Psalms 64:6

Translation
King James Version
They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search: both the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart, is deep.
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KJV (with Strong's)
They search out H2664 H8799 iniquities H5766; they accomplish H8552 H8804 a diligent H2664 H8794 search H2665: both the inward H7130 thought of every one H376 of them, and the heart H3820, is deep H6013.
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Complete Jewish Bible
They search for ways to commit crimes, bringing their diligent search to completion when each of them has thought it through in the depth of his heart.
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Berean Standard Bible
They devise injustice and say, “We have perfected a secret plan.” For the inner man and the heart are mysterious.
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American Standard Version
They search out iniquities; We have accomplished, say they, a diligent search: And the inward thought and the heart of every one is deep.
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World English Bible Messianic
They plot injustice, saying, “We have made a perfect plan!” Surely man’s mind and heart are cunning.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
They haue sought out iniquities, and haue accomplished that which they sought out, euen euery one his secret thoughtes, and the depth of his heart.
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Young's Literal Translation
They search out perverse things, `We perfected a searching search,' And the inward part of man, and the heart are deep.
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See also
Jeremiah 17:9Jeremiah 17:10Daniel 6:4Daniel 6:5Matthew 26:59Psalms 5:9Psalms 35:11
In the KJVVerse 14,857 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Psalms 64:6 starkly exposes the deep-seated malice and meticulous planning of the wicked, revealing that their schemes against the righteous are not impulsive but originate from the innermost, hidden recesses of their being. It highlights their diligent, almost obsessive, pursuit of evil, emphasizing that their malevolent intentions are profoundly concealed within their thoughts and hearts, making their depravity difficult for human eyes to discern. This verse powerfully underscores the insidious nature of human sin and implicitly sets the stage for God's inevitable judgment upon such concealed wickedness.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Psalm 64 is a lament of David, a fervent prayer for deliverance from secret enemies. The preceding verses vividly depict the wicked's verbal assaults, portraying their tongues as sharpened swords and their bitter words as arrows shot from ambush, aimed at the blameless (Psalms 64:3). They conspire in secret, encouraging themselves in evil and boasting of their hidden traps, believing themselves unseen and undiscovered by God or man (Psalms 64:5). Verse 6 then shifts from what they do (malicious speech, secret plotting) to how they do it, delving into the methodology and the internal source of their evil. This profound insight into their hidden depravity sets the stage for the dramatic and decisive divine judgment that immediately follows in verses 7-10, where God suddenly strikes them down with His own arrows, exposing their wickedness for all to see.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: David, as king and a man devoted to God, frequently faced intense opposition, both from external adversaries and from treacherous individuals within his own court. The ancient Near East was a volatile environment characterized by political intrigue, conspiracies, and covert operations. Leaders were often targets of assassination plots, subtle undermining, or strategic slanders designed to erode their authority. The language of "searching out iniquities" and "diligent search" reflects the meticulous planning involved in such schemes, often employing spies, informants, and careful observation to identify vulnerabilities. The emphasis on the "inward thought" and "heart" being "deep" resonates with a cultural understanding that the heart (Hebrew lev) was not merely an organ but the seat of intellect, will, and emotion, the very core of one's being. This implies that the wickedness was not superficial but rooted in the deepest parts of their personhood, making it all the more dangerous and difficult to detect by human means.
  • Key Themes: This verse significantly contributes to several profound themes within the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the pervasive nature of human sin and depravity, demonstrating that wickedness can be deeply ingrained and meticulously planned, rather than merely impulsive. It powerfully illustrates the deceitfulness and hiddenness of the human heart, echoing the prophetic lament that "the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?" (Jeremiah 17:9). Furthermore, it implicitly sets up the theme of God's omniscience and justice. The very depth and hiddenness of the wicked's plots necessitate a God who sees all, even the most concealed intentions, and judges accordingly. The psalmist's confidence throughout Psalm 64 rests on the conviction that despite the enemies' cunning, God will ultimately expose and punish their hidden evil, bringing about a reversal of fortune and vindication for the righteous, as promised in passages like Psalm 7:9.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • search out (Hebrew, châphas', H2664): From the primitive root H2664, châphas means "to seek," "to search (for, out)," or "to examine." It conveys a sense of diligent, painstaking inquiry, often with the intent to discover something hidden or to formulate a plan. Here, it implies a deliberate and active pursuit of evil, not merely stumbling into it. The wicked are actively seeking opportunities and methods for wrongdoing, demonstrating a proactive commitment to their malevolent designs.
  • search (Hebrew, chêphes', H2665): This noun (H2665), derived from the root H2664, means "something covert" or "a trick," specifically referring to a "search." In the phrase "they accomplish a diligent search," this word emphasizes the outcome or object of their meticulous investigation. It highlights the intricate and often deceptive nature of their plotting, suggesting that their "search" is for ways to execute their hidden malicious intentions, often involving cunning and subterfuge.
  • deep (Hebrew, ʻâmôq', H6013): This adjective (H6013), ʻâmôq, means "deep," "profound," or "unfathomable" (literally or figuratively). When applied to the "inward thought" and "heart," it signifies that the evil intentions of the wicked are not superficial or easily discerned. They are deeply rooted in their nature, hidden from human perception, and perhaps even from their own full conscious understanding of their depravity. It suggests a profound level of internal corruption and cunning that goes beyond mere external actions.

