Psalms 64:4

KJV

That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not.

KJV (with Strong's)

That they may shoot {H3384}{H8800)} in secret {H4565} at the perfect {H8535}: suddenly {H6597} do they shoot {H3384}{H8686)} at him, and fear {H3372}{H8799)} not.

Complete Jewish Bible

in order to shoot from cover at the innocent, shooting suddenly and fearing nothing.

Berean Standard Bible

ambushing the innocent in seclusion, shooting suddenly, without fear.

American Standard Version

That they may shoot in secret places at the perfect: Suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 64:4 powerfully depicts the insidious tactics of the wicked against the righteous, portraying their attacks as stealthy, sudden, and morally uninhibited. This verse highlights the vulnerability of the "perfect" or upright before such hidden malice, emphasizing the enemies' cunning and their utter disregard for divine judgment. It serves as a vivid expression of the psalmist's distress and sets the stage for his subsequent plea for God's intervention against those who operate in darkness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 64 is a fervent lament, a prayer by David for deliverance from his adversaries. The preceding verses, [Psalms 64:1-3](/psalms/64-1-3 "Psalms 64:1-3 - David's Prayer Against Malicious Enemies"), establish the character of these enemies: they are malicious, deceitful, and use their tongues as lethal weapons. David describes them as those who "sharpen their tongue like a sword" and "bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words." Verse 4 continues and intensifies this military metaphor, shifting from the preparation of the verbal "weapons" to the execution of the attack itself. It focuses on the manner of the assault—hidden, swift, and unconscionable—thereby deepening the sense of threat and injustice. This verse marks a pivotal point in David's detailed description of his enemies' methods before he anticipates God's decisive judgment and retribution in later verses, such as [Psalms 64:7-8](/psalms/64-7-8 "Psalms 64:7-8 - God's Sudden Judgment on the Wicked").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the specific historical occasion for Psalm 64 is not explicitly stated, its themes resonate deeply with the frequent opposition David faced throughout his life, whether from King Saul, Absalom, or other political and personal foes. The imagery of bows and arrows, though employed metaphorically for words and schemes, reflects the common warfare tactics of the ancient Near East, making the metaphor readily understandable to its original audience. The concept of "secret" attacks would have been particularly devastating in a society where public honor, reputation, and communal standing were paramount. Covert slander, betrayal, or hidden conspiracies could undermine a person's life and legacy more effectively than overt aggression. The targeting of "the perfect" or "blameless" individual aligns with a recurring biblical motif where integrity often provokes hostility from those who resent righteousness or seek to exploit vulnerability, a dynamic seen in the persecution of prophets like Jeremiah in [Jeremiah 20](/jeremiah/20 "Jeremiah 20 - Jeremiah's Suffering and Complaint").
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several profound themes within Psalm 64 and the broader Psalter. It vividly illustrates the theme of **malicious opposition**, detailing the insidious methods of the wicked who operate with stealth and suddenness, akin to an ambush. The targeting of "the perfect" highlights the theme of **righteous suffering**, where those who walk in integrity and devotion to God become targets of envy, hatred, and unprovoked aggression. Furthermore, the enemies' "fear not" characteristic underscores the theme of **godlessness and moral depravity**, revealing a profound lack of reverence for divine authority or moral consequence. This stark portrayal of wicked tactics ultimately serves to magnify the psalmist's desperate plea for **divine protection and vindication**, anticipating God's ultimate intervention as the righteous judge who exposes and punishes evil, a hope frequently echoed in psalms of lament and trust, such as [Psalms 7:9-10](/psalms/7-9-10 "Psalms 7:9-10 - God Judges the Righteous and the Wicked").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Perfect (Hebrew, _tâm'_):** This word (H8535) signifies one who is complete, sound, upright, or blameless in character and conduct before God. It does not denote sinless perfection but rather integrity, sincerity, and wholehearted devotion to God's ways. It describes a person whose life is consistently oriented towards righteousness, as exemplified by Noah in [Genesis 6:9](/genesis/6-9 "Genesis 6:9 - Noah, a Blameless Man") and Job in [Job 1:1](/job/1-1 "Job 1:1 - Job's Blamelessness and Uprightness"). The enemies' targeting of such individuals underscores the spiritual nature of the conflict, as evil inherently opposes goodness and integrity.
* **Shoot (Hebrew, _yârâh'_):** This primitive root (H3384) primarily means to flow as water or to cast/throw, specifically an arrow. In this context, it is used metaphorically for the verbal and conspiratorial attacks of the wicked. It emphasizes the destructive intent and impact of their words and schemes, likening them to deadly projectiles. This imagery is consistent with the preceding verses where tongues are described as swords and bitter words as arrows, highlighting the lethal potential of slander and deceit.
* **Secret (Hebrew, _miçtâr'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to conceal" (H4565), this term properly refers to a covert or hidden place, and by extension, a secret act or conspiracy. It emphasizes the clandestine nature of the enemies' attacks, suggesting that their malice is not open or direct but operates through whispers, rumors, backbiting, and hidden plots. This secrecy adds to the danger and difficulty of defense for the "perfect," as they are unaware of the source or timing of the assault.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That they may shoot in secret at the perfect:"** This clause reveals the primary objective and method of the wicked. Their aim is to attack "the perfect," those who live with integrity and devotion to God. The phrase "in secret" underscores the insidious nature of their malice; their attacks are not overt but are carried out through hidden means, such as slander, false accusations, or covert schemes. This stealth maximizes the element of surprise and minimizes the victim's ability to defend themselves, highlighting the treachery involved.
* **"suddenly do they shoot at him,"** This second clause emphasizes the unexpected and abrupt timing of these attacks. The word "suddenly" (Hebrew, _pithʼôwm'_ H6597) conveys a sense of shock and unpreparedness. The wicked seek to catch their victim off guard, ensuring maximum impact and disruption. This suddenness amplifies the terror and vulnerability experienced by the one targeted, leaving them no time to react or seek refuge.
* **"and fear not."** This final clause reveals a crucial characteristic of the adversaries: their utter lack of moral restraint or reverence for God. They act with impunity, unconcerned about divine judgment or the consequences of their malicious actions. This fearlessness in wickedness highlights their depravity and spiritual blindness, demonstrating a profound disregard for justice, truth, and the divine order. It sets them in stark contrast to the righteous, who live in the fear of the Lord.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 64:4 is rich in **Imagery**, particularly military imagery, where the enemies' words and schemes are vividly depicted as arrows shot from a bow. This comparison creates a powerful mental picture of the destructive and penetrating nature of their attacks. The use of "shoot" (Hebrew, _yârâh'_) is a clear **Metaphor**, transforming verbal assaults into physical projectiles. The phrase "shoot in secret" employs a subtle **Irony**, as the "perfect" are targeted by those who operate in darkness, highlighting the moral inversion of the wicked. Furthermore, the repetition of "shoot" (implied in "suddenly do they shoot") and the progression from "secret" to "suddenly" create a sense of escalating threat and urgency, contributing to the psalm's overall tone of lament and plea for divine intervention. The depiction of the enemies as those who "fear not" is a potent form of **Characterization**, revealing their godless and audacious nature, devoid of moral conscience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the spiritual warfare faced by those committed to righteousness in a fallen world. It reveals that integrity often attracts opposition, and that the methods of evil are frequently clandestine, sudden, and devoid of moral conscience. The "perfect" are not targeted because of their sin, but precisely because of their uprightness, which stands as a rebuke to the wicked and a challenge to their ungodly ways. This dynamic echoes throughout Scripture, where the righteous are persecuted for their faithfulness, serving as a testament to the ongoing conflict between light and darkness. The psalmist's detailed description of these insidious tactics not only validates the experience of the oppressed but also lays the groundwork for a desperate plea to God, who alone possesses the omniscient sight and sovereign power to expose and thwart such hidden malice.

