Psalms 38:12

KJV

¶ They also that seek after my life lay snares [for me]: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.

KJV (with Strong's)

They also that seek {H1245} after my life {H5315} lay snares {H5367}{H8762)} for me: and they that seek {H1875}{H8802)} my hurt {H7451} speak {H1696}{H8765)} mischievous things {H1942}, and imagine {H1897}{H8799)} deceits {H4820} all the day {H3117} long.

Complete Jewish Bible

Those seeking my life lay snares for me, those seeking to harm me speak of disaster and think up deceptions all day long.

Berean Standard Bible

Those who seek my life lay snares; those who wish me harm speak destruction, plotting deceit all day long.

American Standard Version

They also that seek after my life lay snares for me; And they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, And meditate deceits all the day long.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 38:12 vividly portrays the psalmist's profound distress as he faces relentless and cunning opposition from his adversaries. This verse, embedded within a deeply personal lament, exposes the malicious intent and treacherous methods of those who actively plot harm against him, employing hidden traps, deceitful words, and continuous schemes throughout the day. It underscores the psalmist's vulnerability while highlighting the pervasive nature of the evil he confronts.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 38 is a poignant individual lament, one of the seven traditional Penitential Psalms, where the psalmist (traditionally David) pours out his heart to God in a state of profound physical and emotional anguish. The preceding verses detail his severe illness, which he attributes to his sin and God's displeasure, as seen in [Psalm 38:3](/psalms/38-3 "Psalm 38:3 - David's Suffering and Sin"). This physical suffering is compounded by the abandonment of friends and family, described in [Psalm 38:11](/psalms/38-11 "Psalm 38:11 - Friends and Kinsmen Stand Aloof"), and the active malice of his enemies. Verse 12 directly follows this description of isolation and vulnerability, intensifying the sense of external threat. It transitions from the psalmist's internal pain and abandonment to the active, external plotting of his adversaries, setting the stage for his desperate plea for divine intervention later in the psalm, specifically in [Psalm 38:21-22](/psalms/38-21-22 "Psalm 38:21-22 - Do Not Forsake Me, O Lord").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the specific historical setting for Psalm 38 is not explicitly stated, the language of "snares" and "deceits" reflects common ancient Near Eastern tactics of interpersonal conflict and political intrigue. In a society where honor and reputation were paramount, spoken words could be as damaging as physical attacks, and false accusations or slanders were potent weapons. The concept of "laying snares" was a literal hunting practice, but also a widely understood metaphor for hidden traps set by enemies, whether through legal manipulation, social ostracization, or direct ambush. The psalmist's vulnerability due to illness would have been seen as a weakness to be exploited, as the sick were often marginalized or even viewed as divinely cursed in some cultural perspectives, making them easy targets for those seeking to gain advantage or inflict harm. This context amplifies the cruelty of the enemies' actions, preying on one who is already afflicted.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 38:12 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Relentless Hostility**, emphasizing the unceasing nature of the enemies' plotting through the phrase "all the day long." This is not a fleeting conflict but a persistent campaign of malice. Secondly, the verse highlights **Deceit and Treachery** as primary methods of opposition; the adversaries do not engage in open warfare but employ hidden dangers ("lay snares") and cunning words ("speak mischievous things," "imagine deceits"), underscoring their underhanded tactics and lack of integrity. This connects to the broader biblical theme of the wicked's deceptive ways, often contrasted with the integrity of the righteous, as seen in [Psalm 5:6](/psalms/5-6 "Psalm 5:6 - God Abhors the Deceitful"). Thirdly, the verse underscores the **Vulnerability of the Afflicted**, as the psalmist's weakened state makes him particularly susceptible to these attacks, revealing the cruelty of those who prey on suffering. Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of **Spiritual Warfare**, as the "snares" and "deceits" can be understood not only literally but also metaphorically for the spiritual battles believers face, where the adversary seeks to entrap and deceive, echoing warnings found in [Ephesians 6:11](/ephesians/6-11 "Ephesians 6:11 - Put on the Whole Armor of God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Seek (Hebrew, _bâqash'_):** This verb (H1245) means "to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after." In this context, it describes the deliberate and active pursuit of the psalmist's "life" (his very being or existence) by his adversaries. It signifies a focused and intense effort to bring about his downfall, indicating a malicious intent that goes beyond casual animosity to a determined campaign of destruction.
* **Mischievous things (Hebrew, _havvâh'_):** The noun (H1942) denotes "desire; also ruin; calamity, iniquity, mischief, mischievous (thing), naughtiness, naughty, noisome, perverse thing, substance, very wickedness." When connected with "speak," it refers to words uttered with the express intent to cause damage, bring about downfall, or inflict harm through slander, false accusations, or malicious gossip. It signifies speech that is not merely idle but actively destructive, designed to undermine the psalmist's reputation, standing, or well-being. This word emphasizes the verbal component of the enemies' assault, revealing their use of language as a weapon.
* **Imagine (Hebrew, _hâgâh'_):** This primitive root (H1897) means "to murmur (in pleasure or anger); by implication, to ponder." It implies a deep, continuous process of meditation, rumination, or devising. When paired with "deceits," it paints a picture of enemies who are not merely thinking of lies but are constantly and methodically scheming, muttering, and refining their plots of trickery and betrayal. This highlights the pervasive and insidious nature of their malice, indicating a sustained and calculated effort to ensnare the psalmist.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They also that seek after my life lay snares [for me]:"** This opening clause immediately establishes the gravity of the threat. "Seek after my life" (נַפְשִׁי, _naphshi_, literally "my soul" or "my very being") signifies a desire for the psalmist's destruction, whether physical death or utter ruin. The phrase "lay snares" (יָקֹשׁוּ מוֹקְשִׁים, _yaqoshu moqshim_) uses the verb (H5367, _nâqash_) and its cognate noun, creating a strong emphasis on the act of setting hidden traps. This suggests that the enemies are not confronting the psalmist openly but are employing surreptitious and cunning methods, aiming to catch him off guard and bring about his demise through concealed dangers.
* **"and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things,"** This second clause shifts the focus from hidden physical traps to overt verbal assaults. "They that seek my hurt" (בָּקְשֵׁי רָעָה לִי, _baqshei ra'ah li_) indicates an active, malicious pursuit of evil or misfortune specifically directed at the psalmist. The "mischievous things" (הַוּוֹת, _havvoth_, from H1942 _havvâh_) are words spoken with destructive intent—slander, false accusations, or curses—designed to cause ruin, damage reputation, or incite others against him. This reveals a multi-faceted attack, where both covert actions and overt verbal assaults are employed to inflict suffering.
* **"and imagine deceits all the day long."** This final clause underscores the relentless and pervasive nature of the enemies' malice. The verb "imagine" (הָגָה, _hâgâh_, H1897) implies a deep, continuous meditation, devising, or muttering, suggesting that the "deceits" (מִרְמוֹת, _mirmoth_, from H4820 _mirmâh_)—lies, trickery, and guile—are not spontaneous but are meticulously planned and constantly refined. The phrase "all the day long" (כָּל־הַיּוֹם, _kol-hayyom_, H3117) emphasizes the unceasing, persistent, and obsessive nature of their plotting. It paints a picture of enemies who are consumed by their desire to harm the psalmist, dedicating their entire waking hours to concocting schemes of betrayal and falsehood against him.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 38:12 employs several potent literary devices to convey the psalmist's dire situation. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, particularly in the phrase "lay snares." This vivid imagery, drawn from hunting, powerfully depicts the enemies' cunning and treacherous intent to entrap the psalmist, not through open combat but through hidden dangers and insidious plots. This metaphor extends to the "deceits" they "imagine," suggesting a complex web of lies and trickery designed to ensnare. The phrase "all the day long" functions as **Hyperbole** or **Intensification**, emphasizing the relentless, unceasing, and obsessive nature of the adversaries' malice. It conveys that their plotting is not incidental but a consuming, continuous activity, thereby amplifying the psalmist's sense of being under constant siege. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Parallelism** through its tripartite structure, where each clause ("They also that seek after my life lay snares [for me]," "and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things," "and imagine deceits all the day long") reiterates and builds upon the theme of malicious opposition, progressively revealing the depth and breadth of the enemies' destructive intentions. This layered description creates a comprehensive picture of pervasive hostility.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 38:12 profoundly contributes to the biblical understanding of suffering, the nature of evil, and divine justice. It highlights that righteous individuals, even those acknowledging their own sin, can face intense, unprovoked, and deceptive opposition from external forces. This verse underscores the reality that evil often operates through cunning and hidden means, seeking to ensnare and destroy through lies and manipulation rather than direct confrontation. The psalmist's experience reflects a universal human struggle against malevolent forces, whether human adversaries driven by envy and malice, or the spiritual forces of darkness that seek to undermine faith and well-being. The psalm's broader context, where the psalmist ultimately appeals to God for deliverance, implicitly affirms God's awareness of such hidden plots and His ultimate sovereignty over all forms of evil, promising that the wicked's schemes will ultimately fail or even turn back upon themselves.

