Psalms 140:8
Psalms 140:8 in Multiple Translations
Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked; do not promote their evil plans, lest they be exalted. Selah
Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah.
Grant not, O Jehovah, the desires of the wicked; Further not his evil device, lest they exalt themselves. [Selah
O Lord, give not the wrongdoer his desire; give him no help in his evil designs, or he may be uplifted in pride. (Selah.)
God, don't allow the wicked to get what they want—don't let them be successful in what they plan so they don't become proud. Selah.
Let not the wicked haue his desire, O Lord: performe not his wicked thought, least they be proude. Selah.
Grant not, O Jehovah, the desires of the wicked, His wicked device bring not forth, They are high. Selah.
LORD, don’t grant the desires of the wicked. Don’t let their evil plans succeed, or they will become proud. Selah.
Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah.
But o to thee, O Lord, Lord, are my eyes: in thee have I put my trust, take not away my soul.
Yahweh, do allow wicked people to do the things that they desire, and do not allow them to do the evil things that they plan to do. (Think about that!)
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 140:8
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 140:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יְהֹוִ֣ה
אֲ֭דֹנָ/י
עֹ֣ז
יְשׁוּעָתִ֑/י
סַכֹּ֥תָה
לְ֝/רֹאשִׁ֗/י
בְּ/י֣וֹם
נָֽשֶׁק
יְהֹוִ֣ה
Yᵉhôvih
H3069
YHWH/God
N-proper
אֲ֭דֹנָ/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
Lord
N-mp | Suff
עֹ֣ז
ʻôz
H5797
strength
N-ms
יְשׁוּעָתִ֑/י
yᵉshûwʻâh
H3444
salvation
N-fs | Suff
סַכֹּ֥תָה
çâkak
H5526
to fence
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
לְ֝/רֹאשִׁ֗/י
rôʼsh
H7218
head
Prep | N-ms | Suff
בְּ/י֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-ms
נָֽשֶׁק
nesheq
H5402
weapon
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 140:8
יְהֹוִ֣ה
Yᵉhôvih
H3069
"YHWH/God"
N-proper
YHWH is a name for God, often used in combination with 'Lord'. It is similar to Yehovah, but with different vowels. This name emphasizes God's power and authority.
Definition: 1) Jehovah-used primarily in the combination 'Lord Jehovah' 1a) equal to ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068) but pointed with the vowels of e.lo.him (אֱלֹהִים "God" H0430)
Usage: Occurs in 296 OT verses. KJV: God. See also: Genesis 15:2; Ezekiel 14:21; Psalms 68:21.
אֲ֭דֹנָ/י
ʼĂdônây
H136
"Lord"
N-mp | Suff
Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.
Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.
עֹ֣ז
ʻôz
H5797
"strength"
N-ms
Describes strength or might, including physical power, social status, or boldness, like the strength of God or a strong leader.
Definition: 1) might, strength 1a) material or physical 1b) personal or social or political
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: boldness, loud, might, power, strength, strong. See also: Exodus 15:2; Psalms 84:6; Psalms 8:3.
יְשׁוּעָתִ֑/י
yᵉshûwʻâh
H3444
"salvation"
N-fs | Suff
Salvation means being saved or delivered from something, like trouble or danger, and can also mean victory or prosperity, as seen in the Bible's promises of God's deliverance.
Definition: 1) salvation, deliverance 1a) welfare, prosperity 1b) deliverance 1c) salvation (by God) 1d) victory
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: deliverance, health, help(-ing), salvation, save, saving (health), welfare. See also: Genesis 49:18; Psalms 80:3; Psalms 3:3.
סַכֹּ֥תָה
çâkak
H5526
"to fence"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
To weave means to entwine or fence in, implying protection, as seen in the Bible where it means to cover or defend something.
Definition: (Qal) to hedge, fence about, shut in
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: cover, defence, defend, hedge in, join together, set, shut up. See also: Exodus 25:20; Job 40:22; Psalms 5:12.
