Psalms 62:3
How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall shall ye be, and as a tottering fence.
Original Language Analysis
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
1 of 11
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
אָ֤נָה׀
H575
תְּהֽוֹתְת֣וּ
How long will ye imagine mischief
H2050
תְּהֽוֹתְת֣וּ
How long will ye imagine mischief
Strong's:
H2050
Word #:
3 of 11
properly, to break in upon, i.e., to assail
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אִישׁ֮
against a man
H376
אִישׁ֮
against a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
5 of 11
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
תְּרָצְּח֪וּ
ye shall be slain
H7523
תְּרָצְּח֪וּ
ye shall be slain
Strong's:
H7523
Word #:
6 of 11
properly, to dash in pieces, i.e., kill (a human being), especially to murder
כֻ֫לְּכֶ֥ם
H3605
כֻ֫לְּכֶ֥ם
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
נָט֑וּי
all of you as a bowing
H5186
נָט֑וּי
all of you as a bowing
Strong's:
H5186
Word #:
9 of 11
to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away (including moral deflection); used in a great variety of application (as follows)
Cross References
Psalms 140:2Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war.Psalms 82:2How long will ye judge unjustly, and accept the persons of the wicked? Selah.Psalms 21:11For they intended evil against thee: they imagined a mischievous device, which they are not able to perform.Psalms 38:12They 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.Proverbs 1:22How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?Jeremiah 4:14O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee?Psalms 4:2O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah.Exodus 16:28And the LORD said unto Moses, How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws?Hosea 7:15Though I have bound and strengthened their arms, yet do they imagine mischief against me.Proverbs 6:9How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?
Historical Context
The metaphor of a leaning wall captures David's apparent political vulnerability during various persecutions. Enemies saw opportunity in his weakened state, not recognizing God's preservation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does faith enable standing firm when enemies perceive you as vulnerable?
- What does persistent opposition despite repeated divine deliverance reveal about the nature of hardened resistance?
Analysis & Commentary
The question to enemies 'How long will ye imagine mischief' indicates weariness with persistent opposition. The imagery of enemies as attackers assaulting a 'bowing wall' and 'tottering fence' suggests perceived vulnerability. Yet this may be ironic—they see David as weak, but he stands secure in God. Their destruction of one 'already slain' indicates futile assault on one whom God guards.