Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 141:4
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.
Definition: 1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer 1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent) 1a3) to bend, turn, incline 1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down 1a3b) to bend, bow 1a3c) to hold out, extend (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stretch out 1c2) to spread out 1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away
Usage: Occurs in 207 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afternoon, apply, bow (down, -ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down, be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched, overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread (out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away), wrest, cause to yield. See also: Genesis 12:8; Psalms 31:3; Psalms 17:6.
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
To thrust or push something is what this Hebrew word means, and it can also imply treating someone poorly. It is used in various ways in the Bible, including to describe abuse or mocking. The KJV translates it as abuse or mock.
Definition: 1) to act severely, deal with severely, make a fool of someone 1a) (Poel) to act severely 1b) (Poal) to be severely dealt with 1c) (Hithpael) to busy oneself, divert oneself, deal wantonly, deal ruthlessly, abuse (by thrusting through) 1d) (Hithpoel) to practise practices, thrust forth (in wickedness)
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: abuse, affect, [idiom] child, defile, do, glean, mock, practise, thoroughly, work (wonderfully). See also: Exodus 10:2; Job 16:15; Psalms 141:4.
This word can mean wantonness or evil deeds, but also a great exploit or achievement. It's used to describe God's mighty acts and human actions, both good and bad, like in Psalm 9.
Definition: 1) wantonness, deed, doing 1a) wantonness 1b) deed 1c) practices, evil deeds
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: act(-ion), deed, doing, invention, occasion, work. See also: Deuteronomy 22:14; Psalms 141:4; Psalms 9:12.
The Hebrew word for wickedness, describing wrong or immoral actions, as seen in the wickedness of enemies or those hostile to God. It appears in various forms, such as iniquity or wickedness. This concept is discussed in biblical books like Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) wrong, wickedness, guilt 1a) wickedness (as violence and crime against civil law) 1b) wickedness (of enemies) 1c) wickedness (in ethical relations)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: iniquity, wicked(-ness). See also: Deuteronomy 9:27; Proverbs 12:3; Psalms 5:5.
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
To work or do something is the meaning of this Hebrew verb, often used to describe habitual or systematic actions. It can also mean to make or practise something.
Definition: 1) to do, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do 1a2) to make
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: commit, (evil-) do(-er), make(-r), ordain, work(-er). See also: Exodus 15:17; Psalms 59:3; Psalms 5:6.
This word refers to evil, wickedness, or trouble, often describing idolatry or iniquity, and is used in various KJV translations to convey a sense of wrongdoing.
Definition: 1) trouble, wickedness, sorrow 1a) trouble, sorrow 1b) idolatry 1c) trouble of iniquity, wickedness Also means: a.ven (אָ֫וֶן ": trouble" H0205H)
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: affliction, evil, false, idol, iniquity, mischief, mourners(-ing), naught, sorrow, unjust, unrighteous, vain, vanity, wicked(-ness). Compare H369 (אַיִן). See also: Numbers 23:21; Psalms 94:23; Psalms 5:6.
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means not or nothing, often used to show something is absent or non-existent. It appears in various forms, like lest or neither. The KJV Bible translates it in different ways, including not or none.
Definition: not, hardly, else
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: lest, neither, no, none (that...), not (any), nothing. See also: 1 Chronicles 16:30; Psalms 140:12; Psalms 10:4.
In the Bible, this word means to feed on or consume something, often referring to eating food or battling against someone. It's used in stories like David's battles and the Israelites' struggles in the wilderness.
Definition: 1) to fight, do battle, make war 1a) (Qal) to fight, do battle 1b) (Niphal) to engage in battle, wage war
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: devour, eat, [idiom] ever, fight(-ing), overcome, prevail, (make) war(-ring). See also: Exodus 1:10; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 35:1.
This word refers to a delicacy or dainty food, often served at special occasions like the feast in Esther 5:6.
Definition: delicacies, dainties
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: dainty. See also: Psalms 141:4.