Verse Breakdown

  • "They search out iniquities;": This initial clause establishes the active, intentional, and investigative nature of the wicked's malevolence. They are not simply falling into sin; they are proactively seeking, examining, and discovering opportunities and methods to commit evil, which are referred to as "iniquities" (H5766, ʻevel - moral evil, perverseness). This implies careful planning and a deliberate choice to engage in wrongdoing.
  • "they accomplish a diligent search:": This phrase intensifies the previous one, emphasizing the thoroughness and meticulousness of their evil plotting. The verb "accomplish" (H8552, tâmam) means to complete or bring to an end, suggesting they bring their search to a full completion. The combination of "diligent" (from châphas) and "search" (H2665, chêphes) underscores that their schemes are not impulsive or haphazard but are the result of painstaking investigation and careful design. They invest significant effort into perfecting their wicked plans, leaving no stone unturned.
  • "both the inward [thought] of every one [of them],": This refers to the innermost part of their being, their secret intentions, their hidden counsel, and their deepest motivations. "Inward [thought]" translates the Hebrew qereb (H7130), which signifies the center or innermost part, often referring to the bowels or heart as the seat of thought and emotion. The KJV's "inward thought" captures the essence of this, pointing to the hidden recesses of their minds where evil is conceived and nurtured. "Every one [of them]" (H376, ʼîysh) emphasizes that this deep-seated wickedness is characteristic of these individuals.
  • "and the heart, [is] deep.": This final clause further elaborates on the profound hiddenness and corruption of their inner being. The "heart" (H3820, lêb) in Hebrew thought is the comprehensive center of intellect, emotion, and will. To say it is "deep" (H6013, ʻâmôq) means their evil is not external or superficial but originates from the very core of who they are, making their malice unfathomable, difficult for humans to uncover, and rooted in a profound level of internal corruption.

Literary Devices

Psalms 64:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey the insidious nature of the wicked's plotting. The phrase "they accomplish a diligent search" uses hyperbole to emphasize the extreme effort and meticulousness of their evil designs, suggesting an almost obsessive dedication to their malevolent goals. The entire verse also relies on metaphor, particularly in the declaration that "the heart, is deep." This vividly describes the profound, hidden, and often unfathomable nature of human malice, likening the inner workings of the wicked to a deep, dark abyss that conceals their true intentions. Furthermore, there is a clear instance of parallelism between "the inward [thought] of every one [of them]" and "the heart," where both phrases refer to the inner being, reinforcing the central idea that their wickedness stems from their very core, not merely from external circumstances or superficial actions. This combination of devices powerfully illustrates the insidious and deeply rooted nature of the opposition David faces.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Psalms 64:6 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of sin and the human heart. It reveals that human depravity is not merely superficial or reactive but can be deeply ingrained, meticulously planned, and hidden from plain sight. This verse underscores the biblical teaching that the heart, apart from divine grace, is capable of profound evil and deception, originating wicked schemes from its innermost depths. It implicitly highlights the necessity of divine omniscience, for if human evil is so "deep" and "diligently searched out" in secret, only an all-knowing God can truly discern and expose it. This understanding of hidden sin sets the stage for God's righteous judgment, assuring believers that no evil, however concealed, escapes His notice and that He will ultimately bring justice.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Psalms 64:6 serves as a powerful reminder for believers to exercise spiritual discernment and to rest in God's sovereign knowledge. In a world where malice often operates behind closed doors, this verse encourages us not to be naive about the depth of human depravity or the cunning strategies of those who oppose righteousness. It calls us to pray for protection from hidden dangers and to trust that even the most meticulously planned and deeply concealed evils are utterly exposed before God. Our confidence is not in our ability to uncover every plot, but in His perfect omniscience and unwavering justice. This should lead us to a deeper reliance on Him, knowing that He sees and will ultimately judge every secret thing, bringing hidden darkness into His light and vindicating His people. It also prompts us to examine our own hearts, acknowledging the potential for hidden sin within ourselves and seeking God's purifying grace.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does the "diligent search" of the wicked challenge my assumptions about the nature and pervasiveness of evil in the world?
  • In what ways might I be tempted to underestimate the "depth" of sin, either in myself or in others, and what are the spiritual dangers of such underestimation?
  • How does the truth that God sees the "inward thought" and "deep heart" of every person encourage me in times of hidden opposition, or convict me regarding my own secret intentions?
  • What practical steps can I take to cultivate spiritual discernment and a deeper reliance on God's omniscience in light of hidden malice and the deceitfulness of the heart?

