Psalms 38:12

Authorized King James Version

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They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.

Original Language Analysis

וַיְנַקְשׁ֤וּ׀ lay snares H5367
וַיְנַקְשׁ֤וּ׀ lay snares
Strong's: H5367
Word #: 1 of 11
to entrap (with a noose), literally or figuratively
מְבַקְשֵׁ֬י They also that seek H1245
מְבַקְשֵׁ֬י They also that seek
Strong's: H1245
Word #: 2 of 11
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
נַפְשִׁ֗י after my life H5315
נַפְשִׁ֗י after my life
Strong's: H5315
Word #: 3 of 11
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
וְדֹרְשֵׁ֣י for me and they that seek H1875
וְדֹרְשֵׁ֣י for me and they that seek
Strong's: H1875
Word #: 4 of 11
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
רָ֭עָתִי my hurt H7451
רָ֭עָתִי my hurt
Strong's: H7451
Word #: 5 of 11
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
דִּבְּר֣וּ speak H1696
דִּבְּר֣וּ speak
Strong's: H1696
Word #: 6 of 11
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
הַוּ֑וֹת mischievous things H1942
הַוּ֑וֹת mischievous things
Strong's: H1942
Word #: 7 of 11
by implication, of falling); desire; also ruin
וּ֝מִרְמ֗וֹת deceits H4820
וּ֝מִרְמ֗וֹת deceits
Strong's: H4820
Word #: 8 of 11
fraud
כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 9 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַיּ֥וֹם all the day H3117
הַיּ֥וֹם all the day
Strong's: H3117
Word #: 10 of 11
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
יֶהְגּֽוּ׃ and imagine H1897
יֶהְגּֽוּ׃ and imagine
Strong's: H1897
Word #: 11 of 11
to murmur (in pleasure or anger); by implication, to ponder

Analysis & Commentary

They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long. Isolation (v.11) escalates to active hostility—enemies seek my life (בָּקַשׁ נֶפֶשׁ, baqash nephesh, hunt the soul), lay snares (נָקַשׁ מוֹקֵשׁ, naqash moqesh, set traps), speak mischievous things (הַוּוֹת, havvot, calamities/ruin), and imagine deceits (מִרְמוֹת, mirmot, treacheries).

David's weakness emboldens adversaries. The hunter imagery (snares, traps) depicts calculated malice. The progression: physical speech ('speak') → mental scheming ('imagine') → continual plotting ('all day long'). This echoes Absalom's conspiracy (2 Samuel 15-17) and prefigures plots against Christ (Matthew 26:4). When God's discipline weakens us, Satan's agents often attack.

Historical Context

Ancient near eastern politics were ruthless—weakness invited coup attempts. If David's illness was publicly known, rivals would exploit it. Absalom's rebellion began by undermining David's reputation (2 Samuel 15:2-6). The 'snares' and 'deceits' suggest court intrigue, not open warfare—assassination plots, false accusations, power grabs.

Questions for Reflection