Psalms 140:4

KJV

Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings.

KJV (with Strong's)

Keep {H8104} me, O LORD {H3068}, from the hands {H3027} of the wicked {H7563}; preserve {H5341} me from the violent {H2555} man {H376}; who have purposed {H2803} to overthrow {H1760} my goings {H6471}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Keep me, ADONAI, from the hands of the wicked, protect me from violent people who are trying to trip me up.

Berean Standard Bible

Guard me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked. Keep me safe from men of violence who scheme to make me stumble.

American Standard Version

Keep me, O Jehovah, from the hands of the wicked; Preserve me from the violent man: Who have purposed to thrust aside my steps.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 140:4 is a fervent plea from David to the LORD, seeking divine protection from the malicious schemes and violent actions of his adversaries. He asks God to shield him from those who are morally corrupt and physically aggressive, individuals whose deliberate intention is to disrupt, derail, or utterly destroy his life's path and purpose. This verse encapsulates a profound cry for deliverance, highlighting the psalmist's vulnerability and his complete reliance on God's preserving power in the face of calculated evil.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 140 is a deeply personal lament, a genre prevalent throughout the Psalter where the psalmist cries out to God from a position of intense distress and persecution. It is part of a series of Davidic psalms (often grouped as Psalms 138-145) that express trust in God amidst suffering and appeals for divine judgment against enemies. This particular psalm follows a pattern common in laments: an address to God, a description of the enemies' threats (physical and verbal), a plea for deliverance, and an expression of confidence in God's eventual intervention. Verse 4 intensifies the psalmist's petition, moving from a general request for protection in [Psalms 140:1](/psalms/140-1 "Psalms 140:1 - A Plea for Deliverance") to a specific articulation of the enemies' destructive intent, setting the stage for subsequent requests for their downfall.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David, the traditional author of this psalm, faced relentless opposition throughout his life, from King Saul's jealous pursuit to the rebellion led by his own son, Absalom. The "wicked" and "violent man" in this context likely refer to specific individuals or groups who actively sought his demise, whether through political conspiracy, military aggression, or slanderous accusations. In the ancient Near East, a king's "goings" (his path, his reign, his destiny) were often seen as divinely ordained, and any attempt to "overthrow" them was an act of rebellion not just against the king, but against the divine order. The "hands of the wicked" signify their power and control, while the "violent man" (Hebrew: `ish hamasim`) points to someone characterized by unjust and aggressive force, a common feature of political intrigue and warfare in that era.
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Protection and Preservation**, portraying God as the ultimate refuge and active guardian against human malice. David's plea to "Keep me" and "preserve me" highlights a deep-seated trust in God's sovereign ability to shield His anointed from harm, a theme echoed in other psalms of trust, such as [Psalms 91](/psalms/91 "Psalms 91 - God Our Refuge and Fortress"). Secondly, the verse illuminates the **Malicious Intent of the Wicked**, emphasizing that their actions are not random but "purposed" and calculated to "overthrow" David's life and purpose. This reveals the spiritual dimension of conflict, where adversaries seek to destabilize one's very walk with God, as seen in the broader biblical portrayal of spiritual warfare in [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces"). Lastly, it powerfully conveys the theme of **Vulnerability and Dependence** on God. By crying out to the LORD, David acknowledges his own limitations and complete reliance on God's power and intervention, rather than on his own strength or strategic acumen, a posture of humility often found in the prayers of God's servants throughout Scripture, as exemplified by the prayer of Nehemiah in [Nehemiah 1:11](/nehemiah/1-11 "Nehemiah 1:11 - Nehemiah's Prayer for Success").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hands (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** From H3027, this primitive word refers to the open hand, indicating power, means, direction, or control. In "hands of the wicked," it signifies their active power, authority, or capacity to inflict harm and exert influence. It's not merely their physical hands, but their sphere of malicious operation and destructive capability.
