Psalms 141:6
Psalms 141:6 in Multiple Translations
When their rulers are thrown down from the cliffs, the people will listen to my words, for they are pleasant.
When their judges are overthrown in stony places, they shall hear my words; for they are sweet.
Their judges are thrown down by the sides of the rock; And they shall hear my words; for they are sweet.
When destruction comes to their judges by the side of the rock, they will give ear to my words, for they are sweet.
They shall be thrown down by the power of the rock that judges them, and then they will recognize what I said was true!
When their iudges shall be cast downe in stonie places, they shall heare my wordes, for they are sweete.
Their judges have been released by the sides of a rock, And they have heard my sayings, For they have been pleasant.
Their judges are thrown down by the sides of the rock. They will hear my words, for they are well spoken.
When their judges are overthrown in stony places, they shall hear my words; for they are sweet.
I cried to thee, O Lord: I said: Thou art my hope, my portion in the land of the living.
When their rulers are thrown down from the top of rocky cliffs, people will know that what you, Yahweh, said about them is true.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 141:6
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 141:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
נִשְׁמְט֣וּ
בִֽ/ידֵי
סֶ֭לַע
שֹׁפְטֵי/הֶ֑ם
וְ/שָׁמְע֥וּ
אֲ֝מָרַ֗/י
כִּ֣י
נָעֵֽמוּ
נִשְׁמְט֣וּ
shâmaṭ
H8058
to release
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
בִֽ/ידֵי
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cd
סֶ֭לַע
çelaʻ
H5553
crag
N-ms
שֹׁפְטֵי/הֶ֑ם
shâphaṭ
H8199
to judge
V-Qal | Suff
וְ/שָׁמְע֥וּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
אֲ֝מָרַ֗/י
ʼêmer
H561
word
N-mp | Suff
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
נָעֵֽמוּ
nâʻêm
H5276
be pleasant
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
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 141:6
נִשְׁמְט֣וּ
shâmaṭ
H8058
"to release"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to release or let something go, like dropping something or stopping an activity. It can also mean to throw something down or cause it to fall. The KJV translates it as release, overthrow, or let rest.
Definition: 1) to release, let drop or loose or rest or fall 1a) (Qal) to let drop or fall 1b) (Niphal) to be made to fall down, be thrown down 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to let drop 1c2) to release, let drop
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: discontinue, overthrow, release, let rest, shake, stumble, throw down. See also: Exodus 23:11; 2 Kings 9:33; Psalms 141:6.
בִֽ/ידֵי
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cd
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
סֶ֭לַע
çelaʻ
H5553
"crag"
N-ms
This word means a craggy rock or cliff, a strong and secure place, like the rock of salvation in Psalm 71:3.
Definition: 1) crag, cliff, rock 1a) crag, cliff 1b) as stronghold of Jehovah, of security (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: (ragged) rock, stone(-ny), strong hold. See also: Numbers 20:8; Psalms 71:3; Psalms 18:3.
שֹׁפְטֵי/הֶ֑ם
shâphaṭ
H8199
"to judge"
V-Qal | Suff
To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.
Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.
וְ/שָׁמְע֥וּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Conj | V-Qal-3cp
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
אֲ֝מָרַ֗/י
ʼêmer
H561
"word"
N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to a word or speech, like a promise or command from God. It is used in books like Genesis and Exodus to describe God's conversations with people.
Definition: utterance, speech, word, saying, promise, command
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: answer, [idiom] appointed unto him, saying, speech, word. See also: Genesis 49:21; Psalms 141:6; Psalms 5:2.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
נָעֵֽמוּ
nâʻêm
H5276
"be pleasant"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to be pleasant or agreeable, describing something or someone as beautiful, sweet, or delightful, as seen in the Bible's descriptions of beautiful music or lovely landscapes. It is used to describe things that bring joy. In the Bible, it appears in descriptions of pleasant things.
Definition: (Qal) to be pleasant, be beautiful, be sweet, be delightful, be lovely
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: pass in beauty, be delight, be pleasant, be sweet. See also: Genesis 49:15; Proverbs 9:17; Psalms 141:6.
