Psalms 21:11
For they intended evil against thee: they imagined a mischievous device, which they are not able to perform.
Original Language Analysis
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נָט֣וּ
For they intended
H5186
נָט֣וּ
For they intended
Strong's:
H5186
Word #:
2 of 8
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
עָלֶ֣יךָ
H5921
עָלֶ֣יךָ
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
חָֽשְׁב֥וּ
against thee they imagined
H2803
חָֽשְׁב֥וּ
against thee they imagined
Strong's:
H2803
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou
מְ֝זִמָּ֗ה
a mischievous device
H4209
מְ֝זִמָּ֗ה
a mischievous device
Strong's:
H4209
Word #:
6 of 8
a plan, usually evil (machination), sometimes good (sagacity)
Cross References
Psalms 10:2The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined.Psalms 2:1Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?Matthew 2:16Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.Psalms 31:13For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life.Matthew 2:8And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.Psalms 83:4They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.Psalms 35:20For they speak not peace: but they devise deceitful matters against them that are quiet in the land.Matthew 21:46But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.Ezekiel 11:2Then said he unto me, Son of man, these are the men that devise mischief, and give wicked counsel in this city:
Historical Context
Throughout biblical history, conspiracies against God's anointed failed—Saul's pursuit of David, Absalom's rebellion, plots against Jesus. This verse became a testimony to God's faithfulness in protecting His chosen ones despite human opposition.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's sovereignty over all circumstances provide comfort in times of opposition?
- What modern attempts to 'perform evil' against God's purposes have you witnessed fail?
Analysis & Commentary
Human schemes against God are futile—'they are not able to perform.' This verse expresses the Reformed doctrine of divine sovereignty: God's purposes cannot be thwarted by creature rebellion. The wicked 'imagine' evil, but God ordains all things according to His will (Prov. 19:21). Their inability demonstrates human impotence against divine omnipotence, a truth that both warns rebels and comforts believers.