FAQ

Does this verse imply that all human hearts are inherently evil?

Answer: While Psalms 64:6 specifically describes the hearts of the wicked who plot against the righteous, it aligns with a broader biblical theme that the unredeemed human heart is indeed prone to sin and capable of profound evil. Passages like Jeremiah 17:9 explicitly state that "the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick." This verse emphasizes the depth and meticulousness of that inherent sinfulness when it manifests in active malice. It doesn't mean every person is actively plotting evil at all times, but it speaks to the potential for deep-seated corruption within the unregenerate human nature, a condition from which only divine intervention can truly deliver.

How can we protect ourselves from such deeply hidden plots?

Answer: The psalmist's response throughout Psalm 64 is to cry out to God for protection and to trust in His divine intervention. Since human plots are "deep" and "hidden," our primary protection comes from God's omniscience and power. We are called to be spiritually discerning, to pray for wisdom, and to rely on God's sovereign hand. Proverbs 2:6-8 reminds us that "the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity." Ultimately, our security is found in trusting that God sees all and will bring justice, as seen in the latter part of Psalms 64 where God suddenly strikes the wicked, turning their own evil against them.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Psalms 64:6, with its stark portrayal of the deep-seated and meticulously planned evil of the human heart, finds its ultimate answer and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "deep" heart, full of "iniquities" and a "diligent search" for wickedness, is precisely the condition Christ came to redeem. He, as the perfectly righteous sufferer, endured the very kind of hidden plots and malicious accusations described by David. His enemies, like those in the psalm, "searched out iniquities" against Him, meticulously plotting His betrayal and crucifixion, as powerfully recounted in Matthew 26:3-4. Yet, unlike human judges who cannot discern the "deep" heart, Jesus demonstrated perfect knowledge of the human heart, knowing the thoughts and intentions of those around Him, even before they spoke (Mark 2:8). His sacrifice on the cross not only atoned for superficial sins but plumbed the depths of human depravity, offering redemption for even the most "deeply" rooted wickedness. Furthermore, Christ is the ultimate Judge who will one day expose every hidden thing and bring to light the "counsels of the heart" (1 Corinthians 4:5), ensuring that no "diligent search" for evil will ultimately escape His righteous judgment. Thus, the darkness of Psalms 64:6 is swallowed up by the light of Christ's perfect knowledge, atoning work, and ultimate triumph over all evil, offering true security and hope to those who trust in Him.

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Commentary on Psalms 64 verses 1–6

I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points

David, in these verses, puts in before God a representation of his own danger and of his enemies' character, to enforce his petition that God would protect him and punish them.

I. He earnestly begs of God to preserve him (Psa 64:1, Psa 64:2): Hear my voice, O God! in my prayer; that is, grant me the thing I pray for, and this is it, Lord, preserve my life from fear of the enemy, that is, fro the enemy that I am in fear of. He makes request for his life, which is, in a particular manner, dear to him, because he knows it is designed to be very serviceable to God and his generation. When his life is struck at it cannot be thought he should altogether hold his peace, Est 7:2, Est 7:4. And, if he plead his fear of the enemy, it is no disparagement to his courage; his father Jacob, that prince with God, did so before him. Gen 32:11, Deliver me from the hand of Esau, for I fear him. Preserve my life from fear, not only from the thing itself which I fear, but from the disquieting fear of it; this is, in effect, the preservation of the life, for fear has torment, particularly the fear of death, by reason of which some are all their life-time subject to bondage. He prays, "Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked, from the mischief which they secretly consult among themselves to do against me, and from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity, who join forces, as they join counsels, to do me a mischief." Observe, The secret counsel ends in an insurrection; treasonable practices begin in treasonable confederacies and conspiracies. "Hide me from them, that they may not find me, that they may not reach me. Let me be safe under thy protection."