Study Notes — Psalms 141:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 141:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 141:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 141:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 141:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 141:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 141:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 141:6
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 141:6
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 141:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 141:6
- Sermons on Psalms 141:6
Context — Come Quickly to Me
4Do not let my heart be drawn to any evil thing or take part in works of wickedness with men who do iniquity; let me not feast on their delicacies.
5Let the righteous man strike me; let his rebuke be an act of loving devotion. It is oil for my head; let me not refuse it. For my prayer is ever against the deeds of the wicked.
6When their rulers are thrown down from the cliffs, the people will listen to my words, for they are pleasant.
7As when one plows and breaks up the soil, so our bones have been scattered at the mouth of Sheol. 8But my eyes are fixed on You, O GOD the Lord. In You I seek refuge; do not leave my soul defenseless.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 25:12 | and the army of Judah also captured 10,000 men alive. They took them to the top of a cliff and threw them down so that all were dashed to pieces. |
| 2 | 1 Chronicles 12:38 | All these men of war, arrayed for battle, came to Hebron fully determined to make David king over all Israel. And all the rest of the Israelites were of one mind to make David king. |
| 3 | 1 Chronicles 11:1–3 | Then all Israel came together to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood. Even in times past, while Saul was king, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And the LORD your God said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’” So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where David made a covenant with them before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel, according to the word of the LORD through Samuel. |
| 4 | 2 Samuel 1:17–27 | Then David took up this lament for Saul and his son Jonathan, and he ordered that the sons of Judah be taught the Song of the Bow. It is written in the Book of Jashar: “Your glory, O Israel, lies slain on your heights. How the mighty have fallen! Tell it not in Gath; proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, and the daughters of the uncircumcised exult. O mountains of Gilboa, may you have no dew or rain, no fields yielding offerings of grain. For there the shield of the mighty was defiled, the shield of Saul, no longer anointed with oil. From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan did not retreat, and the sword of Saul did not return empty. Saul and Jonathan, beloved and delightful in life, were not divided in death. They were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions. O daughters of Israel, weep for Saul, who clothed you in scarlet and luxury, who decked your garments with ornaments of gold. How the mighty have fallen in the thick of battle! Jonathan lies slain on your heights. I grieve for you, Jonathan, my brother. You were delightful to me; your love to me was extraordinary, surpassing the love of women. How the mighty have fallen and the weapons of war have perished!” |
| 5 | Psalms 45:2 | You are the most handsome of men; grace has anointed your lips, since God has blessed you forever. |
| 6 | 2 Samuel 2:4–6 | Then the men of Judah came to Hebron, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul.” So David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead to tell them, “The LORD bless you, because you showed this kindness to Saul your lord when you buried him. Now may the LORD show you loving devotion and faithfulness, and I will also show you the same favor because you have done this. |
| 7 | 1 Chronicles 13:2 | And he said to the whole assembly of Israel, “If it seems good to you, and if this is of the LORD our God, let us send word far and wide to the rest of our brothers in all the land of Israel, and also to the priests and Levites in their cities and pasturelands, so that they may join us. |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 31:1–8 | Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before them, and many fell slain on Mount Gilboa. The Philistines followed hard after Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua. When the battle intensified against Saul, the archers overtook him and wounded him critically. Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run it through me, or these uncircumcised men will come and run me through and torture me!” But his armor-bearer was terrified and refused to do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it. When his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his own sword and died with him. So Saul, his three sons, his armor-bearer, and all his men died together that same day. When the Israelites along the valley and those on the other side of the Jordan saw that the army of Israel had fled and that Saul and his sons had died, they abandoned their cities and ran away. So the Philistines came and occupied their cities. The next day, when the Philistines came to strip the dead, they found Saul and his three sons fallen on Mount Gilboa. |
| 9 | 1 Chronicles 10:1–7 | Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before them, and many fell slain on Mount Gilboa. The Philistines followed hard after Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua. When the battle intensified against Saul, the archers overtook him and wounded him. Then Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run it through me, or these uncircumcised men will come and torture me!” But his armor-bearer was terrified and refused to do it. So Saul took his own sword and fell on it. When his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his own sword and died. So Saul died together with his three sons and all his house. When all the Israelites in the valley saw that the army had fled and that Saul and his sons had died, they abandoned their cities and ran away. So the Philistines came and occupied their cities. |
| 10 | Luke 4:22 | All spoke well of Him and marveled at the gracious words that came from His lips. “Isn’t this the son of Joseph?” they asked. |
Psalms 141:6 Summary
[This verse is saying that when God brings down the wicked leaders who are opposing Him, the people will finally be able to hear and respond to the truth. The psalmist's words are pleasant and bring life, and he trusts that God will use them to bring freedom to those who are captive to evil. This is a reminder that God is sovereign and just, and that His words have the power to bring life and transformation, as we see in John 6:63, where Jesus says that His words are spirit and life. As we trust in God's justice and timing, we can be faithful to share His words with others, knowing that they have the power to bring freedom and life.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the rulers to be thrown down from the cliffs in Psalms 141:6?
