Bible Strands
Psalms 64:6
They devise injustice and say, “We have perfected a secret plan.” For the inner man and the heart are mysterious.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The psalmist describes the wicked who have just resolved to conceal their traps and ask who will see their schemes. This declaration occurs within a lament detailing enemies preparing secret snares.
The words — תַּ֭מְנוּ (Tam.nu) translates to "we have finished," and חֵ֣פֶשׂ (Che.fes) means "a plot" or "secret plan." These terms emphasize the calculated finality the conspirators claim over their hidden scheme.
The thread — The theme of deceptive human hearts and concealed malice runs through Jeremiah 17:9, Matthew 26:59, and Psalm 5:9. These passages similarly expose the untrustworthy nature of human intent and the necessity of divine exposure.
Why it lands — The text demands recognition that human schemes rely on concealed motives rather than transparent truth. It requires the reader to acknowledge that hidden plots are ultimately subject to divine judgment.
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
They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search: both the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart, is deep.
Cross-references
- Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?
- Matthew 26:59 Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death.
- Psalms 5:9 For not a word they speak can be trusted; destruction lies within them. Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.
- Isaiah 29:15 Woe to those who dig deep to hide their plans from the LORD. In darkness they do their works and say, “Who sees us, and who will know?”
- Daniel 6:4 Thus the administrators and satraps sought a charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom, but they could find no charge or corruption, because he was trustworthy, and no negligence or corruption was found in him.
- 1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.
- Psalms 35:11 Hostile witnesses come forward; they make charges I know nothing about.
- Proverbs 20:5 The intentions of a man’s heart are deep waters, but a man of understanding draws them out.
- John 18:29 So Pilate went out to them and asked, “What accusation are you bringing against this man?”
- 1 Samuel 24:9 and said to Saul, “Why do you listen to the words of men who say, ‘Look, David intends to harm you’?