Psalms 140:11

KJV

Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow [him].

KJV (with Strong's)

Let not an evil speaker {H376}{H3956} be established {H3559} in the earth {H776}: evil {H7451} shall hunt {H6679} the violent {H2555} man {H376} to overthrow {H4073} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Let slanderers find no place in the land; let the violent and evil be hunted relentlessly.

Berean Standard Bible

May no slanderer be established in the land; may calamity hunt down the man of violence.

American Standard Version

An evil speaker shall not be established in the earth: Evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 140:11 is a fervent prayer and prophetic declaration by King David, expressing a profound desire for divine justice against those who wield their words and actions for malicious purposes. It articulates a plea that individuals who engage in harmful speech not gain lasting influence or security on earth, simultaneously asserting with confidence that the destructive forces unleashed by violent individuals will inevitably turn back upon them, leading to their ultimate downfall. This verse encapsulates a foundational biblical principle: wickedness, whether verbal or physical, carries its own inescapable consequences, undergirded by God's righteous sovereignty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 140 is a deeply personal lament, one of many psalms attributed to David where he pours out his heart to God in times of intense distress caused by adversaries. The preceding verses vividly describe the nature of these enemies: they are deceitful, treacherous, and relentless in their pursuit of the psalmist's ruin. They are depicted as having "sharpened their tongues like a serpent" (/psalms/140-3 "Psalms 140:3 - Serpent-like Tongues") and setting traps and snares for his feet (/psalms/140-5 "Psalms 140:5 - Snares of the Wicked"). Verse 11, therefore, is not an isolated statement but an integral part of David's impassioned appeal for divine intervention, specifically invoking God's justice against the very instruments of harm—malicious speech and violent actions—that his enemies employ. It functions as an imprecation, a prayer for God to act decisively against the wicked, reflecting a deep trust in God's righteousness to ultimately prevail over injustice.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed likely during a period of intense persecution, such as David's flight from King Saul or during Absalom's rebellion, Psalm 140 reflects the precariousness of life for a righteous individual surrounded by powerful and malevolent foes in ancient Israel. In the ancient Near East, a person's reputation and standing were heavily dependent on their words and the words spoken about them; slander and false accusations could be as destructive as physical assault, leading to social ostracization or even death. Violence, or *hamas*, was a pervasive threat, often associated with unjust gain, oppression, and the abuse of power. The concept of divine retribution, where one's actions inevitably return upon them, was a widely accepted principle, rooted in the covenantal understanding that God is a righteous judge who upholds justice in the earth. This verse, then, is a culturally resonant expression of a victim's hope for God to enforce this divine justice.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalms and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **the destructive power of malicious speech**, emphasizing that words are not mere trifles but potent forces capable of immense harm, a theme echoed throughout [Proverbs](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - Death and Life in the Power of the Tongue"). Secondly, it underscores **the inevitable consequences of wickedness and violence**, asserting that evil ultimately consumes its perpetrators, aligning with the principle of sowing and reaping found in [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping"). Thirdly, it serves as a profound expression of **divine justice and God's sovereignty** over human affairs. David's prayer is rooted in the conviction that God is actively involved in the world, seeing injustice and ensuring that the wicked do not triumph indefinitely, ultimately bringing about their downfall as seen in God's judgment against the nations in [Psalm 9:16](/psalms/9-16 "Psalm 9:16 - The Lord is Known by the Judgment He Executes").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **speaker (Hebrew, _lâshôwn'_):** From H3956, meaning "the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame, a cove of water)." In the context of "evil speaker," *lashon* emphasizes that the tongue is the primary instrument of harm, highlighting the deliberate and pervasive nature of verbal assaults, such as slander, gossip, or false witness.