* [Psalm 7:15](/psalms/7-15 "Psalm 7:15 - The Wicked Fall into Their Own Pit")
* [Psalm 140:5](/psalms/140-5 "Psalm 140:5 - The Wicked Lay Snares")
* [Proverbs 26:27](/proverbs/26-27 "Proverbs 26:27 - He Who Digs a Pit Will Fall Into It")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 38:12 offers timeless insights for believers navigating a world fraught with challenges. It serves as a stark reminder that opposition, often insidious and relentless, is a reality in the Christian journey. Just as the psalmist faced "snares" and "deceits," believers today may encounter various forms of spiritual, emotional, or relational attacks—from subtle temptations and misinformation to outright slander and betrayal. This verse calls us to cultivate spiritual discernment, recognizing that not all opposition is overt; some may come through cunning traps or deceptive narratives designed to undermine our faith or relationships. In the face of such persistent malice, the psalmist's lament becomes a template for honest prayer, urging us to bring our distress and the reality of our adversaries' schemes before God. It encourages us to trust in God's perfect justice and protection, even when feeling vulnerable, knowing that He sees every hidden plot and is ultimately our refuge and strength. Our response to such opposition should be rooted in prayer, perseverance, and reliance on divine wisdom, rather than succumbing to despair or retaliation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the psalmist's description of his enemies' tactics ("lay snares," "speak mischievous things," "imagine deceits") resonate with challenges you might face in your own life or in the broader spiritual landscape?**
* **What does the phrase "all the day long" imply about the nature of persistent opposition, and how can believers maintain spiritual vigilance in the face of such relentlessness?**
* **In what ways can we, like the psalmist, bring our experiences of betrayal or malicious intent before God, trusting in His justice and protection rather than seeking our own vengeance?**

