What does Psalms 64:5 mean?
"They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them?" - Psalms 64:5

The Bible verse Psalm 64:5 from the King James Version (KJV) reads, "They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them?" This verse highlights the theme of evil intentions and the secrecy with which evildoers plot and scheme. It provides a commentary on the nature of human sinfulness and the deceptive ways in which people can plan to cause harm to others.
The context of Psalm 64 is one of prayer and supplication for deliverance from enemies. The psalmist is crying out to God for protection from those who seek to harm him, and he describes the wickedness and deceit of his enemies in great detail. The specific verse, Psalm 64:5, depicts the mindset of evildoers who take pleasure in their sinful plans and believe that they can go undetected. It speaks to the arrogance and confidence of those who engage in wickedness, thinking that they are untouchable and beyond the reach of justice.
The imagery used in this verse is powerful and evocative. The idea of "encouraging themselves in an evil matter" conveys the sense of deliberate and intentional wrongdoing. It suggests a willful choice to engage in sinful behavior, and the word "encourage" implies a sense of self-assurance and confidence in their actions. Furthermore, the phrase "they commune of laying snares privily" conveys the idea of secretive and clandestine plotting. The use of the word "commune" implies a shared and intimate discussion, highlighting the unity and coordination of the evildoers in their schemes. The imagery of laying snares is symbolic of the traps and pitfalls that the wicked lay for their victims, seeking to cause them harm and suffering. The notion of doing so "privily" emphasizes the stealth and cunning with which these snares are set, further demonstrating the deceptive and covert nature of their actions.
The verse concludes with the evildoers' boastful question, "Who shall see them?" This question reflects their arrogance and confidence in their ability to escape accountability and avoid detection. It speaks to their belief that they are beyond the reach of justice and that their evil deeds will go unnoticed. This sense of impunity and invincibility adds to the depth of the psalmist's anguish and plea for God's intervention and deliverance.
Symbolically, Psalm 64:5 serves as a profound reflection on the nature of sin and the deception of human hearts. It underscores the reality of evil in the world and the insidious ways in which it can manifest itself. The imagery of laying snares and plotting in secrecy speaks to the destructive and harmful intentions of the wicked, as well as the cunning and deceitful tactics they employ. Moreover, the arrogance and boastful attitude of the evildoers highlight the pride and hubris that often accompany sinful behavior. The question "Who shall see them?" serves as a stark reminder of the omniscience and justice of God, who sees all and holds all accountable for their actions.
In conclusion, Psalm 64:5 from the King James Version conveys a powerful commentary on the nature of evil and the deceptive ways in which evildoers plot and scheme. It provides a poignant reflection on the sinful nature of humanity and the need for divine intervention and deliverance. The verse's imagery and symbolism enrich its meaning, offering insight into the destructive and harmful intentions of the wicked, as well as the arrogance and pride that often accompany their actions. Ultimately, Psalm 64:5 serves as a reminder of the eternal vigilance and justice of God, who sees all and holds all accountable for their deeds.
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Psalms 64:5 - "They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them?"
"They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them?" - Psalms 64:5
Psalms 64:2 - "Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity:"
Psalms 64:1 - "Hear my voice, O God, in my prayer: preserve my life from fear of the enemy."
Psalms 78:64 - "Their priests fell by the sword; and their widows made no lamentation."
Psalms 64:4 - "That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not."
Psalms 64:7 - "But God shall shoot at them with an arrow; suddenly shall they be wounded."
Psalms 119:64 - "The earth, O LORD, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes."
Psalms 64:10 - "The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory."
"Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked; from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity:" - Psalms 64:2
Psalms 64:9 - "And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of his doing."
Psalms 64:3 - "Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words:"
Psalms 64:8 - "So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: all that see them shall flee away."
Psalms 64:6 - "They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search: both the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart, is deep."
"Their priests fell by the sword; and their widows made no lamentation." - Psalms 78:64
Psalms 98:5 - "Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm."
"So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: all that see them shall flee away." - Psalms 64:8
"But God shall shoot at them with an arrow; suddenly shall they be wounded." - Psalms 64:7
"The earth, O LORD, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes." - Psalms 119:64
"That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not." - Psalms 64:4
"The earth, O LORD, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes." - Psalms 119:64
"Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm." - Psalms 98:5
Psalms 98:5 - "Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm."
Psalms 98:5 - "Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm."
Psalms 98:5 - "Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm."
Psalms 98:5 - "Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm."
Psalms 98:5 - "Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm."
"Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words:" - Psalms 64:3
"The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory." - Psalms 64:10
"And all men shall fear, and shall declare the work of God; for they shall wisely consider of his doing." - Psalms 64:9