Psalms 41:6

And if he come to see [me], he speaketh vanity: his heart gathereth iniquity to itself; [when] he goeth abroad, he telleth [it].

And if he come {H935}{H8804)} to see {H7200}{H8800)} me, he speaketh {H1696}{H8762)} vanity {H7723}: his heart {H3820} gathereth {H6908}{H8799)} iniquity {H205} to itself; when he goeth {H3318}{H8799)} abroad {H2351}, he telleth {H1696}{H8762)} it.

When they come to see me they speak insincerely, their hearts meanwhile gathering falsehoods; then they go out and spread bad reports.

My visitor speaks falsehood; he gathers slander in his heart; he goes out and spreads it abroad.

And if he come to see me, he speaketh falsehood; His heart gathereth iniquity to itself: When he goeth abroad, he telleth it.

Commentary

Psalms 41:6 vividly portrays the treacherous nature of those who visit the psalmist during his time of suffering, revealing their insincere words and malicious intentions.

Context

Psalm 41 is a lament psalm, traditionally attributed to King David, in which he pours out his heart to God concerning a severe illness and the painful experience of betrayal by enemies and even close acquaintances. The psalmist is in a vulnerable state, physically unwell, and surrounded by those who outwardly offer sympathy but inwardly harbor ill will. This verse specifically details the deceitful behavior of these visitors, setting the stage for the deeper betrayal highlighted later in the psalm, particularly the prophetic betrayal by a familiar friend in Psalms 41:9, a verse famously quoted in the New Testament regarding Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus.

Key Themes

  • Hypocrisy and Deceit: The verse starkly contrasts the visitors' feigned concern ("he speaketh vanity") with their true, malevolent intentions ("his heart gathereth iniquity to itself"). It exposes the danger of those who appear sympathetic but are inwardly corrupt.
  • Malicious Gossip and Slander: Not content with internal wickedness, these individuals actively spread harmful reports and gossip upon leaving ("when he goeth abroad, he telleth it"). This underscores the destructive power of the tongue and the impact of words spoken, which can inflict further pain and damage a person's reputation.
  • The Suffering of the Righteous: David, despite his devotion to God, endures profound physical and emotional distress, compounded by the treachery of those around him. This theme resonates with the experiences of believers who face adversity and betrayal.

Linguistic Insights

  • The word "vanity" translates the Hebrew shav (ืฉึธืื•ึฐื), which means emptiness, falsehood, or worthlessness. It suggests that the words spoken are not merely idle but are deceptive and insincere, devoid of genuine compassion or truth.
  • The phrase "gathereth iniquity to itself" comes from the Hebrew yiqbotz aven (ื™ึดืงึฐื‘ึนึผืฅ ืึธื•ึถืŸ). Aven signifies wickedness, trouble, or sorrow. The verb yiqbotz means to collect or gather. This imagery suggests a deliberate accumulation or storage of evil intent within the heart, indicating a premeditated malice rather than a fleeting thought.

Practical Application

Psalms 41:6 serves as a timeless warning to discern true character beyond superficial pleasantries. It highlights the pervasive nature of hypocrisy and the insidious damage caused by gossip. In contemporary life, we may encounter individuals who offer hollow sympathy while secretly harboring ill will or spreading harmful rumors. This verse encourages us to place our trust not in the fickle nature of human relationships, but in God, who looks at the heart and knows all things. It also challenges us to examine our own hearts, ensuring our words and actions align with genuine love, integrity, and truth, rather than deceit and malice.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 12:2 (5 votes)

    They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: [with] flattering lips [and] with a double heart do they speak.

  • Proverbs 26:24 (3 votes)

    ยถ He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;

  • Proverbs 26:26 (3 votes)

    [Whose] hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the [whole] congregation.

  • Luke 11:53 (3 votes)

    And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge [him] vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things:

  • Luke 11:54 (3 votes)

    Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him.

  • Luke 20:20 (2 votes)

    ยถ And they watched [him], and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.

  • Luke 20:23 (2 votes)

    But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me?