Context — Come Quickly to Me
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Matthew 6:13 |
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. ’ |
| 2 |
Psalms 119:36 |
Turn my heart to Your testimonies and not to covetous gain. |
| 3 |
Isaiah 63:17 |
Why, O LORD, do You make us stray from Your ways and harden our hearts from fearing You? Return, for the sake of Your servants, the tribes of Your heritage. |
| 4 |
2 Corinthians 6:17 |
“Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” |
| 5 |
1 Corinthians 15:33 |
Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good character.” |
| 6 |
1 Kings 8:58 |
May He incline our hearts to Himself, to walk in all His ways and to keep the commandments and statutes and ordinances He commanded our fathers. |
| 7 |
James 1:13 |
When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone. |
| 8 |
1 Corinthians 10:31 |
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God. |
| 9 |
Deuteronomy 29:4 |
Yet to this day the LORD has not given you a mind to understand, eyes to see, or ears to hear. |
| 10 |
Revelation 18:4 |
Then I heard another voice from heaven say: “Come out of her, My people, so that you will not share in her sins or contract any of her plagues. |
Psalms 141:4 Summary
[This verse is a prayer asking God to protect us from being tempted by evil things and to help us avoid doing wrong. It's like asking a parent to keep us safe from harm. We need God's help to stay on the right path and not get distracted by things that might seem fun or appealing but are actually bad for us (as warned in Proverbs 14:12). By praying like this, we can trust that God will guide us and give us the strength we need to make good choices (as promised in Philippians 4:13).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be drawn to evil things?
Being drawn to evil things means allowing ourselves to be tempted or influenced by sinful behaviors or attitudes, as warned against in Psalms 1:1 and Proverbs 4:14-15. This can lead us away from God's path and into destructive patterns.
How can we avoid taking part in works of wickedness?
To avoid participating in wickedness, we must be mindful of the company we keep and the activities we engage in, as cautioned in Psalms 101:5 and 2 Corinthians 6:14. We should strive to surround ourselves with godly influences and pursue righteous living.
What are the delicacies being referred to in this verse?
The delicacies mentioned in Psalms 141:4 likely refer to the tempting pleasures or benefits that come from engaging in sinful behaviors, as described in Luke 12:15 and 1 John 2:16. These temporal delights can distract us from our spiritual pursuits and lead us astray.
Why is it important to pray for protection from evil?
Praying for protection from evil, as seen in Psalms 141:4, is crucial because our hearts are prone to sin and we need God's guidance and strength to resist temptation, as taught in Matthew 26:41 and Ephesians 6:10-18.
Reflection Questions
- What are some evil things that I may be drawn to in my daily life, and how can I guard against them?
- How can I discern whether a particular activity or relationship is leading me towards wickedness or righteousness?
- What are some delicacies or pleasures in my life that may be distracting me from my spiritual growth and relationship with God?
- In what ways can I pray for protection from evil, and how can I trust in God's faithfulness to answer my prayers?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 141:4
Incline not my heart to [any] evil thing,.... Or "evil word" (z), as the Targum; since out of the abundance of that the mouth speaketh, Matthew 12:34; or to any sinful thing, to the commission of any
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 141:4
Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth ... Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practice wicked works - (cf.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 141:4
Incline not; suffer it not to be inclined or led aside, either by my own errors or lusts, or by the temptations of the world or of the devil. Thus God is frequently said to harden men’ s hearts, not positively, for he can do no evil, nor tempt any man to it, ; but privatively, by denying softening grace. My heart; keep me not only from wicked speeches, , but from all evil motions of my heart, which otherwise will draw me to many evil speeches and actions. To practice wicked works with men that work iniquity; either, 1. To join with them in their sinful courses; or, 2. To do wickedly, as they do. Let me not eat of their dainties; let me never enjoy or desire worldly comforts upon such terms as they do, to wit, with God’ s wrath and curse, as instruments of wickedness, and of my own eternal destruction. My afflictions are more desirable than such prosperity. Let none of their sweet morsels, the pleasures or advantages which they gain by their wickedness, tempt me to approve of or imitate their ways.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 141:4
Psalms 141:4 Incline not my heart to [any] evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties.Ver. 4. Incline not my heart] Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. For the better ordering of his words, therefore, he prayeth, not to be delivered up to Satan, and to his own heart’ s lust (as he was, 1 Chronicles 21:1, with 2 Samuel 24:1), for God tempteth no man, but the devil and his own concupiscence, James 1:13-14, but to be bent the better way by God’ s overpowering, efficacious grace, and to be stablished with his free spirit. To practise wicked works] The Vulgate rendereth it, ad excusandas excusationes in peccatis, to frame excuse for mine offences; but that, when I have over reacted, I may confess and forsake, and so find mercy. Gnalai significat operari cum occasione, praetextu, causa. And let me not eat of their dainties] Their murdering morsels of iniquity; or their flatteries and baits, whereby Saul’ s courtiers sought to ensnare him. The Chaldee expoundeth it of their songs at banquets.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 141:4