לְ֝/רֹאשִׁ֗/י
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
בְּ/י֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
נָֽשֶׁק
nesheq
H5402
"weapon"
N-ms
Military equipment, including arms and armor, used for battle or defense. It refers to the weapons and tools used by armed men. In the Bible, it is often associated with war and conflict.
Definition: 1) equipment, weapons, armoury 1a) equipment, weapons 1b) armoury
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: armed men, armour(-y), battle, harness, weapon. See also: 1 Kings 10:25; Job 39:21; Psalms 140:8.
Study Notes — Psalms 140:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 140:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 140:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 140:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 140:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 140:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 140:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 140:8
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 140:8
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 140:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 140:8
- Sermons on Psalms 140:8
Context — Rescue Me from Evil Men
6I say to the LORD, “You are my God.” Hear, O LORD, my cry for help.
7O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You shield my head in the day of battle.
8Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked; do not promote their evil plans, lest they be exalted. Selah
9May the heads of those who surround me be covered in the trouble their lips have caused. 10May burning coals fall on them; may they be thrown into the fire, into the miry pits, never to rise again.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 10:2–3 | In pride the wicked pursue the needy; let them be caught in the schemes they devise. For the wicked man boasts in the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 32:27 | if I had not dreaded the taunt of the enemy, lest their adversaries misunderstand and say: ‘Our own hand has prevailed; it was not the LORD who did all this.’” |
| 3 | Psalms 27:12 | Do not hand me over to the will of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence. |
| 4 | Job 5:12–13 | He thwarts the schemes of the crafty, so that their hands find no success. He catches the wise in their craftiness, and sweeps away the plans of the cunning. |
| 5 | 2 Samuel 15:31 | Now someone told David: “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” So David pleaded, “O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!” |
| 6 | Psalms 94:20–21 | Can a corrupt throne be Your ally— one devising mischief by decree? They band together against the righteous and condemn the innocent to death. |
Psalms 140:8 Summary
This verse is a prayer asking God not to give the wicked what they want, because their desires are rooted in evil plans. The psalmist is concerned that if the wicked get what they want, they will become even more powerful and hurt more people, which is why he prays for God to stop their evil plans, as seen in Psalms 140:8. This reminds us to pray for God's justice and righteousness to prevail, even when it's hard, and to trust in His goodness and love, as taught in Romans 12:19 and supported by Psalms 37:7-9. By praying against the wicked, we are ultimately praying for God's will to be done on earth, as Jesus taught us to pray in Matthew 6:10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the psalmist ask God not to grant the desires of the wicked?
The psalmist asks God not to grant the desires of the wicked because he understands that their desires are rooted in evil plans, and fulfilling them would lead to their exaltation, which would ultimately glorify sin rather than God, as seen in Psalms 140:8 and supported by Proverbs 10:28.
What does it mean for the wicked to be exalted?
For the wicked to be exalted means that they would be lifted up or elevated in status, power, or influence, which would allow them to spread their evil plans and harm more people, as warned against in Psalms 140:8 and similar to the warnings in Psalms 37:7-9.
Is it right for Christians to pray against the wicked?
Yes, it is right for Christians to pray against the wicked, not out of hatred or personal vendetta, but out of a desire to see God's justice and righteousness prevail, as expressed in Psalms 140:8 and similar to the prayers in Psalms 35:1-10 and Jeremiah 11:20.
How does this verse relate to our everyday lives?
This verse reminds us that we should be mindful of the desires and plans of those around us, and pray that God would not allow evil to prosper, but instead promote righteousness and justice, as taught in Matthew 6:10 and supported by Psalms 140:8.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that the wicked may try to exalt themselves in our world today, and how can we pray against their evil plans?
- How can we balance our desire to see justice with our command to love our enemies, as seen in Matthew 5:44?
- What are some examples of evil plans that we can pray against, and how can we discern what is truly evil?
