Psalms 11:2

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For, lo, the wicked {H7563} bend {H1869} their bow {H7198}, they make ready {H3559} their arrow {H2671} upon the string {H3499}, that they may privily {H652}{H1119} shoot {H3384} at the upright {H3477} in heart {H3820}.

Complete Jewish Bible

See how the wicked are drawing their bows and setting their arrows on the string, to shoot from the shadows at honest men.

Berean Standard Bible

For behold, the wicked bend their bows. They set their arrow on the string to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart.

American Standard Version

For, lo, the wicked bend the bow, They make ready their arrow upon the string, That they may shoot in darkness at the upright in heart;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 11:2 vividly portrays the insidious and immediate danger faced by the righteous from their wicked adversaries. It depicts enemies meticulously preparing their weapons—bending their bows and setting arrows on the string—with the express intent of launching a covert and deadly attack against those whose hearts are pure before God. This verse underscores the psalmist's perilous situation, highlighting the calculated malice and stealthy tactics employed by the ungodly against the innocent, setting the stage for a profound declaration of trust in divine justice and sovereignty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 11:2 serves as a stark contrast and elaboration on the psalmist's declaration of trust in [the Lord](/psalms/11-1 "Psalms 11:1 - Trust in the Lord"). The opening verse establishes David's unwavering refuge in God, despite the fearful counsel of his companions to flee "as a bird to your mountain." Verse 2 then justifies this fear by vividly detailing the specific nature of the threat. It moves from the general concept of danger to a concrete, menacing image of prepared weapons and malicious intent, explaining *why* flight might seem advisable to some. This imagery of an imminent, hidden attack sets up the psalmist's subsequent confident assertion of God's sovereign rule and righteous judgment in [Psalms 11:4-7](/psalms/11-4 "Psalms 11:4-7 - God's Throne and Judgment"), demonstrating that despite the visible threat, God remains enthroned and active.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of bows and arrows was highly relevant in ancient Israel, a common weapon for both warfare and hunting. The act of "bending the bow" and "making ready their arrow upon the string" describes the final, critical steps before an arrow is released, indicating an immediate and unavoidable threat. Historically, David, the traditional author of this psalm, faced numerous enemies, including King Saul, who frequently sought his life through ambush and deceit (e.g., [1 Samuel 18:11](/1-samuel/18-11 "1 Samuel 18:11 - Saul's First Spear Attempt") and [1 Samuel 23:19-23](/1-samuel/23-19 "1 Samuel 23:19-23 - The Ziphites Betray David")). The phrase "privily shoot" suggests an ambush or a surprise attack, reflecting the treacherous nature of political intrigue and personal vendettas common in the ancient Near East, where open warfare was often preceded or accompanied by covert operations designed to eliminate key figures.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the psalm and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it highlights the **Stealthy Malice of the Wicked**, portraying their methods as deceitful and hidden, rather than open confrontation. This underscores the pervasive nature of evil that seeks to undermine righteousness through treachery. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Vulnerability of the Upright**, those who live with integrity and sincere devotion to God. Despite their blamelessness, they become targets simply because their righteousness exposes the darkness of the wicked (cf. [Proverbs 29:27](/proverbs/29-27 "Proverbs 29:27 - The Abomination of the Wicked")). Thirdly, the imagery conveys **Imminent Danger**, stressing that the threat is not hypothetical but poised for immediate execution, creating a sense of urgency and peril that contrasts sharply with the psalmist's calm trust in [God's divine oversight](/psalms/11-4 "Psalms 11:4 - The Lord's Throne in Heaven").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wicked (Hebrew, _rasha'_):** This term refers to those who are morally wrong, guilty, or unrighteous, often characterized by a disregard for God's law and a propensity for violence and injustice. Their actions are not merely accidental but stem from a fundamental opposition to God and His ways, making them adversaries of the "upright."
* **Privily (Hebrew, _ba'ophel'_):** This word means "in darkness," "secretly," or "treacherously." It emphasizes the hidden, clandestine, and deceitful nature of the attack. The wicked do not engage in open, honorable combat but seek to ambush and harm their victims when they are unaware, highlighting their cowardice and malicious intent.
* **Upright in heart (Hebrew, _yishrei lev'_):** This phrase describes individuals whose inner character, intentions, and moral compass are pure, sincere, and aligned with God's righteousness. They are blameless and walk in integrity. The contrast between their innocence and the wicked's malicious intent makes the attack all the more egregious and unjust.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For, lo, the wicked bend [their] bow":** This opening clause immediately draws attention to the adversaries and their hostile preparation. "Lo" (or "behold") serves as an interjection, signaling the gravity and immediacy of the situation. The "bending of the bow" is the initial, strenuous act of drawing the bowstring taut, storing kinetic energy, and indicating a deliberate, forceful readiness for violent action.
* **"they make ready their arrow upon the string":** This continues the imagery of preparation, specifying the precise and final step before release. The arrow is placed on the string, aimed, and poised. This detail emphasizes the precision, calculation, and imminence of the attack. It's not a general threat but a specific, targeted act of aggression.
* **"that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart":** This final clause reveals the wicked's malicious purpose and their chosen target. "Privily shoot" underscores the deceitful, ambush-style nature of their attack, aiming to catch the righteous off guard. The "upright in heart" are those whose integrity and righteousness make them targets, highlighting the inherent conflict between good and evil and the vulnerability of the innocent in a fallen world.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 11:2 is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of the wicked's preparations for attack. The specific details of "bend their bow" and "make ready their arrow upon the string" create a palpable sense of tension and imminent danger, allowing the reader to visualize the threat. This imagery functions as a **Metaphor** for the broader schemes and malicious intentions of the ungodly against the righteous, extending beyond literal archery to encompass any form of covert hostility or treachery. The entire verse also employs **Antithesis** by implicitly contrasting the "wicked" and their deceitful actions with the "upright in heart" and their blamelessness. This stark opposition highlights the moral chasm between the two groups and emphasizes the injustice of the attack. The active verbs ("bend," "make ready," "shoot") convey a sense of purposeful, calculated malevolence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 11:2 powerfully articulates the reality of spiritual warfare and the enduring conflict between righteousness and wickedness. Theologically, it underscores that living a life of integrity before God often invites opposition from those who dwell in darkness. The "privily" nature of the attack reminds believers that evil often operates subtly, through deceit, slander, and hidden schemes, seeking to undermine faith and character rather than engaging in overt confrontation. This verse sets the stage for the psalm's profound declaration that despite such threats, God remains sovereign, enthroned in heaven, actively observing and judging the actions of humanity. It reinforces the truth that the Lord is the ultimate defender of the righteous, even when they appear most vulnerable.

