Psalms 41:6
And if he come to see me, he speaketh vanity: his heart gathereth iniquity to itself; when he goeth abroad, he telleth it.
Original Language Analysis
וְאִם
H518
וְאִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 12
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
בָּ֤א
And if he come
H935
בָּ֤א
And if he come
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
2 of 12
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
לִרְא֨וֹת׀
to see
H7200
לִרְא֨וֹת׀
to see
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
3 of 12
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
שָׁ֤וְא
vanity
H7723
שָׁ֤וְא
vanity
Strong's:
H7723
Word #:
4 of 12
evil (as destructive), literally (ruin) or morally (especially guile); figuratively idolatry (as false, subjective), uselessness (as deceptive, object
יְדַבֵּֽר׃
he telleth
H1696
יְדַבֵּֽר׃
he telleth
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
5 of 12
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
לִבּ֗וֹ
his heart
H3820
לִבּ֗וֹ
his heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
6 of 12
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
אָ֥וֶן
iniquity
H205
אָ֥וֶן
iniquity
Strong's:
H205
Word #:
8 of 12
strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol
יֵצֵ֖א
to itself when he goeth
H3318
יֵצֵ֖א
to itself when he goeth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
10 of 12
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
Historical Context
The intimate betrayal described here foreshadows Judas's kiss in Gethsemane. Both David and Jesus experienced friends turned enemies, those who shared fellowship becoming instruments of destruction.
Questions for Reflection
- How does hidden hostility disguised as friendship particularly wound us?
- What protections exist against those who gather iniquity in their hearts while speaking smoothly?
Analysis & Commentary
The hypocrisy of David's enemy is exposed: outwardly speaking 'vanity' (flattering words) while inwardly gathering 'iniquity' against him. The phrase 'when he goeth abroad, he telleth it' reveals the two-faced nature of the betrayer--friendly in person, slanderous behind David's back. This treachery wounds more deeply than open opposition.