliteration: nâdach
   Pronunciation: naw-dakh'
   Description: a primitive root; to push off; used in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (to expel, mislead, strike, inflict, etc.); banish, bring, cast down (out), chase, compel, draw away, drive (away, out, quite), fetch a stroke, force, go away, outcast, thrust away (out), withdraw.
   
3. Strong's Number: H7613
   There are 13 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שְׂאֵת
   Transliteration: sᵉʼêth
   Pronunciation: seh-ayth'
   Description: from נָשָׂא; an elevation or leprous scab; figuratively, elation or cheerfulness; exaltation in rank or character; be accepted, dignity, excellency, highness, raise up self, rising.
   
4. Strong's Number: H7521
   There are 55 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רָצָה
   Transliteration: râtsâh
   Pronunciation: raw-tsaw'
   Description: a primitive root; to be pleased with; specifically, to satisfy adebt; (be) accept(-able), accomplish, set affection, approve, consent with, delight (self), enjoy, (be, have a) favour(-able), like, observe, pardon, (be, have, take) please(-ure), reconcile self.
   
5. Strong's Number: H3577
   There are 31 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: כָּזָב
   Transliteration: kâzâb
   Pronunciation: kaw-zawb'
   Description: from כָּזַב; falsehood; literally (untruth) or figuratively (idol); deceitful, false, leasing, + liar, lie, lying.
   
6. Strong's Number: H1288
   There are 289 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: בָרַךְ
   Transliteration: bârak
   Pronunciation: baw-rak'
   Description: a primitive root; to kneel; by implication to bless God (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (God or the king, as treason); [idiom] abundantly, [idiom] altogether, [idiom] at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, [idiom] greatly, [idiom] indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, [idiom] still, thank.
   
7. Strong's Number: H6310
   There are 460 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: פֶּה
   Transliteration: peh
   Pronunciation: peh
   Description: from פָּאָה; the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with preposition) according to; accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word.
   
8. Strong's Number: H7043
   There are 79 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: קָלַל
   Transliteration: qâlal
   Pronunciation: kaw-lal'
   Description: a primitive root; to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.); abate, make bright, bring into contempt, (ac-) curse, despise, (be) ease(-y, -ier), (be a, make, make somewhat, move, seem a, set) light(-en, -er, -ly, -ly afflict, -ly esteem, thing), [idiom] slight(-ly), be swift(-er), (be, be more, make, re-) vile, whet.
   
9. Strong's Number: H7130
   There are 220 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: קֶרֶב
   Transliteration: qereb
   Pronunciation: keh'-reb
   Description: from קָרַב; properly, the nearest part, i.e. the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition); [idiom] among, [idiom] before, bowels, [idiom] unto charge, [phrase] eat (up), [idiom] heart, [idiom] him, [idiom] in, inward ([idiom] -ly, part, -s, thought), midst, [phrase] out of, purtenance, [idiom] therein, [idiom] through, [idiom] within self.
   
10. Strong's Number: H5542
    There are 74 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: סֶלָה
    Transliteration: çelâh
    Pronunciation: seh'-law
    Description: from סָלָה; suspension (of music), i.e. pause; Selah.