* **violent (Hebrew, _châmâç'_):** From H2555, meaning "violence; by implication, wrong; by meton. unjust gain; cruel(-ty), damage, false, injustice, [idiom] oppressor, unrighteous, violence (against, done), violent (dealing), wrong." This term denotes aggressive, unjust, and destructive behavior, encompassing both physical brutality and systemic oppression, identifying the "violent man" as one whose very character is defined by harmful acts.
* **hunt (Hebrew, _tsûwd'_):** From H6679, a primitive root meaning "to lie alongside (i.e. in wait); by implication, to catch an animal (figuratively, men); to victual (for a journey)." In this verse, "hunt" vividly portrays an inescapable, relentless pursuit, implying that the consequences of violent actions are like a predator stalking its prey, ensuring that the evil one perpetrates will relentlessly pursue and ultimately ensnare them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth:"** This clause is a fervent prayer, an imprecation, asking God to prevent individuals whose primary instrument of harm is their malicious speech from gaining a firm foothold, security, or lasting prosperity in the world. It is a plea for divine intervention to thwart the plans and influence of those who use slander, lies, or gossip to undermine others, recognizing the profound societal damage such speech can inflict.
* **"evil shall hunt the violent man"**: This is a declarative statement, a prophetic assertion of divine justice. It personifies "evil" as an active agent, a relentless hunter, pursuing the "violent man." This imagery signifies that the very wickedness and destructive forces unleashed by the violent individual will inevitably turn back upon them, becoming the instrument of their own downfall. It speaks to the inherent self-destructive nature of sin and the principle of divine retribution.
* **"to overthrow [him]."**: This final phrase specifies the outcome of the hunting. The purpose of evil's relentless pursuit is the complete ruin, destruction, or downfall of the violent man. It underscores the certainty of divine judgment, ensuring that those who live by violence and injustice will ultimately face a devastating end, stripped of their power and influence.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 140:11 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine justice. The most striking is **Personification**, where "evil" is given the active agency of a hunter: "evil shall hunt the violent man." This vivid imagery transforms an abstract concept into a relentless pursuer, emphasizing the inescapable and active nature of the consequences of wickedness. Closely related is the **Metaphor** of hunting, which suggests a deliberate, strategic, and ultimately successful pursuit, implying that the violent man's end is as certain as a trapped animal. The verse also features a form of **Parallelism**, contrasting the "evil speaker" with the "violent man" and their respective fates, implying that both verbal and physical malice lead to a similar divine judgment. Finally, the entire verse functions as an **Imprecation**, a prayer for judgment upon the wicked, reflecting the psalmist's deep trust in God's righteousness to intervene and uphold justice in the world.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 140:11 profoundly articulates the biblical truth that God is a righteous judge who will not allow wickedness to triumph indefinitely. It underscores the inherent consequences of sin, whether expressed through destructive words or violent actions, affirming that evil ultimately contains the seeds of its own destruction. This passage connects deeply with the broader theological theme of divine justice, where God's character demands that all injustice be addressed and that the scales of righteousness be balanced. It is a testament to the believer's hope that even when evil seems to prosper, God's sovereignty ensures that a day of reckoning will come, and the wicked will not stand. This truth provides comfort and reassurance to those who suffer at the hands of the unrighteous, reminding them that their ultimate vindication rests with God.