This phrase is a metaphor for the downfall of wicked leaders, and it is a call for God's judgment on those who oppose Him, as seen in Psalms 37:35-36, where the wicked are cut off, but the righteous inherit the land.
Why will the people listen to the psalmist's words after the rulers are thrown down?
The people will listen because they will finally be free from the influence of evil leaders and will be able to hear and respond to the truth, which is pleasant and brings life, as stated in Jeremiah 15:16, where God's words are a joy and a heart delight.
Is the psalmist seeking revenge on his enemies in this verse?
No, the psalmist is not seeking revenge, but rather he is trusting in God's justice and timing, as expressed in Romans 12:19, where we are told not to avenge ourselves, but to leave room for God's wrath.
How can we apply this verse to our own lives?
We can apply this verse by trusting in God's sovereignty and justice, and by being faithful to share His words with others, knowing that they have the power to bring life and freedom, as seen in Isaiah 55:11, where God's word will not return void.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can trust in God's justice and timing in my own life, even when it seems like wickedness is prevailing?
- How can I be a vessel for God's pleasant words in a world that often rejects them?
- What are some 'cliffs' in my own life where God needs to bring down strongholds of wickedness, and how can I pray for His intervention?
- In what ways can I be a source of life and freedom to those around me, sharing God's pleasant words with them?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 141:6
When their judges are overthrown in stony places,.... The judges of David's adversaries, the workers of iniquity; meaning Saul, Abner, c.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 141:6
When their judges are overthrown in stony places, they shall hear my words; for they are sweet.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 141:6
Their judges; the chief of mine enemies, their governors civil and military. Are overthrown; or, shall be overthrown, or cast down headlong by thine exemplary vengeance. Or, as others, were left free, unhurt by me, when it was in my power to destroy them; of which see 1Sa 24$ 26$ to which histories this place is by divers learned interpreters thought to allude. And then by their judges he means Saul, although he thought not fit distinctly to mention him, but only to intimate him in an obscure and general way. In stony places, Heb. in the hands or by the sides of the rock; which may relate either, 1. To the rocky nature of those places in which Saul fell into David’ s hands. See . Or, 2. To the ancient manner of punishing malefactors, which was by throwing them down from the tops of rocks; of which see . Or, 3.