* [Psalms 10:9](/psalms/10-9 "Psalms 10:9 - The Wicked Lurk in Secret")
* [Proverbs 1:11](/proverbs/1-11 "Proverbs 1:11 - Invitation to Ambush")
* [Romans 3:18](/romans/3-18 "Romans 3:18 - No Fear of God Before Their Eyes")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often characterized by hidden agendas, sudden betrayals, and a pervasive lack of moral accountability, Psalms 64:4 offers a sobering yet profoundly relevant insight for believers. It reminds us that opposition to righteousness is not always overt; it frequently operates through subtle whispers, false narratives, and unexpected attacks designed to destabilize, discredit, and dismantle. For those striving to live with integrity and wholehearted devotion to God, this verse serves as a profound call to spiritual vigilance, recognizing that our "perfection" in Christ can make us targets for the schemes of the enemy. Yet, David's response in this psalm—crying out to God and trusting in His justice—provides the ultimate model for our own conduct. Rather than succumbing to fear, despair, or the temptation to retaliate in kind, we are called to trust in the Lord's omniscient sight and His unwavering justice, knowing that He sees what is hidden and will ultimately bring all things into the light. Our defense is not in our own strength or cleverness, but in the sovereign protection of God, who vindicates the upright and exposes the schemes of the wicked. This understanding empowers us to persevere in righteousness, even when assailed by unseen arrows.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might "secret" or "sudden" attacks manifest in your life or community today, and how do you discern them?**
* **How does the "fear not" characteristic of the wicked challenge your own faith and reliance on God's justice and ultimate triumph?**
* **What does it mean to be "perfect" or "blameless" in a New Testament sense, and how might this commitment attract opposition in contemporary society?**
* **How can you practically apply David's model of crying out to God and trusting in His intervention when facing insidious opposition?**