II. He complains of the great malice and wickedness of his enemies: "Lord, hide me from them, for they are the worst of men, not fit to be connived at; they are dangerous men, that will stick at nothing; so that I am undone if thou do not take my part."

1.They are very spiteful in their calumnies and reproaches, Psa 64:3, Psa 64:4. They are described as military men, with their sword and bow, archers that take aim exactly, secretly, and suddenly, and shoot at the harmless bird that apprehends not herself in any danger. But, (1.) Their tongues are their swords, flaming swords, two-edged swords, drawn swords, drawn in anger, with which they cut, and wound, and kill, the good name of their neighbours. The tongue is a little member, but, like the sword, it boasts great things, Jam 3:5. It is a dangerous weapon. (2.) Bitter words are their arrows - scurrilous reflections, opprobrious nicknames, false representations, slanders, and calumnies, the fiery darts of the wicked one, set on fire to hell. For these their malice bends their bows, to send out these arrows with so much the more force. (3.) The upright man is their mark; against him their spleen is, and they cannot speak peaceably either of him or to him. The better any man is the more he is envied by those that are themselves bad, and the more ill is said of him. (4.) They manage it with a great deal of art and subtlety. They shoot in secret, that those they shoot at may not discover them and avoid the danger, for in vain is the net spread in the sight of any bird. And suddenly do they shoot, without giving a man lawful warning or any opportunity to defend himself. Cursed be he that thus smites his neighbour secretly in his reputation, Deu 27:24. There is no guard against a pass made by a false tongue. (5.) Herein they fear not, that is, they are confident of their success, and doubt not but by these methods they shall gain the point which their malice aims at. Or, rather, they fear not the wrath of God, which they will be the portion of a false tongue. They are impudent and daring in the mischief they do to good people, as if they must never be called to an account for it.

2.They are very close and very resolute in their malicious projects, Psa 64:5. (1.) They strengthen and corroborate themselves and one another in this evil matter, and by joining together in it they make one another the more bitter and the more bold. Fortiter calumniari, aliquid adhaerebit - Lay on an abundance of reproach; part will be sure to stick. It is bad to do a wrong thing, but worse to encourage ourselves and one another in doing it; this is doing the devil's work for him. It is a sign that the heart is hardened to the highest degree when it is thus fully set to do evil and fears no colours. It is the office of conscience to discourage men in an evil matter, but, when that is baffled, the case is desperate. (2.) They consult with themselves and one another how to do the most mischief and most effectually: They commune of laying snares privily. All their communion is in sin and all their communication is how to sin securely. They hold councils of war for finding out the most effectual expedients to do mischief; every snare they lay was talked of before, and was laid with all the contrivance of their wicked wits combined. (3.) They please themselves with an atheistical conceit that God himself takes no notice of their wicked practices: They say, Who shall see them? A practical disbelief of God's omniscience is at the bottom of all the wickedness of the wicked.

3.They are very industrious in putting their projects in execution (Psa 64:6): "They search out iniquity; they take a great deal of pains to find out some iniquity or other to lay to my charge; they dig deep, and look far back, and put things to the utmost stretch, that they may have something to accuse me of;" or, "They are industrious to find out new arts of doing mischief to me; in this they accomplish a diligent search; they go through with it, and spare neither cost nor labour." Evil men dig up mischief. Half the pains that many take to damn their souls would serve to save them. They are masters of all the arts of mischief and destruction, for the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart, are keep, deep as hell, desperately wicked, who can know it? By the unaccountable wickedness of their wit and of their will, they show themselves to be, both in subtlety and malignity, the genuine offspring of the old serpent.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–6. Public domain.
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Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 64
"They have searched out iniquity, they have failed, searching searchings" [Psalm 64:6]: that is, deadly and acute designs. Let Him not be betrayed by us, but by His disciple: let Him not be killed by us, but by the judge: let us do all, and let us seem to have done nothing....
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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