### FAQ
**Who are "they" who seek the psalmist's life and hurt?**

Answer: The identity of "they" is not explicitly stated, but the context of Psalm 38 suggests a combination of personal enemies, possibly political rivals, and those who have turned against the psalmist in his time of weakness. Given David's traditional authorship, these could be figures from his court, his own family (like Absalom), or other adversaries who saw his physical affliction as an opportunity to strike. The language of "snares" and "deceits" points to individuals who are actively and maliciously plotting his downfall through cunning and dishonest means, rather than engaging in open warfare. While literal enemies are in view, the description also lends itself to a metaphorical interpretation of spiritual adversaries, as discussed in [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces").

**What is the significance of the phrase "all the day long"?**

Answer: The phrase "all the day long" (כָּל־הַיּוֹם, _kol-hayyom_) emphasizes the relentless, unceasing, and obsessive nature of the enemies' plotting. It signifies that their malicious intent is not a fleeting thought or an occasional action, but a continuous, pervasive, and consuming activity. This hyperbole underscores the psalmist's profound sense of being under constant siege and highlights the depth of his adversaries' commitment to his harm. It conveys a feeling of being perpetually targeted, intensifying the psalmist's distress and emphasizing the need for divine intervention against such persistent evil. This continuous plotting contrasts sharply with the psalmist's own suffering and vulnerability, making their actions even more cruel.

**How does this verse relate to the broader theme of suffering in the Psalms?**

Answer: Psalms 38:12 is a powerful example of the theme of the righteous sufferer, a recurring motif throughout the Psalms. It illustrates that even those who strive to live righteously, and who acknowledge their own failings (as David does in this penitential psalm), are not immune to intense and unjust suffering at the hands of malevolent others. The verse highlights that this suffering often comes not from open conflict but from hidden plots, slander, and deceit, amplifying the feeling of betrayal and vulnerability. It sets the stage for the psalmist's ultimate plea for God's intervention, reinforcing the theme that God is the ultimate refuge and vindicator for those who are unjustly afflicted, as seen in [Psalm 34:19](/psalms/34-19 "Psalm 34:19 - Many Are the Afflictions of the Righteous").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 38:12 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the life and suffering of Jesus Christ, the perfect righteous sufferer. Just as the psalmist faced those who "sought after his life" and "laid snares," Jesus was relentlessly pursued by adversaries—the religious leaders, the Roman authorities, and even those within His own circle—who constantly plotted His demise. They "spoke mischievous things" against Him, leveling false accusations and slanders during His trials, as recorded in [Matthew 26:59-60](/matthew/26-59-60 "Matthew 26:59-60 - False Witnesses Against Jesus"). They "imagined deceits all the day long," devising cunning traps in their attempts to trick Him with words, as seen in [Matthew 22:15](/matthew/22-15 "Matthew 22:15 - The Pharisees Plot to Entrap Jesus"), and ultimately orchestrating His betrayal and crucifixion through guile and treachery, as detailed in [Luke 22:3-6](/luke/22-3-6 "Luke 22:3-6 - Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus"). Unlike the psalmist, who confessed his sin, Jesus was the sinless Lamb of God, yet He bore the full weight of human malice and the spiritual forces of darkness that sought to ensnare Him. His suffering, though unjustly inflicted by human hands and demonic schemes, was part of God's redemptive plan, ultimately leading to His victory over sin and death. Thus, Psalms 38:12 foreshadows the unparalleled opposition faced by Christ, whose perfect endurance and ultimate triumph offer not only a pattern for righteous suffering but also the very means of deliverance for all who are caught in the snares of sin and evil.

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 35:20

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

2 Samuel 17:1

¶ Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night:

2 Samuel 17:3

And I will bring back all the people unto thee: the man whom thou seekest [is] as if all returned: [so] all the people shall be in peace.

Psalms 140:5

The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me. Selah.

2 Samuel 16:7

And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial:

2 Samuel 16:8

The LORD hath returned upon thee all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose stead thou hast reigned; and the LORD hath delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom thy son: and, behold, thou [art taken] in thy mischief, because thou [art] a bloody man.

Psalms 141:9

Keep me from the snares [which] they have laid for me, and the gins of the workers of iniquity.