To aggravate their overthrow; for falls in stony places are, as most easy and frequent, so also most mischievous. They shall hear my words, for they are sweet: then they; either the judges, who will be wise too late; or the people spared by my favour, when others were overthrown and warned by that fearful example; will hear my words, i.e. hearken to my counsels and offers, which now they despise, and then they, my words, will be sweet and acceptable to them, which now they reject. Others thus, then they did hear my words that they were sweet; then they acknowledged that my words and carriage towards Saul were full of meekness and gentleness, and that I was not so false and malicious as they had represented me to be.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 141:6
Psalms 141:6 When their judges are overthrown in stony places, they shall hear my words; for they are sweet.Ver. 6. When their judges are overthrown] As I like just reprehensions, so I suffer unjust persecutions from the grandees of the nation, who shall shortly be dejected from their dignity, and dashed, as it were, against the rocks. And then, They shall hear my words] The common people that have been seduced by their evil rulers to think the worst of me, shall be brought to a right understanding of things, and undeceived; so that they shall set by those words of mine that they have been treated contemptuously and slighted.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 141:6
(6) This verse again is full of obscurities. The first clause probably should be rendered, Let their judges be broken to pieces by the force (literally, hands) of the rock; or, let their judges be cast down by the sides of the cliff—i.e., hurled down the precipitous face of the ravine (See 2 Chronicles 25:12, and notice that the word here is “Sela‘,” the name of the capital of Edom; comp. Hosea 10:14; Psalms 137:9, where, however, the expression is “against the cliff.”) They shall . . .—Better, then shall they hear my words; how dainty they are, &c. The expression is ironical. The ungodly party, when their power is broken, instead of being entertained by the poet at a licentious banquet, will listen indeed to his words—shall hear a “dainty song” from him—viz., “a song of triumph.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 141:6
Verse 6. When their judges are overthrown in stony places] בידי סלע biyedey sela, "In the hands of the rock." Does this rock signify a strong or fortified place; and its hands the garrison which have occupied it, by whom these judges were overthrown? If we knew the occasion on which this Psalm was made, we might be the better able to understand the allusions in the text. They shall hear my words; for they are sweet.] Some think there is here an allusion to David's generous treatment of Saul in the cave of En-gedi, and afterwards at the hill of Hachilah, in this verse, which might be translated: "Their judges have been dismissed in the rocky places; and have heard my words, that they were sweet." Or perhaps there may be a reference to the death of Saul and his sons, and the very disastrous defeat of the Israelites at Gilboa. If so, the seventh verse will lose its chief difficulty, Our bones are scattered at the grave's mouth; but if we take them as referring to the slaughter of the priests at Nob, then, in stead of translating לפי שאול lephi sheol, at the grave's mouth, we may translate at the command of Saul; and then the verse will point out the manner in which those servants of the Lord were massacred; Doeg cut them in pieces; hewed them down as one cleaveth wood. Some understand all this of the cruel usage of the captives in Babylon. I could add other conjectures, and contend for my own; but they are all too vague to form a just ground for decided opinion.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 141:6
6, 7. It is not difficult to translate these verses, but it seems impossible to give any satisfactory explanation of them in their present context. They may be rendered:
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 141:6
When ... - This passage is no less difficult than the preceding, and it seems almost impossible to determine its exact meaning. What is meant by “judges”? What judges are referred to by the word “their”?
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 141:6
6. When their judges are overthrown in stony places—Literally, Their judges [princes] have been cast down by the sides of the rock.
Sermons on Psalms 141:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Our Daily Homily - 1 Chronicles by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer reflects on the genealogies in 1 Chronicles, emphasizing the significance of each name as a testament to God's love and purpose for humanity. He warns that while our liv |
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All These Men of War, That Could Keep Rank, Came by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of unity in the Church, drawing parallels from the unification of Israel under King David. He argues that true unity is achieved not through or |
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David by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes David's spiritual greatness as a key characteristic of effective leadership, illustrating how despite numerous obstacles, including familial rejection a |
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David Gaining Strength and Encouragement in the Lord Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith begins by discussing the closing events of 1 Samuel, which include the death of Saul and his sons at the hands of the Philistines. He then transi |
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(1 Samuel) How to Be Free From Bitterness by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker uses the analogy of river rafting to illustrate the journey of walking with God. He emphasizes the importance of suffering courageously for the Lord in |
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Faithful to the End by Erlo Stegen | Erlo Stegen emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful to God's calling, as exemplified by Fano, who obeyed God's voice despite opposition. He warns against the dangers of dis |
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(The Chief End of Man - Part 1): Worshippers of the Most High by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the reason for the gospel and the need for conversion. He states that many people in the world suffer from s |