* [Psalms 37:12-13](/psalms/37-12 "Psalms 37:12-13 - The Wicked Plot Against the Righteous")
* [Proverbs 1:11-12](/proverbs/1-11 "Proverbs 1:11-12 - The Enticement of Sinners")
* [Ephesians 6:11-12](/ephesians/6-11 "Ephesians 6:11-12 - The Whole Armor of God Against Spiritual Forces")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 11:2 serves as a timeless reminder that living righteously in a fallen world inevitably invites opposition. The "wicked" in our day may not literally bend bows, but their tactics of slander, deceit, manipulation, and covert attacks on reputation or character are just as real and insidious. This verse calls us to a sober awareness of the spiritual realities at play, recognizing that those who strive for integrity may become targets simply because their light exposes the darkness. Yet, the psalm's broader message, culminating in God's ultimate justice, encourages us not to succumb to fear or flee from our calling. Instead, it prompts us to remain steadfast, trusting that the Lord sees every secret plot and is actively engaged in upholding the righteous. Our response to such threats is not to retaliate in kind, but to deepen our reliance on God's protection and to continue living with the "upright heart" that is His delight.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might the "wicked" in our modern context "privily shoot" at the "upright in heart"?**
* **How does understanding the insidious nature of evil, as depicted here, impact your prayer life or your approach to spiritual discernment?**
* **What does it mean to maintain an "upright heart" when faced with hidden opposition, and how can one cultivate such a heart?**
* **How does the knowledge of God's sovereignty (as seen in the rest of Psalms 11) provide comfort when you feel targeted or vulnerable?**

