Psalms 35:20
For they speak not peace: but they devise deceitful matters against them that are quiet in the land.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹ֥א
H3808
לֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שָׁל֗וֹם
not peace
H7965
שָׁל֗וֹם
not peace
Strong's:
H7965
Word #:
3 of 10
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
יְדַ֫בֵּ֥רוּ
For they speak
H1696
יְדַ֫בֵּ֥רוּ
For they speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
4 of 10
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
וְעַ֥ל
H5921
וְעַ֥ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
Israel's covenant community expected justice and security for those dwelling peaceably. Attacks on the innocent violated both divine and human law, warranting God's intervention as covenant protector.
Questions for Reflection
- Are you cultivating a 'quiet' trust in God amid societal chaos?
- How does godly living sometimes attract opposition rather than approval?
Analysis & Commentary
Those 'quiet in the land' (Hebrew 'shaanan,' peaceful, secure, trusting) represents innocent people living in covenant fidelity. Wicked individuals specifically target such people because righteousness exposes their evil (John 3:20). The plotting of 'deceitful matters' rather than honest confrontation reveals moral corruption—they lack even the courage of open opposition, instead employing cunning schemes against the defenseless.