- How does praying against the wicked relate to our own personal struggles with sin and temptation, and what can we learn from this verse about our own spiritual battles?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 140:8
Grant not, O Lord, the desires of the wicked,.... Of Doeg, as the Targum, and of other wicked men, who were desirous both of taking him, and of taking away his life: but the desires of such men are
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 140:8
Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah. Grant not, O Lord, the desires of the wicked - against me and my race (Psalms 27:12). Further not his wicked device.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 140:8
His wicked device; which is to destroy me. Exalt themselves; not only against me, but against thee also, as if by their power and policy they had frustrated thy design and promise made to me.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 140:8
Psalms 140:8 Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; [lest] they exalt themselves. Selah.Ver. 8. Grant not, O Lord, &c.] For if they should be votorum compotes, masters of their desires, they would be intolerably insolent, so as to say, Our high hand, and not the Lord, hath done all this, Deuteronomy 32:27.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 140:8
(8) Desires.—The form of the Hebrew word is anomalous, but the meaning certain. The LXX. and Vulg. give the first clause thus: “Give me not over to the enemy, by reason of their own desire;” which may possibly have been in St. Paul’s mind in Romans 1:24. Further not.—The text of this clause has undoubtedly suffered. The Authorised Version follows the LXX. and Vulg. in inserting a negative before the last word. These versions also take the word rendered “wicked devices” as a verb, not finding a noun of the form anywhere else: “They have plotted against me: desert me not, lest they exalt themselves.” So also Symmachus, and another Greek version quoted by Origen. As the text at present stands, we must render: his plot do not further—they lift up. Looking on to the next verse, “the head of those surrounding me,” the suggestion at once arises that the verb lift up properly belongs to this clause: “His plot do not further. They lift the head, these surrounding me.” This arrangement disregards the “selah.” and also obliges us to suspect that a clause has dropped cut after the first clause of Psa 140:9—a suspicion confirmed by the rhythm.[20] [20] Mr. Burgess amends to “Further not his plot to his exaltation.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 140:8
Verse 8. Further not his wicked device] He knew his enemies still desired his death, and were plotting to accomplish it; and here he prays that God may disappoint and confound them. The Chaldee understands this of Doeg.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 140:8
8. further not his evil device] Suffer it not to issue in success. lest they exalt themselves] The construction is harsh, whether we render thus, or, ‘for then will they exalt themselves,’ and probably the word belongs to the next verse.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 140:8
Grant not, O Lord, the desires of the wicked - That is, in the matter under consideration. Let them not accomplish their desire in my destruction. Let them not succeed in their designs against me.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 140:8
8. Grant not… the desires of the wicked—For God to grant their desires would contradict his own holiness, and lead to the abandonment of the righteous, for the desires of the wicked and the righteous cannot both be granted.
Sermons on Psalms 140:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Communion of Saints by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of the communion of saints, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 13:14. He emphasizes that what one shares is a reflection of what one is |
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Pride and Shame or Humility and Wisdom by Bob Hoekstra | Bob Hoekstra preaches on the importance of walking in humility rather than pride to receive God's grace and wisdom. Those who walk in pride end up with shame, as seen in the wicked |
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Pride by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot delivers a powerful sermon on the detestable nature of pride and arrogance, highlighting how pride is deeply rooted in the human heart and is considered the 'sin of si |
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The Lord’s Perfect Provision for His Own Masterpiece by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of going through trials and testing in order to truly know and experience Jesus. He shares a personal story of being surrounde |
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Matthew 2:12-15. the Heavenly Warnings. by Favell Lee Mortimer | Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about God's divine protection over His faithful servants, showcasing how God can thwart the plans of the wicked through dreams, prayers, and discernmen |
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The Fiery Furnace by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about how God brings about His greatest victories out of apparent defeats. Despite the enemy seemingly triumphing for a little while, God ultimately upse |
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The Inquisition by Ian Paisley | Ian Paisley delivers a sermon reflecting on the horrors of the Inquisition, describing it as a system born out of prodigious iniquity and cruelty, incompatible with freedom and hum |