### FAQ
**Does "privily shoot" imply that the wicked always operate in secret, or can their malice also be overt?**

Answer: While "privily" (Hebrew _ba'ophel_) specifically emphasizes the hidden, secret, or treacherous nature of the attack in this verse, the Bible also speaks of overt, open opposition from the wicked. For example, [Psalms 3:7](/psalms/3-7 "Psalms 3:7 - Arise, O Lord!") describes enemies openly rising up. However, Psalms 11:2 highlights a particularly insidious form of malice, where the wicked seek to ambush or undermine the righteous through deceitful means, making the threat harder to detect and defend against. This covert aspect serves to heighten the sense of vulnerability for the "upright in heart."

**Who are the "upright in heart" in the context of this psalm?**

Answer: The "upright in heart" refers to those whose inner character, intentions, and moral conduct are pure, sincere, and aligned with God's righteousness. They are individuals who walk in integrity, seeking to please God in all their ways, contrasting sharply with the "wicked" who plot their downfall. This phrase is used throughout the Psalms and Proverbs (e.g., [Psalms 7:10](/psalms/7-10 "Psalms 7:10 - God is My Shield") and [Proverbs 2:7](/proverbs/2-7 "Proverbs 2:7 - He Stores Up Sound Wisdom")) to describe those who are genuinely righteous before God, not merely outwardly compliant. Their blamelessness, ironically, makes them targets for the envy and malice of the ungodly.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 11:2, with its vivid imagery of the wicked's covert assault on the "upright in heart," finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest resonance in the person and experience of Jesus Christ. He was the perfectly "upright in heart," utterly blameless and without sin, yet He was relentlessly targeted by the "wicked" of His day. Their attacks were often "privily" executed, through secret plots, false accusations, and insidious schemes, rather than open, honorable combat. The religious leaders, for instance, frequently sought to trap Him in His words ([Luke 11:53-54](/luke/11-53 "Luke 11:53-54 - The Scribes and Pharisees Plot Against Jesus")), hired false witnesses ([Matthew 26:59-60](/matthew/26-59 "Matthew 26:59-60 - False Witnesses Against Jesus")), and conspired in secret to put Him to death ([John 11:47-53](/john/11-47 "John 11:47-53 - The Plot to Kill Jesus")). Just as the psalmist faced an imminent, calculated threat, so too did Jesus face the ultimate "bending of the bow" at Calvary, where the forces of darkness made ready their "arrow" against the Lamb of God. Yet, in His resurrection, Christ demonstrated that the ultimate defense of the "upright" is not flight, but the sovereign power of God, who sees every plot and ultimately vindicates His chosen One, turning the wicked's intended destruction into the very means of salvation for all who trust in Him ([Acts 2:23-24](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23-24 - Peter's Sermon on Pentecost")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.

Psalms 64:3

Who whet their tongue like a sword, [and] bend [their bows to shoot] their arrows, [even] bitter words:

Psalms 64:5

They encourage themselves [in] an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them?

Psalms 37:14

The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, [and] to slay such as be of upright conversation.

Psalms 21:12

Therefore shalt thou make them turn their back, [when] thou shalt make ready [thine arrows] upon thy strings against the face of them.

Psalms 125:4

¶ Do good, O LORD, unto [those that be] good, and [to them that are] upright in their hearts.

1 Samuel 18:21

And Saul said, I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saul said to David, Thou shalt this day be my son in law in [the one of] the twain.