Psalms 35:20

KJV

For they speak not peace: but they devise deceitful matters against [them that are] quiet in the land.

KJV (with Strong's)

For they speak {H1696} not peace {H7965}: but they devise {H2803}{H8799)} deceitful {H4820} matters {H1697} against them that are quiet {H7282} in the land {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For they don't speak words of peace but devise ways to deceive the peaceful of the land.

Berean Standard Bible

For they do not speak peace, but they devise deceitful schemes against those who live quietly in the land.

American Standard Version

For they speak not peace; But they devise deceitful words against them that are quiet in the land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 35:20 powerfully exposes the insidious nature of David's adversaries, revealing their active hostility and premeditated treachery against those who live peacefully and without provocation. This verse underscores the profound injustice faced by the innocent at the hands of the malicious, highlighting a stark contrast between genuine peace and the destructive, deceptive intentions of the wicked. It serves as a lament and a plea for divine intervention against unprovoked malice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 35 is a fervent prayer of lament and imprecation, where David cries out to God for deliverance and vindication from his enemies. The psalm opens with an urgent plea for divine intervention against those who "fight against me" and "make war against me" ([Psalms 35:1](/psalms/35-1 "Psalms 35:1 - David's Plea for Justice")). Throughout the psalm, David vividly describes the unprovoked aggression, false accusations, and cunning schemes of his adversaries, who repay good with evil ([Psalms 35:12](/psalms/35-12 "Psalms 35:12 - Repaying Good with Evil")). Verse 20 specifically unmasks the true character of these enemies, moving beyond their actions to expose their underlying deceitful intentions and their target—the unsuspecting and peaceful. This verse is part of a section (verses 15-21) where David describes the mockery and malicious plotting of his foes, emphasizing their unrighteousness and his own suffering.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the exact historical setting for Psalms 35 is not specified, it is widely attributed to King David and reflects periods of intense persecution he faced, such as those from King Saul, Absalom, or other rebellious factions. In ancient Near Eastern societies, peace (shalom) was a comprehensive concept encompassing not just the absence of conflict but also wholeness, well-being, prosperity, and harmony. To "speak not peace" was therefore a profound indictment, signifying a complete absence of goodwill and a deliberate intent to disrupt communal well-being. The "quiet in the land" (אֲנָחֵי אָרֶץ, _ʾanaḥēy ʾāreṣ_) likely refers to the humble, unassuming, and law-abiding citizens who sought to live peaceably, making the attacks against them particularly heinous and unjust in a society that valued order and justice.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 35:20 contributes to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **unjust suffering and persecution**, where the righteous are targeted not for their wrongdoing but for their very peacefulness. This resonates with the broader biblical motif of the suffering servant or the righteous individual facing oppression, as seen in the laments of Jeremiah or the experiences of Job. Secondly, it emphasizes the **malicious nature of evil**, particularly its reliance on **deception and premeditated plotting** rather than open conflict. The enemies' actions are not impulsive but calculated, revealing a deep-seated treachery. This contrasts sharply with the divine character, which is marked by truth and justice. Finally, the verse implicitly underscores the **vulnerability of the meek** and the necessity of divine intervention for their vindication, a theme echoed in other wisdom literature and prophetic texts that promise justice for the oppressed, such as [Proverbs 2:21-22](/proverbs/2-21 "Proverbs 2:21-22 - The Righteous and the Wicked").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Devise (Hebrew, _ḥāšaḇ'_):** This verb (חָשַׁב) signifies to think, reckon, plan, or invent. It implies a deliberate, calculated, and often intricate process of thought, suggesting that the enemies' schemes are not spontaneous outbursts of anger but carefully premeditated plots. When used in a negative context, as here, it conveys the idea of malicious planning or contriving evil.
* **Deceitful matters (Hebrew, _mirmah'_):** The noun (מִרְמָה) denotes treachery, fraud, guile, or deceit. It speaks to the dishonest, insidious, and treacherous nature of the enemies' intentions and actions. These are not open disagreements but hidden, manipulative, and often betrayal-laden strategies designed to ensnare or harm.
* **Quiet in the land (Hebrew, _ʾanaḥēy ʾāreṣ'_):** This phrase (אֲנָחֵי אָרֶץ) literally means "the quiet ones of the land" or "the humble/meek of the land." It refers to individuals who are peaceful, unassuming, and unprovoking, often those who simply wish to live without conflict or aggression. Their "quietness" makes the malice directed against them particularly egregious, as they pose no threat and offer no justification for such hostility.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For they speak not peace:"** This clause immediately establishes the fundamental hostility of David's adversaries. It signifies a complete absence of any desire for reconciliation, harmony, or well-being. Their communication is devoid of genuine goodwill; instead, their words, or lack thereof, betray an underlying malevolence. This is not merely a passive omission but an active rejection of the very concept of peace, indicating a disposition fundamentally opposed to shalom.
* **"but they devise deceitful matters"**: This phrase reveals the active, calculating, and treacherous nature of the enemies' hostility. It goes beyond mere verbal aggression to expose a deeper, more dangerous intent. They are not merely speaking ill, but are actively planning, plotting, and contriving schemes that are inherently dishonest, fraudulent, and designed to ensnare or harm. Their malice is not impulsive but premeditated, indicating a deliberate commitment to destruction.
* **"against [them that are] quiet in the land."**: This final clause identifies the specific targets of this treachery: the peaceful, humble, and unsuspecting inhabitants. It highlights the profound injustice of the situation, as the victims are not aggressors but those who seek to live without conflict. Their vulnerability and non-confrontational nature are exploited, making the enemies' actions all the more reprehensible and underscoring the unprovoked nature of the attacks.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 35:20 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, setting the "peace" that the enemies do not speak against the "deceitful matters" they devise. This stark opposition highlights the moral chasm between the adversaries' intentions and the ideal of communal harmony. There is also a strong element of **Irony** in the targeting of "them that are quiet in the land." The very individuals who pose no threat and seek no conflict are precisely the ones subjected to malicious plotting, underscoring the perversity of the enemies' actions. Furthermore, the psalm as a whole is a **Lament**, and this verse contributes to the genre by articulating the specific nature of the injustice suffered, providing a detailed description of the adversaries' character and methods.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 35:20 offers profound theological insights into the nature of evil, the vulnerability of the righteous, and the necessity of divine justice. It portrays a world where malice is not merely passive but actively plots against the innocent, highlighting the inherent conflict between the kingdom of God, characterized by peace and righteousness, and the kingdom of darkness, marked by deceit and hostility. The verse underscores that true peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a state of wholeness and well-being that is constantly threatened by those who harbor ill intent. It implicitly calls upon God to intervene, as human justice often fails to protect the "quiet" from the cunning schemes of the wicked. This lament serves as a reminder that the righteous often suffer unjustly, but their ultimate vindication rests with God.