(4) To practise wicked works . . .—The Vulg., ad excusandas excusationes, following the LXX., not only preserves the expressive assonance of the original, but probably conveys its meaning better than the somewhat tame English version. Evidently the danger to be guarded against was not so much a sinful act as a sinful utterance, and the expression “to make pretexts or excuses” may possibly refer to the casuistries by which some of the laxer Jews excused their participation in heathen rites or licentious banquets. Symmachus has, “to devise wicked devices.” Dainties.—The word is peculiar to this passage, but derived from a root meaning “pleasant.” The LXX. and Vulg. refer it to persons instead of things. But the use of the same root in Psalms 141:6, “for they are sweet,” where the reference is to “words,” suggests a meaning here different both from the English and the ancient versions. “I will not taste of their sweets” may mean “I will not listen to their allurements: what finds favour with them shall not tempt me.” On the other hand, if we retain the English allusion to the dainties of a feast (so Symmachus), the word in Psalms 141:6 will be used metaphorically in contrast. The words of condemnation he utters, though bitter to these feasters, are in reality sweet with the sweetness of truth.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 141:4
Verse 4. Let me eat not of their dainties.] This may refer either to eating things forbidden by the law; or to the partaking in banquets or feasts in honour of idols.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 141:4
4. Incline not my heart &c.] Leave me not by the withdrawal of Thy grace, to turn aside from the path of right. Cp. Psalms 119:10; Psalms 119:133. to practise &c.] To occupy myself in wicked practices with men who are workers of iniquity. The word for men implies that they are men of rank and position who set this bad example. Cp. Psalms 4:2, note. let me not eat of their dainties] Let me not share their life of sensual luxury, the means for which are procured by violence and injustice. Cp. Proverbs 4:17, “For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence”: Psalms 24:1-2. There does not seem to be any allusion to participation in idolatrous sacrifices.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 141:4
Incline not my heart to any evil thing - Hebrew, to a word that is evil; that is, wrong. The connection seems to demand that the term should be thus explained.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 141:4
4. Incline not my heart—As in Psalms 141:3 he would have the “door” of his “lips” guarded, so now he would have his “heart” rightly inclined.
Sermons on Psalms 141:4
| Sermon | Description |
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The Moral Decline of Society
by Keith Daniel
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This sermon emphasizes the importance of standing firm in the truth of God's Word, even in the face of persecution and societal opposition. It warns against being deceived by false |
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The Kjv Version Bible - Part 1
by Chuck Smith
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In this sermon, the preacher discusses the warnings given by Paul the Apostle in Romans chapter 1. He emphasizes the danger of people who claim to be wise but instead worship their |
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(Basics) 57. Praying for Our Material Needs
by Zac Poonen
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In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of putting God first in our lives and prayers. He highlights that we should not prioritize our business, studies, family, or p |
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Model for Praying: Lead Us Not Into Temptation, deliver...
by J. Glyn Owen
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In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the last two petitions of the Lord's Prayer, specifically addressing God as the provider of our daily bread and the one who forgives our sins |
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To the Philippians (Ca. 110-140)
by St. Polycarp of Smyrna
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In this sermon, the speaker urges the listeners to serve God with fear and truth, while forsaking empty talking and the errors of the world. The speaker emphasizes the belief in Go |
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Truths From Israel's History, Part 1 - Crossing the Jordan
by Ed Miller
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In this sermon, the speaker focuses on four events from the book of Joshua: the crossing of the Jordan River, the setting up of the base camp at Gilgal, the first victory at Jerich |
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Desert Survival Series Pt 28- Moses the Servant of God
by Don Courville
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In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of durability in our lives. He starts by highlighting how in today's society, we are concerned about the longevity of the thin |