Which imagine mischiefs in [their] heart; continually are they gathered together [for] war.
Which imagine {H2803} mischiefs {H7451} in their heart {H3820}; continually {H3117} are they gathered together {H1481} for war {H4421}.
They plan evil things in their hearts they continually stir up bitter strife.
who devise evil in their hearts and stir up war all day long.
Who devise mischiefs in their heart; Continually do they gather themselves together for war.
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Psalms 36:4
He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way [that is] not good; he abhorreth not evil. -
Psalms 56:6
They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul. -
Micah 2:1
¶ Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practise it, because it is in the power of their hand. -
Micah 2:3
Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, against this family do I devise an evil, from which ye shall not remove your necks; neither shall ye go haughtily: for this time [is] evil. -
Psalms 64:5
They encourage themselves [in] an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them? -
Psalms 64:6
They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search: both the inward [thought] of every one [of them], and the heart, [is] deep. -
Psalms 21:11
For they intended evil against thee: they imagined a mischievous device, [which] they are not able [to perform].
Psalms 140:2 (KJV) describes the deceptive and aggressive nature of the psalmist's enemies, highlighting their internal malice and outward preparation for conflict. This verse paints a vivid picture of individuals whose thoughts are consumed by wickedness and whose actions are directed towards hostile engagement.
Context
Psalm 140 is a fervent prayer of lament and deliverance from King David, who is surrounded by treacherous and violent adversaries. He appeals directly to God for protection and intervention against those who actively plot his downfall. This particular verse, Psalms 140:2, immediately follows David's plea to be delivered from the "evil man" and "violent man" (Psalm 140:1), setting the stage for a detailed description of their wickedness. It reflects the constant danger David faced from those within his own kingdom or neighboring hostile forces who sought to overthrow him, not through open combat but through cunning and malicious schemes.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word translated "imagine" is ḥāšab (חָשַׁב), which means to think, devise, plan, or plot. It conveys a sense of deliberate calculation and careful orchestration of evil. This is not a spontaneous outburst but a premeditated wickedness. The "mischiefs" (rā‘āh, רָעָה) refer to evil, harm, or calamity, underscoring the destructive nature of their intentions. The "heart" (lēḇ, לֵב) in Hebrew thought is the seat of intellect, will, and emotion—the very core of one's being, signifying that their evil is ingrained and central to who they are.
Related Scriptures
Practical Application
This verse offers timeless insight into the nature of human evil and the challenges believers may face. It reminds us that opposition often stems from deep-seated malice and can be highly organized. For modern readers, it provides a framework for understanding: