Psalms 11:2

2 For look, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart.

Psalms 11:2 in Other Translations

2 For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart.

2 for behold, the wicked bend the bow; they have fitted their arrow to the string to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart;

2 The wicked are stringing their bows and fitting their arrows on the bowstrings. They shoot from the shadows at those whose hearts are right.

2 the evil bows are bent, the wicked arrows Aimed to shoot under cover of darkness at every heart open to God.

2 For, lo, the wicked bend the bow, They make ready their arrow upon the string, That they may shoot in darkness at the upright in heart;

2 Wicked people bend their bows. They set their arrows against the strings to shoot in the dark at people whose motives are decent.

2 For look, the wicked string the bow; they put the arrow on the bowstring to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart.

2 Look! Evil people are bending their bows. They are placing their arrows against the strings. They are planning to shoot from the shadows at those who have honest hearts.

Psalms 11:2 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 11:2

For, lo, the wicked bend [their] bow
Are devising mischief, and making preparations to accomplish it;

they make ready their arrow upon the string;
of the bow, and are just about to execute their wicked designs;

that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart;
such as David, and those that were with him, were; they were men whose hearts were upright before God, and were of upright conversations before men, and so became the butt of the malice and resentment of wicked men; against these they formed evil purposes, delivered out bitter words, which were like sharp arrows of the mighty; threatened them with ruin and destruction, and took methods to bring about their designs and make good their words, in the most private and secret manner. Hence some of David's friends thought it most advisable for him to make his escape; adding,

Psalms 11:2 In-Context

1 In the LORD I take refuge. How then can you say to me: “Flee like a bird to your mountain.

2 For look, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart.

3 When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?”

4 The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD is on his heavenly throne. He observes everyone on earth; his eyes examine them.

5 The LORD examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion.

Cross References

• 1. S 2 Samuel 22:35
• 2. S Psalms 7:13; S Psalms 58:7
• 3. Psalms 10:8
• 4. S Job 33:3; Psalms 7:10; Psalms 64:3-4