What does Psalms 11:2 mean?
"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." - Psalms 11:2

The verse Psalms 11:2 from the King James Version of the Bible reads: "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."
This verse is from the book of Psalms, which is a collection of religious songs, poems, and prayers that express the full range of human emotion and experience. The book of Psalms is attributed to King David, and it is often used for worship and personal devotion in the Judeo-Christian tradition.
The verse in question reflects the theme of the righteous versus the wicked, a common theme throughout the entire Bible. The imagery of the wicked "bend their bow" and "make ready their arrow upon the string" conveys the sense of evil forces preparing to attack and harm the "upright in heart." This portrayal of wickedness and deceit is a recurring theme throughout the book of Psalms and the Bible as a whole.
In the context of Psalms 11, King David is expressing his trust in the Lord amid the threats and wickedness of his enemies. In the preceding verse (Psalms 11:1), David declares, "In the Lord put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, flee as a bird to your mountain?" The verse emphasizes David's unwavering faith in God, even in the face of danger and opposition.
The imagery of the bow and arrow in Psalms 11:2 symbolizes the deceitful and destructive tactics of the wicked. The act of "privily shoot[ing] at the upright in heart" conveys the idea of covert, calculated attacks against the innocent and virtuous. This imagery serves as a metaphor for the challenges and threats that believers face in their lives, reminding them to remain steadfast in their faith and trust in God.
One of the underlying messages of Psalms 11:2 is the contrast between the ways of the wicked and the ways of the righteous. The wicked are characterized by their deceit, aggression, and oppression of the upright in heart. In contrast, the upright in heart are those who seek to live with integrity, honesty, and righteousness. This moral dichotomy is a common theme in the Bible, emphasizing the importance of choosing the path of righteousness and trusting in God's protection and justice.
The verse also speaks to the universal nature of adversity and the struggles faced by believers. The imagery of the wicked preparing to shoot their arrows at the upright in heart serves as a powerful metaphor for the various forms of persecution, temptation, and spiritual warfare that believers may encounter. This verse serves as a reminder that believers are not exempt from facing trials and tribulations, but they can find strength and refuge in God's protection and deliverance.
In conclusion, Psalms 11:2 from the King James Version of the Bible conveys a potent message about the contrast between the ways of the wicked and the ways of the righteous, as well as the challenges and threats that believers may encounter in their lives. The imagery of the wicked bending their bow and preparing their arrow upon the string serves as a powerful metaphor for the deceitful and destructive tactics of those who oppose the upright in heart. Ultimately, this verse emphasizes the importance of unwavering faith in God's protection and justice, even in the face of adversity and opposition.
Have questions about Psalms 11:2?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Psalms 11:2 Artwork
Psalms 11:2 - "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."
"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." - Psalms 11:2
Psalms 2:11 - "Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling."
Psalms 81:2 - "Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery."
"Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling." - Psalms 2:11
Psalms 37:11 - "But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace."
Psalms 64:2 - "Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity:"
Psalms 115:2 - "Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God?"
"Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery." - Psalms 81:2
Psalms 143:11 - "Quicken me, O LORD, for thy name's sake: for thy righteousness' sake bring my soul out of trouble."
Psalms 65:11
Psalms 63:11 - "But the king shall rejoice in God; every one that sweareth by him shall glory: but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped."
Psalms 84:11 - "For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly."
"The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah." - Psalms 46:11
Psalms 54:2 - "Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth."
Psalms 40: 1:-11
"Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan:" - Psalms 135:11
"My days are like a shadow that declineth; and I am withered like grass." - Psalms 102:11
"The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy." - Psalms 147:11
Psalms 149:2 - "Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King."
"I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine." - Psalms 50:11
"For they intended evil against thee: they imagined a mischievous device, which they are not able to perform." - Psalms 21:11
"Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness." - Psalms 65:11
Psalms 94:11 - "The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity."
"Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High:" - Psalms 107:11
"Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance:" - Psalms 105:11
Psalms 5:2 - "Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray."
Psalms 17:2 - "Let my sentence come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal."
"For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright." - Psalms 11:7
Psalms 97:11 - "Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart."