Psalms 35:20
Psalms 35:20 in Multiple Translations
For they do not speak peace, but they devise deceitful schemes against those who live quietly in the land.
For they speak not peace: but they devise deceitful matters against them that are quiet in the land.
For they speak not peace; But they devise deceitful words against them that are quiet in the land.
For they do not say words of peace; in their deceit they are designing evil things against the quiet ones in the land.
They are not looking for peace; they invent malicious and deceptive schemes against innocent peace-loving people.
For they speake not as friendes: but they imagine deceitfull woordes against the quiet of the lande.
For they speak not peace, And against the quiet of the land, Deceitful words they devise,
For they don’t speak peace, but they devise deceitful words against those who are quiet in the land.
For they speak not peace: but they devise deceitful matters against them that are quiet in the land.
They do not talk peacefully to people; instead, they seek ways to tell lies about people who are peaceful.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 35:20
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 35:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
לֹ֥א
שָׁל֗וֹם
יְדַ֫בֵּ֥רוּ
וְ/עַ֥ל
רִגְעֵי
אֶ֑רֶץ
דִּבְרֵ֥י
מִ֝רְמוֹת
יַחֲשֹׁבֽוּ/ן
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
שָׁל֗וֹם
shâlôwm
H7965
Peace
N-ms
יְדַ֫בֵּ֥רוּ
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
וְ/עַ֥ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Conj | Prep
רִגְעֵי
râgêaʻ
H7282
restful
Adj
אֶ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
דִּבְרֵ֥י
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-mp
מִ֝רְמוֹת
mirmâh
H4820
deceit
N-fp
יַחֲשֹׁבֽוּ/ן
châshab
H2803
to devise
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 35:20
כִּ֤י
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.
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
שָׁל֗וֹם
shâlôwm
H7965
"Peace"
N-ms
This Hebrew word for peace, shalom, means completeness, wellness, and friendship, and is often used to describe God's relationship with humanity, as seen in the covenant with the Israelites. It encompasses physical and spiritual health, prosperity, and harmony.
Definition: This name means completeness, peace Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 209 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] do, familiar, [idiom] fare, favour, [phrase] friend, [idiom] great, (good) health, ([idiom] perfect, such as be at) peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty), salute, welfare, ([idiom] all is, be) well, [idiom] wholly. See also: Genesis 15:15; Esther 2:11; Psalms 4:9.
יְדַ֫בֵּ֥רוּ
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
וְ/עַ֥ל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
רִגְעֵי
râgêaʻ
H7282
"restful"
Adj
This word means restful or peaceable, describing something or someone that is quiet. It is used to describe a state of calmness and tranquility.
Definition: restful, quiet
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: that are quiet. See also: Psalms 35:20.
אֶ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
דִּבְרֵ֥י
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-mp
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.
מִ֝רְמוֹת
mirmâh
H4820
"deceit"
N-fp
This Hebrew word means deceit or cheating, like when someone tricks or lies to another person. It appears in stories about dishonest people, like in Jeremiah 8:10, where the prophet talks about the deceit of the Israelites. The word is often translated as 'deceit' or 'craft' in English Bibles.
Definition: deceit, treachery
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: craft, deceit(-ful, -fully), false, feigned, guile, subtilly, treachery. See also: Genesis 27:35; Proverbs 11:1; Psalms 5:7.
יַחֲשֹׁבֽוּ/ן
châshab
H2803
"to devise"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp | Suff
To devise means to think or plan something, often in a clever way. In the Bible, it can mean to plot or contrive, as seen in the story of David and Goliath.
Definition: : count/regard_as 1) to think, plan, esteem, calculate, invent, make a judgment, imagine, count 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to think, account 1a2) to plan, devise, mean 1a3) to charge, impute, reckon 1a4) to esteem, value, regard 1a5) to invent 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be accounted, be thought, be esteemed 1b2) to be computed, be reckoned 1b3) to be imputed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to think upon, consider, be mindful of 1c2) to think to do, devise, plan 1c3) to count, reckon 1d) (Hithpael) to be considered
Usage: Occurs in 122 OT verses. KJV: (make) account (of), conceive, consider, count, cunning (man, work, workman), devise, esteem, find out, forecast, hold, imagine, impute, invent, be like, mean, purpose, reckon(-ing be made), regard, think. See also: Genesis 15:6; Psalms 35:4; Psalms 10:2.
Study Notes — Psalms 35:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 35:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 35:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 35:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 35:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 35:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 35:20
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 35:20
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 35:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 35:20
- Sermons on Psalms 35:20
Context — Contend with My Opponents, O LORD
18Then I will give You thanks in the great assembly; I will praise You among many people.
19Let not my enemies gloat over me without cause, nor those who hate me without reason wink in malice.
20For they do not speak peace, but they devise deceitful schemes against those who live quietly in the land.