* **Violent (Hebrew, _châmâç'_):** From H2555, this term denotes violence, wrong, cruelty, or unjust gain. It describes the character of the "man" (`ʼîysh`, H376) as one who is defined by aggressive, oppressive, and lawless behavior. This is not just casual aggression but a deep-seated inclination towards harm and injustice.
* **Purposed (Hebrew, _châshab'_):** From H2803, this primitive root means to plot or contrive, often in a malicious sense. It implies mental effort, to think, devise, or imagine. The wicked do not act impulsively but with calculated intent, carefully planning their destructive actions against the psalmist's "goings."
* **Overthrow (Hebrew, _dâchâh'_):** From H1760, this primitive root means to push down, drive away, or cause to totter. It suggests an active, forceful attempt to destabilize or cause someone to fall from their position or path.
* **Goings (Hebrew, _paʻam'_):** From H6471, this word refers to a stroke, foot, footstep, or going. In this context, "my goings" refers to the psalmist's path in life, his journey, his conduct, or his destiny. The enemies' aim is to disrupt his progress, cause him to stumble, or completely derail his life's course.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked;":** This is a direct, urgent petition to Yahweh (H3068, Yᵉhôvâh), the self-existent and eternal God. The psalmist implores divine intervention to be guarded (H8104, `shâmar`, to hedge about, protect) from the sphere of influence and destructive power (`yâd`, H3027) of those who are morally corrupt and actively oppose God's righteousness (`râshâʻ`, H7563). It is a cry for spiritual and physical preservation from external threats.
* **"preserve me from the violent man;":** This clause parallels the first, intensifying the plea. "Preserve" (H5341, `nâtsar`, to guard, protect) reinforces the need for divine safekeeping. The "violent man" (`ʼîysh châmâç`, H376, H2555) specifies the nature of the adversary: an individual characterized by cruel, unjust, and aggressive force. The psalmist seeks protection from both the collective power of the wicked and the specific, targeted aggression of a violent individual.
* **"who have purposed to overthrow my goings.":** This final clause reveals the depth of the enemies' malice and their calculated intent. They have "purposed" (H2803, `châshab`, to plot or contrive) with deliberate thought to "overthrow" (H1760, `dâchâh`, to push down, cause to stumble) the psalmist's "goings" (H6471, `paʻam`, his path, steps, or way of life). This is not merely an act of opposition but a strategic attempt to destabilize his entire existence, ruin his destiny, or cause him to fall from his righteous walk or divinely appointed purpose.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 140:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey the psalmist's distress and the nature of his enemies. **Parallelism** is evident in the synonymous phrasing of the first two clauses: "Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man." This repetition emphasizes the urgency and multifaceted nature of the threat. **Metonymy** is present in "the hands of the wicked," where "hands" stand for the power, control, and destructive capability of the wicked. This device vividly portrays the active threat posed by the adversaries. Furthermore, the phrase "overthrow my goings" utilizes **Synecdoche**, where "goings" (referring to steps or a path) represents the psalmist's entire life, his journey, his conduct, and even his divinely appointed destiny. This highlights the comprehensive and devastating aim of the enemies' plot. The verse also implicitly uses **Personification** by attributing deliberate "purpose" and "goings" to the abstract concept of a life's path, making the threat feel more tangible and insidious.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 140:4 profoundly articulates the believer's reliance on God amidst the reality of human evil. It affirms that God is not merely a distant observer but an active protector who intervenes in the affairs of His people. The psalmist's plea acknowledges the pervasive nature of wickedness and violence in the world, recognizing that evil often operates with deliberate, calculated intent to disrupt God's purposes and the lives of His faithful. This verse thus serves as a powerful reminder that while human adversaries may plot and scheme, their ultimate success is subject to the sovereign will and preserving power of the LORD. It invites believers to cast their anxieties upon God, trusting that He is able to guard their path and ensure their ultimate preservation, even when surrounded by those who seek their downfall.

