Psalms 11:2
For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הָרְשָׁעִ֡ים
For lo the wicked
H7563
הָרְשָׁעִ֡ים
For lo the wicked
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
3 of 14
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
יִדְרְכ֬וּן
bend
H1869
יִדְרְכ֬וּן
bend
Strong's:
H1869
Word #:
4 of 14
to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)
קֶ֗שֶׁת
their bow
H7198
קֶ֗שֶׁת
their bow
Strong's:
H7198
Word #:
5 of 14
a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris
כּוֹנְנ֣וּ
they make ready
H3559
כּוֹנְנ֣וּ
they make ready
Strong's:
H3559
Word #:
6 of 14
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
חִצָּ֣ם
their arrow
H2671
חִצָּ֣ם
their arrow
Strong's:
H2671
Word #:
7 of 14
properly, a piercer, i.e., an arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, (of god) thunder-bolt; the shaft of a spear
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יֶ֑תֶר
upon the string
H3499
יֶ֑תֶר
upon the string
Strong's:
H3499
Word #:
9 of 14
properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)
לִיר֥וֹת
shoot
H3384
לִיר֥וֹת
shoot
Strong's:
H3384
Word #:
10 of 14
properly, to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by
Cross References
Psalms 37:14The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation.Psalms 21:12Therefore shalt thou make them turn their back, when thou shalt make ready thine arrows upon thy strings against the face of them.Jeremiah 9:3And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the LORD.
Historical Context
Reflects the experience of David fleeing from Saul, when he faced assassination attempts from hidden enemies. Bows and arrows were standard weapons of ancient warfare.
Questions for Reflection
- What unseen spiritual attacks threaten your integrity?
- How do you maintain uprightness when facing hidden opposition?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The imagery of wicked archers drawing bows in darkness portrays secret assault on the righteous. The Hebrew 'yashar leb' (upright in heart) contrasts with those who walk in darkness. This anticipates Paul's spiritual warfare teaching about flaming arrows of the evil one (Ephesians 6:16). The darkness suggests both secrecy and moral blindness—the wicked cannot perceive light (John 3:19-20).