21They gape at me and say, “Aha, aha! Our eyes have seen!” 22O LORD, You have seen it; be not silent. O Lord, be not far from me.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 120:5–7 | Woe to me that I dwell in Meshech, that I live among the tents of Kedar! Too long have I dwelt among those who hate peace. I am in favor of peace; but when I speak, they want war. |
| 2 | Matthew 12:19 | He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear His voice in the streets. |
| 3 | Acts 23:15 | Now then, you and the Sanhedrin petition the commander to bring him down to you on the pretext of examining his case more carefully. We are ready to kill him on the way.” |
| 4 | Psalms 140:2–5 | who devise evil in their hearts and stir up war all day long. They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips. Selah Guard me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked. Keep me safe from men of violence who scheme to make me stumble. The proud hide a snare for me; the cords of their net are spread along the path, and lures are set out for me. Selah |
| 5 | Jeremiah 11:19 | For I was like a gentle lamb led to slaughter; I did not know that they had plotted against me: “Let us destroy the tree with its fruit; let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be remembered no more.” |
| 6 | Psalms 52:2 | Your tongue devises destruction like a sharpened razor, O worker of deceit. |
| 7 | Psalms 38:12 | Those who seek my life lay snares; those who wish me harm speak destruction, plotting deceit all day long. |
| 8 | 1 Peter 2:22–23 | “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.” When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly. |
| 9 | Daniel 6:5 | Finally these men said, “We will never find any charge against this Daniel, unless we find something against him concerning the law of his God.” |
| 10 | Psalms 31:13 | For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side. They conspire against me and plot to take my life. |
Psalms 35:20 Summary
[Psalms 35:20 describes people who do not have peaceful intentions, but instead plot against those who are innocent and live quietly. This verse highlights the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, as seen in Psalms 23:4. By trusting in God, we can live with confidence and peace, even in the midst of deceitful schemes. As Romans 12:14-21 encourages us, we should bless those who persecute us and trust in God's justice.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of people are being described in Psalms 35:20?
The verse is referring to those who do not have peaceful intentions, but instead plot against the innocent, as seen in their actions (Psalms 35:20, Psalms 36:4).
Why do the wicked devise deceitful schemes?
The wicked often devise deceitful schemes due to their own sinful nature, which is described in Psalms 36:1-4 and Romans 3:10-18, highlighting humanity's inherent tendency towards evil.
How can believers protect themselves from deceitful schemes?
Believers can protect themselves by trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, as seen in Psalms 23:4 and Proverbs 3:5-6, which encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our heart.
What is the ultimate fate of those who devise deceitful schemes?
The ultimate fate of those who devise deceitful schemes is judgment, as stated in Psalms 37:1-2 and Proverbs 26:27, emphasizing that God will bring about justice for the wicked.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be devising deceitful schemes, even if unintentionally, and how can I align my thoughts with God's will?
- How can I cultivate a heart of peace and trust in God's sovereignty, especially when faced with deceitful schemes or difficult circumstances?
- What are some practical ways that I can 'live quietly in the land' and trust in God's provision, as described in Psalms 35:20?
- How can I balance being wise and discerning with trusting in God's sovereignty and not taking matters into my own hands?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 35:20
For they speak not peace,.... Meaning to himself, or any good man; as Joseph's brethren could not to him, Genesis 37:4; such were the men David had to do with, Psalms 120:6; and such were the enemies
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 35:20
For they speak not peace: but they devise deceitful matters against them that are quiet in the land. Speak not peace - as my peaceable attitude toward them and all men would have dictated as right.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 35:20
Verse 20. They are enemies to all peaceable counsels; they breathe out nothing but threatenings and war. They use not only open violence, but deceit, and subtle artifices, against me and my followers, who desire nothing more than to live quietly and peaceably under Saul’ s government.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 35:20
Psalms 35:20 For they speak not peace: but they devise deceitful matters against [them that are] quiet in the land.Ver. 20. For they speak not peace] Which yet God doth to his people, Psalms 85:9, and that is their comfort. "I am for peace," saith David elsewhere, "but when I speak, they are for war," Psalms 120:7. Against the quiet of the land] i.e. Against myself, and such as I am, who study to be quiet and to do our own business, 1 Thessalonians 4:11, affecting rather quietness from the world than acquaintance with it.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 35:20
(20) Quiet in the land.—For the construction, comp. Isaiah 23:8 : “The honourable of the earth.” They are evidently the pious Jews who wished to preserve their national life and religion against foreign influence and intervention, and certainly among them were Levites.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 35:20
20. Their conduct is just the opposite of ‘the fear of the Lord’ (Psalms 34:13-14). For it is not peace that they speak, but against them that are quiet in the land they imagine words of guile, accusing them of being ‘troublers of Israel’ and disturbers of the peace.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 35:20
For they speak not peace - They seek a quarrel. They are unwilling to be on good terms with others, or to live in peace with them. The idea is that they were “disposed” or “inclined” to quarrel.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 35:20
20. Quiet in the land—The peaceable, inoffensive ones—the pious.
Sermons on Psalms 35:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Psalm 120 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches on Psalm 120, highlighting the distress caused by slander and the soul's refuge in prayer. He emphasizes that tribulation is inevitable for believers, but prayer |
|
2 Peter 2:8 by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the plight of the righteous man, Lot, who lived among the wicked in Sodom, illustrating the sorrow and grief that can accompany such a situation. He highlights |
|
They Were Not Carried to Heaven on Beds of Ease! by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the necessity of living a godly life amidst an ungodly world, urging Christians not to lament their circumstances but to glorify God through their struggle |
|
Death Is a Change of Company by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes that for a believer, death signifies a transition to a better existence, where they leave behind the company of the wicked and enter into the presence of a |
|
Palm Sunday by Martin Geehan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of going out and spreading the word of God. He compares the act of evangelizing to untying and loosing people from their sins |
|
The Ministry of the Holy Spirit and the Church - Part 2 by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking the anointing of the Holy Spirit to serve others selflessly, following the example of Jesus. It highlights the need to prophesy to |
|
Acts 2 by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby emphasizes the monumental event of the Holy Spirit's arrival at Pentecost, marking the transformation of believers into the dwelling place of God. He explains how |