Bible Strands
Psalms 140:2
who devise evil in their hearts and stir up war all day long.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — David addresses the LORD in a psalm of deliverance, describing the violent men he needs rescue from. He speaks at the moment of petition, detailing the character of his oppressors before listing their specific attacks.
The words — The text highlights חָשְׁב֣וּ (cha.she.Vu) meaning they plan, and יָג֥וּרוּ (ya.Gu.ru) meaning they stir up trouble. These verbs frame the oppressors' actions as both internally calculated and externally relentless.
The thread — This pattern of concealed plotting and relentless hostility appears in Psalms 36:4, Psalms 56:6, and Psalms 64:5. Each reference tracks the same progression from secret design to active pursuit.
Why it lands — The verse demands recognition that evil operates through deliberate calculation and constant activity. It requires the reader to stop relying on personal defense and instead direct the plea for rescue to God.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war.
Cross-references
- Psalms 36:4 Even on his bed he plots wickedness; he sets himself on a path that is not good; he fails to reject evil.
- Psalms 56:6 They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps while they wait to take my life.
- Psalms 64:5 They hold fast to their evil purpose; they speak of hiding their snares. “Who will see them?” they say.
- Psalms 120:7 I am in favor of peace; but when I speak, they want war.
- Proverbs 12:20 Deceit is in the hearts of those who devise evil, but the counselors of peace have joy.
- Hosea 7:6 For they prepare their heart like an oven while they lie in wait; all night their anger smolders; in the morning it blazes like a flaming fire.
- Micah 2:1 Woe to those who devise iniquity and plot evil on their beds! At morning’s light they accomplish it because the power is in their hands.
- Nahum 1:11 From you, O Nineveh, comes forth a plotter of evil against the LORD, a counselor of wickedness.
- 1 Samuel 23:19 Then the Ziphites came up to Saul at Gibeah and said, “Is not David hiding among us in the strongholds at Horesh, on the hill of Hachilah south of Jeshimon?
- 1 Samuel 24:11 See, my father, look at the corner of your robe in my hand. For I cut it off, but I did not kill you. Know and see that there is no evil or rebellion in my hands. I have not sinned against you, even though you are hunting me down to take my life.