* [Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - Death and Life in the Power of the Tongue") - "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof."
* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping") - "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine") - "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 140:11 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, calling us to both personal introspection and a steadfast trust in God's character. In a world saturated with divisive rhetoric and pervasive injustice, this verse reminds us of the immense power of our words. We are challenged to examine our own speech, ensuring it builds up rather than tears down, and to resist the temptation to engage in gossip, slander, or malicious communication, recognizing its destructive potential not only for others but also for ourselves. Furthermore, when faced with overwhelming injustice or the apparent prosperity of the wicked, this psalm encourages us to anchor our hope in God's ultimate justice. It serves as a powerful antidote to despair, affirming that while God's timing may differ from ours, His judgment is certain and His righteousness will prevail. Our call is to live righteously, speak truthfully, and patiently entrust the scales of justice to the One who sees all and will ultimately set all things right.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "evil shall hunt the violent man" challenge or confirm your understanding of divine justice in the world today?**
* **In what ways might you be an "evil speaker," even unintentionally, and what steps can you take to guard your tongue?**
* **How does this psalm encourage you to respond when you witness or experience injustice, particularly when the wicked seem to prosper?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate speech that is life-giving and constructive, rather than destructive?**

### FAQ
**What does "evil speaker" mean in this context?**

Answer: The "evil speaker" refers to an individual whose primary instrument of harm is their tongue. The Hebrew phrase, *ish lashon* (אִישׁ לָשׁוֹן), literally translates to "man of tongue," vividly portraying someone who habitually uses their speech for malicious purposes. This includes slander, gossip, false accusations, deceit, and any form of verbal assault intended to harm or undermine others. The prayer is that such a person would not be "established in the earth," meaning they would not gain lasting power, influence, or security through their harmful words. The Bible consistently warns against the destructive power of the tongue, as seen in [Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - Death and Life in the Power of the Tongue"), which states that "death and life are in the power of the tongue."

**How does "evil shall hunt the violent man" work? Is it literal?**

Answer: This phrase uses powerful **personification** and **metaphor** to convey a spiritual truth rather than a literal hunting scenario. It means that the very evil or violence (*hamas*) that a person perpetrates will inevitably turn back upon them, becoming the instrument of their own downfall. The "hunting" imagery suggests an inescapable, relentless pursuit, implying that the consequences of violent or unjust actions are certain and will ultimately lead to the perpetrator's ruin. It aligns with the biblical principle of sowing and reaping, where one's actions determine their harvest, as articulated in [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping"): "whatever a man sows, that he will also reap." It's a declaration of divine justice where the wicked are ultimately ensnared by their own schemes.

**Is Psalm 140 an imprecatory psalm, and how should Christians view such prayers for judgment?**

Answer: Yes, Psalm 140 is indeed an imprecatory psalm, containing prayers for God's judgment and destruction upon the psalmist's enemies. For Christians, understanding imprecatory psalms requires careful theological reflection. While these psalms express raw human emotion and a profound desire for justice in the face of egregious evil, they are not a license for personal vengeance or hatred. Instead, they represent a cry to God, the righteous Judge, to execute His justice. Christians are called to a higher standard of love for enemies, as taught by Jesus in [Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies"), and to leave vengeance to God, as instructed in [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine"). These psalms remind us that God is actively involved in upholding justice and that ultimate retribution belongs to Him, providing comfort that evil will not prevail indefinitely. They channel a desire for justice into a prayer to God, rather than into personal retaliation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 140:11 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While David prayed for judgment upon his enemies, Jesus, the perfect embodiment of righteousness, became the innocent victim of both malicious speech and violent action. He was the ultimate "man of sorrows" (/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - A Man of Sorrows"), slandered by false witnesses and ultimately crucified through the violence of wicked men. Yet, in His resurrection, Jesus demonstrated that evil and violence cannot ultimately prevail against God's anointed. He absorbed the "hunt" of evil and sin on the cross, becoming the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), thereby breaking its power. Furthermore, Jesus' teachings on the power of the tongue (e.g., [Matthew 12:36-37](/matthew/12-36 "Matthew 12:36-37 - Account for Every Careless Word")) and His call to love enemies ([Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")) elevate the ethical response beyond mere imprecation to transformative love, while still upholding the certainty of divine justice. Ultimately, Christ is the one who will return as the righteous judge, ensuring that all "evil speakers" and "violent men" will face His just judgment, bringing about the complete overthrow of all wickedness and establishing His eternal kingdom of peace and righteousness ([Revelation 19:11](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11 - The Rider on the White Horse")). Thus, the longing for justice expressed in Psalm 140:11 is fully realized in Christ's past triumph over sin and His future reign.

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

Psalms 34:21

Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate.

Proverbs 18:21

¶ Death and life [are] in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

Proverbs 13:21

¶ Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.

Proverbs 17:20

¶ He that hath a froward heart findeth no good: and he that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief.

Isaiah 3:11

Woe unto the wicked! [it shall be] ill [with him]: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.

Proverbs 12:13

¶ The wicked is snared by the transgression of [his] lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.

Psalms 7:14

Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood.