The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.
The wicked {H7563} plotteth {H2161} against the just {H6662}, and gnasheth {H2786}{H8802)} upon him with his teeth {H8127}.
The wicked plots against the righteous and grinds his teeth at him;
The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them,
The wicked plotteth against the just, And gnasheth upon him with his teeth.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.
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Psalms 35:16
With hypocritical mockers in feasts, they gnashed upon me with their teeth. -
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. -
Daniel 8:12
And an host was given [him] against the daily [sacrifice] by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered. -
Psalms 31:13
For I have heard the slander of many: fear [was] on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life. -
Daniel 8:24
And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. -
1 Samuel 23:7
¶ And it was told Saul that David was come to Keilah. And Saul said, God hath delivered him into mine hand; for he is shut in, by entering into a town that hath gates and bars. -
1 Samuel 23:9
And David knew that Saul secretly practised mischief against him; and he said to Abiathar the priest, Bring hither the ephod.
Context
Psalm 37 is a wisdom psalm attributed to King David, offering profound counsel on how to live righteously in a world where the wicked often seem to prosper and the just suffer. Rather than becoming envious or fretful over the apparent success of evildoers, the psalm encourages steadfast trust in the Lord and patience. Verse 12 specifically highlights the active malice and hostility directed by the wicked toward the righteous, setting the stage for the psalm's larger message of ultimate divine justice and the enduring inheritance of the upright.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The KJV phrase "plotteth against" comes from the Hebrew verb zamam (זָמַם), which means "to devise," "to purpose," or "to plot evil." It signifies a deliberate and calculated intention to harm. The powerful imagery of "gnasheth upon him with his teeth" is from the Hebrew charak (חָרַק), meaning "to gnash" or "to grind the teeth." This action vividly conveys intense rage, frustration, and hostile aggression. This same imagery appears in the New Testament to describe profound anger or despair, such as the reaction to Stephen's message in Acts 7:54 where those who heard him gnashed on him with their teeth.
Related Scriptures
This verse directly precedes Psalm 37:13, which states that the Lord shall laugh at the wicked, knowing their day is coming. This immediate contrast provides comfort and perspective. The theme of the wicked plotting against the righteous is also found in other psalms, such as Psalm 64:2.
Practical Application
For believers today, Psalm 37:12 serves as a reminder that hostility from the ungodly is not unexpected. It encourages us not to be surprised or disheartened when facing opposition, criticism, or even active malice from those who do not share our values. Instead, it reinforces the psalm's overarching message to trust in God's sovereign control and His promise of ultimate justice. When the wicked plot and rage, the righteous are called to remain steadfast in faith, knowing that the Lord sees all and will ultimately deliver His people and execute His righteous judgment.