* [Psalms 27:1](/psalms/27-1 "Psalms 27:1 - The LORD is My Light and Salvation")
* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")
* [2 Thessalonians 3:3](/2_thessalonians/3-3 "2 Thessalonians 3:3 - God's Faithfulness to Protect")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 140:4 offers timeless insight and practical guidance for believers navigating a world often fraught with hostility and opposition. In moments when we feel targeted, slandered, or actively undermined by others, this verse calls us to emulate David's response: to turn immediately and fervently to the LORD. It encourages us to articulate our fears and vulnerabilities before God, trusting in His unique ability to "keep" and "preserve" us. Understanding that the "wicked" often "purpose to overthrow our goings" helps us discern the spiritual nature of many attacks—they aim not just to harm, but to derail our faith, disrupt our callings, and cause us to stumble from God's intended path for our lives. This perspective fosters vigilance and deepens our reliance on God's protective hand, reminding us that our security is not in our own strength or cunning, but in His unwavering faithfulness. It empowers us to continue walking in faith, knowing that even amidst the most malicious plots, our steps are ultimately secured by the One who holds all things in His hands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "hands of the wicked" or "violent man" might you be facing in your life today, whether directly or indirectly?**
* **How does understanding that adversaries "purpose to overthrow your goings" change your perspective on challenges or opposition?**
* **In what practical ways can you "keep" and "preserve" yourself by relying more fully on the LORD's protection this week?**
* **How does David's immediate turning to God in prayer inspire your own response to distress or injustice?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean for the wicked to "overthrow my goings"?**

Answer: To "overthrow my goings" (Hebrew: `lehadof pe'amay`) means that the wicked have a deliberate and malicious intent to cause the psalmist to stumble, fall, or be completely derailed from his path in life. "Goings" refers to one's steps, journey, conduct, or destiny. This isn't just about physical harm, but about disrupting one's purpose, moral standing, or divinely appointed course. It implies a calculated effort to cause failure, ruin, or deviation from a righteous path, as seen in the broader biblical concept of God directing our steps in [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps").

**Who are the "wicked" and "violent man" in a contemporary context?**

Answer: While the original context referred to specific human adversaries of David, in a contemporary sense, the "wicked" (`râshâʻ`) can represent anyone or any system that is morally corrupt, ungodly, and actively opposes righteousness or seeks to harm others. The "violent man" (`ish châmâç`) refers to individuals characterized by aggression, injustice, oppression, or abusive behavior. This can manifest in various forms today, from those who spread malicious gossip or slander, to those who engage in unjust legal battles, to systems that perpetuate systemic injustice, or even spiritual forces that seek to undermine a believer's faith and purpose, as described in [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 140:4 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent "righteous one" against whom the wicked and violent men of His generation "purposed to overthrow [His] goings." From Herod's attempt to kill Him as a baby to the relentless plots of the religious leaders who sought to trap Him in His words, and ultimately, the Roman authorities who crucified Him, Jesus faced the full force of human wickedness and violence. Yet, the Father "kept" and "preserved" Him, not by preventing His suffering, but by ensuring His ultimate triumph over it. The crucifixion, intended by wicked men to "overthrow" His mission, became the very means of salvation, demonstrating God's sovereign ability to turn evil intentions for good, as seen in [Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Sovereign Plan for Christ's Death"). Through His resurrection, Christ's "goings"—His path to victory over sin and death—were not overthrown but gloriously vindicated. Now, as our ascended Lord, Jesus continues to "keep" and "preserve" His people from the schemes of the evil one and the malice of wicked men. He intercedes for us ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession for Believers")), and His Spirit empowers us to walk in His path, ensuring that our "goings" are secured in Him, leading us to eternal life ([John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - Jesus Gives Eternal Life")). The final overthrow of all wickedness and violence will occur at His glorious return, when every enemy will be put under His feet ([1 Corinthians 15:25](/1_corinthians/15-25 "1 Corinthians 15:25 - Christ's Reign Over All Enemies")), fulfilling the psalmist's deepest longing for ultimate deliverance.

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 36:11

Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me.

Psalms 71:4

Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.

Psalms 17:5

Hold up my goings in thy paths, [that] my footsteps slip not.

Psalms 37:32

The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.

Psalms 37:40

And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.

Psalms 55:1

¶ To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, [A Psalm] of David. Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication.

Psalms 55:3

Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked: for they cast iniquity upon me, and in wrath they hate me.