Psalms 37:14
The 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.
Original Language Analysis
חֶ֤רֶב׀
the sword
H2719
חֶ֤רֶב׀
the sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
1 of 11
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
פָּֽתְח֣וּ
have drawn out
H6605
פָּֽתְח֣וּ
have drawn out
Strong's:
H6605
Word #:
2 of 11
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
רְשָׁעִים֮
The wicked
H7563
רְשָׁעִים֮
The wicked
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
3 of 11
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
וְדָרְכ֪וּ
and have bent
H1869
וְדָרְכ֪וּ
and have bent
Strong's:
H1869
Word #:
4 of 11
to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)
קַ֫שְׁתָּ֥ם
their bow
H7198
קַ֫שְׁתָּ֥ם
their bow
Strong's:
H7198
Word #:
5 of 11
a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris
לְ֭הַפִּיל
to cast down
H5307
לְ֭הַפִּיל
to cast down
Strong's:
H5307
Word #:
6 of 11
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
Cross References
Proverbs 29:27An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.Psalms 11:2For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart.1 John 3:12Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.
Historical Context
Swords and bows were primary ancient weapons. The poor and needy lacked resources for defense, making them easy targets for exploitation and violence by the powerful.
Questions for Reflection
- How are you called to defend the 'poor and needy' against those who would exploit them?
- When has your uprightness made you a target for the wicked?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The weapons—sword and bow—represent both close combat and distance attack, indicating comprehensive assault. The targets—'poor and needy' and 'upright'—are vulnerable and righteous, those most deserving protection yet most often victimized. 'Cast down' and 'slay' reveal murderous intent. This verse exposes the wicked's cowardice: rather than confronting equals, they attack the defenseless. Yet verse 15 will reverse this, showing divine justice ensures the oppressor's weapons become instruments of self-destruction.