Psalms 140:11

Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אִישׁ

H376

Let not an evil speaker

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

לָשׁוֹן֮

H3956

the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,

בַּל

H1077

properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest

יִכּ֪וֹן

H3559

be established

properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,

בָּ֫אָ֥רֶץ

H776

in the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אִישׁ

H376

Let not an evil speaker

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

חָמָ֥ס

H2555

the violent

violence; by implication, wrong; by metonymy unjust gain

רָ֑ע

H7451

evil

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

יְ֝צוּדֶ֗נּוּ

H6679

shall hunt

to victual (for a journey)

#10

לְמַדְחֵפֹֽת׃

H4073

to overthrow

a push, i.e., ruin

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine revelation reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 140 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?