### FAQ
**What does "the perfect" mean in this context, and how does it relate to Christian believers?**

Answer: In Psalms 64:4, "the perfect" (Hebrew, _tâm'_ H8535) refers to an individual who is complete, sound, upright, or blameless in their character and conduct before God. It signifies integrity and wholehearted devotion, not sinless perfection in an absolute sense. Examples include Noah, who was "perfect in his generations" ([Genesis 6:9](/genesis/6-9 "Genesis 6:9 - Noah, a Blameless Man")), and Job, described as "perfect and upright" ([Job 1:1](/job/1-1 "Job 1:1 - Job's Blamelessness and Uprightness")). For Christian believers, this concept translates to those who are "in Christ," made righteous through His sacrifice, and who strive to live according to His will, walking in integrity and obedience, as commanded in [Matthew 5:48](/matthew/5-48 "Matthew 5:48 - Be Perfect"). While no human is inherently sinless, believers are called to pursue blamelessness in their conduct and character, reflecting the holiness of God. It is often this commitment to Christ-like living that draws the opposition of a world hostile to God, as seen in the experiences of early Christians in [Acts 4:1-3](/acts/4-1-3 "Acts 4:1-3 - Persecution of Peter and John").

**How does the "secret" and "sudden" nature of the attacks impact the victim?**

Answer: The "secret" nature of the attacks (e.g., slander, gossip, hidden plots) means the victim is often unaware of the source or even the existence of the malice until its effects are felt. This lack of transparency prevents the victim from preparing a defense or confronting the accuser directly, making the attacks particularly insidious and difficult to counter. The "sudden" aspect (Hebrew, _pithʼôwm'_ H6597) emphasizes the unexpected and abrupt timing of these assaults. They aim to catch the victim off guard, maximizing shock, confusion, and damage. Together, secrecy and suddenness create a profound sense of vulnerability, helplessness, and emotional distress for the targeted individual, as they are blindsided by an unseen enemy, much like the unexpected trials described in [1 Peter 4:12](/1_peter/4-12 "1 Peter 4:12 - Fiery Trials").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 64:4, with its depiction of the "perfect" being targeted by secret, sudden, and fearless attacks, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the truly "perfect" one, the blameless [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") who "committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in his mouth" ([1 Peter 2:22](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ's Sinlessness and Example")). Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus faced relentless opposition characterized by the very tactics described in this psalm. The religious leaders and His adversaries constantly plotted against Him "in secret," seeking to trap Him with words ([Matthew 22:15](/matthew/22-15 "Matthew 22:15 - Pharisees Plot to Entrap Jesus")) and conspiring behind closed doors to orchestrate His arrest and crucifixion ([John 11:47-53](/john/11-47-53 "John 11:47-53 - The Sanhedrin Plots to Kill Jesus")). His arrest itself was a "sudden" ambush in the garden of Gethsemane ([Matthew 26:47-50](/matthew/26-47-50 "Matthew 26:47-50 - Jesus' Arrest and Betrayal")), carried out by those who "feared not" God but were driven by malice and envy, even crying out, "His blood be on us and on our children!" ([Matthew 27:25](/matthew/27-25 "Matthew 27:25 - The Crowd Accepts Responsibility for Jesus' Death")). Yet, unlike David who prayed for deliverance from such attacks, Jesus willingly endured them, fulfilling the prophetic suffering of the righteous servant ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant's Silence")). His perfect obedience and suffering, culminating in His death and resurrection, ultimately disarmed the spiritual forces of darkness that employed such tactics ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Thus, in Christ, we see not only the perfect target of such malice but also the One who, by enduring it, provides the ultimate victory and a sure refuge for all who are made "perfect" in Him through faith ([Hebrews 10:14](/hebrews/10-14 "Hebrews 10:14 - Christ Perfects Those He Sanctifies")).

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 55:19

God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God.

Psalms 11:2

For, lo, the wicked bend [their] bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart.

Psalms 10:8

He sitteth in the lurking places of the villages: in the secret places doth he murder the innocent: his eyes are privily set against the poor.

Psalms 10:9

He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lieth in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the poor, when he draweth him into his net.

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:

Nehemiah 4:11

And our adversaries said, They shall not know, neither see, till we come in the midst among them, and slay them, and cause the work to cease.