Psalms 64:5

They encourage themselves [in] an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them?

They encourage {H2388}{H8762)} themselves in an evil {H7451} matter {H1697}: they commune {H5608}{H8762)} of laying {H2934} snares {H4170} privily {H2934}{H8800)}; they say {H559}{H8804)}, Who shall see {H7200}{H8799)} them?

They support each other's evil plans; they talk of hiding snares and ask, "Who would see them?"

They hold fast to their evil purpose; they speak of hiding their snares. “Who will see them?” they say.

They encourage themselves in an evil purpose; They commune of laying snares privily; They say, Who will see them?

Psalm 64:5 offers a stark portrayal of the wicked, revealing their internal thought processes and conspiratorial actions. King David, often a target of hidden enemies, describes their deliberate malice and their arrogant conviction that their schemes will go undetected.

Context

Psalm 64 is a prayer of David, where he cries out to God for protection from secret enemies and their malicious plots. He describes their sharpened tongues like swords and their bitter words like arrows, aimed from hidden places. This verse specifically delves into the planning and mindset behind such attacks, highlighting the deliberate and secretive nature of their wickedness, which was a constant threat to David's life and reign. It sets the stage for God's eventual judgment against such hidden treachery, a theme explored later in the psalm.

Meaning and Key Themes

  • Deliberate Malice: "They encourage themselves in an evil matter." This phrase paints a picture of individuals not merely succumbing to temptation, but actively strengthening their resolve to do wrong. They are not hesitant; they are self-motivated and emboldened in their wicked intentions. This suggests a hardened heart and a conscious choice to pursue evil.
  • Secret Conspiracy: "they commune of laying snares privily." The word "commune" implies discussion, planning, and conspiracy. They are not acting alone but are in agreement to set traps, suggesting deception and ambush. The term "snares" points to methods designed to entrap or ensnare unsuspecting victims, while "privily" emphasizes the clandestine nature of their operations. This highlights their desire to operate undetected, a common characteristic of those engaged in malicious acts.
  • Arrogant Impunity: "they say, Who shall see them?" This is perhaps the most audacious part of the verse. It reveals their fundamental error: a belief that their secret plots will remain hidden from all observers, especially God. This question is a direct challenge to God's omniscience and omnipresence, showcasing an arrogant disregard for divine justice and accountability. It reflects a mindset that believes it can escape consequences, often seen in those who plot evil in secret, as also noted in Psalm 10:11.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "encourage themselves" comes from the root chazaq (חזק), meaning to be strong, firm, or courageous. Here, it is used reflexively, indicating they strengthen themselves for evil, actively reinforcing their wicked resolve. The word for "snares" is moqesh (מוקש), commonly referring to a trap or a lure. "Privily" comes from sod (סוד), meaning a secret counsel or intimate gathering, emphasizing the confidential and conspiratorial nature of their plotting.

Related Scriptures

The theme of God seeing all things, even secret deeds, is a powerful counterpoint to the wicked's arrogance. Proverbs 15:3 states, "The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good." Similarly, Hebrews 4:13 reminds us that "all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do." The idea of the wicked falling into their own traps is also a recurring motif in the Psalms, such as in Psalm 7:15 and Psalm 9:15.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a sober reminder that secret sins and hidden conspiracies are never truly hidden from God. For those who plot evil, it is a warning that their confidence in secrecy is misplaced, and divine justice will ultimately prevail. For those who are targets of unseen malice, it offers comfort and assurance that God is aware of every scheme and hidden trap. It encourages believers to trust in God's omniscience and to seek His protection, knowing that He sees and will address every injustice, even those carefully concealed. It also challenges us to examine our own hearts, ensuring our intentions are pure, even in private, understanding that God sees all.

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.

  • 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.

  • Psalms 10:11

    He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: he hideth his face; he will never see [it].

  • Psalms 94:7

    Yet they say, The LORD shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard [it].

  • Job 22:13

    And thou sayest, How doth God know? can he judge through the dark cloud?

  • Ezekiel 8:12

    Then said he unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery? for they say, The LORD seeth us not; the LORD hath forsaken the earth.

  • Psalms 59:7

    Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords [are] in their lips: for who, [say they], doth hear?

  • Psalms 124:7

    Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.

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