Psalms 62:4
They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.
Original Language Analysis
אַ֤ךְ
H389
מִשְּׂאֵת֨וֹ׀
from his excellency
H7613
מִשְּׂאֵת֨וֹ׀
from his excellency
Strong's:
H7613
Word #:
2 of 11
an elevation or leprous scab; figuratively, elation or cheerfulness; exaltation in rank or character
יָעֲצ֣וּ
They only consult
H3289
יָעֲצ֣וּ
They only consult
Strong's:
H3289
Word #:
3 of 11
to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve
לְהַדִּיחַ֮
to cast him down
H5080
לְהַדִּיחַ֮
to cast him down
Strong's:
H5080
Word #:
4 of 11
to push off; used in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (to expel, mislead, strike, inflict, etc.)
יִרְצ֪וּ
they delight
H7521
יִרְצ֪וּ
they delight
Strong's:
H7521
Word #:
5 of 11
to be pleased with; specifically, to satisfy a debt
כָ֫זָ֥ב
in lies
H3577
כָ֫זָ֥ב
in lies
Strong's:
H3577
Word #:
6 of 11
falsehood; literally (untruth) or figuratively (idol)
בְּפִ֥יו
with their mouth
H6310
בְּפִ֥יו
with their mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
7 of 11
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
יְבָרֵ֑כוּ
they bless
H1288
יְבָרֵ֑כוּ
they bless
Strong's:
H1288
Word #:
8 of 11
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
וּ֝בְקִרְבָּ֗ם
inwardly
H7130
וּ֝בְקִרְבָּ֗ם
inwardly
Strong's:
H7130
Word #:
9 of 11
properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)
Cross References
Psalms 55:21The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.Psalms 28:3Draw me not away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, which speak peace to their neighbours, but mischief is in their hearts.Psalms 5:9For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.Romans 7:22For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:Revelation 22:15For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.Romans 1:32Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
Historical Context
This likely describes courtiers who outwardly honored David while plotting with Absalom or others. Ancient Near Eastern court intrigue often involved public obeisance concealing private conspiracy.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you discern between genuine honor and flattery masking hostility?
- What does the linkage between lies and inward cursing teach about the unity of truth and blessing?
Analysis & Commentary
Enemies' counsel to 'cast him down from his excellency' indicates assault on David's position/dignity. 'Delight in lies... bless with their mouth but curse inwardly' reveals duplicity—public honor masking private hostility. This anticipates warnings against those who honor God with lips while hearts remain far (Isaiah 29:13, Matthew 15:8), showing that hypocrisy characterized God's enemies from ancient times.