* [Proverbs 6:16-19](/proverbs/6-16 "Proverbs 6:16-19 - Seven Things the Lord Hates")
* [Matthew 5:9](/matthew/5-9 "Matthew 5:9 - Blessed are the Peacemakers")
* [1 Peter 3:10-12](/1_peter/3-10 "1 Peter 3:10-12 - Seeking Peace and Justice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 35:20 remains profoundly relevant for believers navigating a world where deceit and hostility persist. It validates the experience of those who, seeking to live peaceably, find themselves targeted by unprovoked malice, false accusations, or cunning schemes. This verse encourages us not to be surprised by such opposition, as it is a perennial reality of life in a fallen world. Instead, it calls us to cultivate discernment, recognizing that not all words spoken are sincere and that some may harbor hidden, destructive intentions. More importantly, it directs our gaze to God, reminding us that when human justice fails or when we are powerless against such treachery, our ultimate trust must be in the Lord, who sees all and will ultimately vindicate the righteous. We are encouraged to continue pursuing peace and quietness, even in the face of hostility, knowing that our ultimate defense and justice come from Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "deceitful matters" described in this verse manifest in our world today, and how can we discern such plots?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to respond to unprovoked malice, and how does this verse guide our response towards trust in God?**
* **What does it mean to be "quiet in the land" in a contemporary context, and how can believers embody this principle while also seeking justice?**

### FAQ
**Who are "they" who speak not peace and devise deceitful matters?**

Answer: In the immediate context of Psalms 35, "they" refers to David's personal enemies—those who unjustly persecuted him, slandered him, and sought his downfall. The psalm describes them as those who "hate me without cause" ([Psalms 35:19](/psalms/35-19 "Psalms 35:19 - Hated Without Cause")). Theologically, however, "they" can also represent any individuals or forces that embody malice, treachery, and hostility against the innocent and peaceful, reflecting a universal struggle between good and evil.

**What does it mean to "devise deceitful matters"?**

Answer: To "devise deceitful matters" (Hebrew: _ḥāšaḇ mirmah_) means to meticulously plan and contrive schemes that are inherently dishonest, fraudulent, and intended to betray or harm. It signifies a calculated malice, where the enemies' actions are not impulsive but the result of deliberate thought and treacherous intent. This could involve spreading lies, setting traps, or manipulating situations to achieve their destructive goals.

**Who are "them that are quiet in the land"?**

Answer: "Them that are quiet in the land" (Hebrew: _ʾanaḥēy ʾāreṣ_) refers to the humble, unassuming, and peaceful inhabitants of the land. These are individuals who are not aggressive, do not seek conflict, and simply desire to live in peace and righteousness. They are targeted not because they pose a threat, but precisely because of their non-confrontational nature, which makes them vulnerable to the cunning and malice of their adversaries.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 35:20 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential "quiet one in the land," who came not to strive or cry out, but to establish peace and righteousness ([Isaiah 42:2-3](/isaiah/42-2 "Isaiah 42:2-3 - The Suffering Servant")). Yet, He was relentlessly targeted by those who "spoke not peace," but rather "devised deceitful matters" against Him. The religious leaders and Roman authorities conspired with treachery, fabricating false accusations and manipulating the crowds to secure His condemnation, even though He was utterly innocent and "did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth" ([1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ's Sinlessness")). His trial was a travesty of justice, orchestrated by those who preferred darkness to light ([John 3:19](/john/3-19 "John 3:19 - Light and Darkness")). Jesus, the Lamb of God, silently endured the deceit and malice, ultimately offering Himself as the supreme sacrifice to bring true peace and reconciliation between God and humanity ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). His suffering at the hands of the treacherous, despite His perfect peacefulness, underscores the depth of human depravity and the necessity of His atoning work, through which He ultimately triumphs over all deceit and establishes an everlasting kingdom of peace.

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

Matthew 12:19

He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets.

Matthew 12:24

But when the Pharisees heard [it], they said, This [fellow] doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.

Psalms 120:5

¶ Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech, [that] I dwell in the tents of Kedar!

Psalms 120:7

I [am for] peace: but when I speak, they [are] for war.

Daniel 6:5

Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find [it] against him concerning the law of his God.

1 Peter 2:22

Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

1 Peter 2:23

Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed [himself] to him that judgeth righteously: