Psalms 36:4

Verse

Even on his bed he plots wickedness; he sets himself on a path that is not good; he fails to reject evil.

American Standard Version (1901)

He deviseth iniquity upon his bed; He setteth himself in a way that is not good; He abhorreth not evil.

He gives thought to evil on his bed; he takes a way which is not good; he is not a hater of evil.

Even when they're lying in bed they think up evil schemes. They commit themselves to a way of life that is no good. They choose evil, and don't reject it.

Geneva Bible 1599

Hee imagineth mischiefe vpon his bed: he setteth himselfe vpon a way, that is not good, and doeth not abhorre euill.

King James (Authorized) Version

He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil.

One Unity Resource Bible

He plots iniquity on his bed. He sets himself in a way that is not good. He does not abhor evil.

Translation for Translators

While they are lying on their beds, they plan to do things to harm others; they are determined to do things that are not good, and they never refuse to do what is evil.

Unlocked Literal Bible

While he lies in bed, he plans ways to sin; he sets out on an evil way; he does not reject evil.

Noah Webster Bible

He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil.

World English Bible

He plots iniquity on his bed. He sets himself in a way that is not good. He doesn’t abhor evil.

Young's Literal Translation

Iniquity he deviseth on his bed, He stationeth himself on a way not good, Evil he doth not refuse.'

Context

The Transgression of the Wicked

³The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful; he has ceased to be wise and well-doing. ⁴Even on his bed he plots wickedness; he sets himself on a path that is not good; he fails to reject evil.

Summary

This verse describes the wickedness of those who plot evil and fail to regard their actions with wisdom or goodness. It portrays a lack of understanding and a rejection of God's ways, leading to deceitful and harmful behavior. The psalmist contrasts this with God's steadfast love and faithfulness, highlighting the righteousness and justice found in Him. Ultimately, the verse underscores the contrast between the wickedness of humanity and the goodness of God, encouraging trust and reliance on His unfailing character.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

He deviseth mischief upon his bed,.... He casts about in his mind on his pillow, when at leisure from all employment; and consults and contrives schemes how to compass his lusts, and to do injury to others, without doing which he cannot sleep; he setteth himself in a way that is not good, in an evil way, which he chooses and delights in, and determines to continue in, he leaving the paths of righteousness to walk in the ways of darkness: he abhorreth not evil; which is to be abhorred both because of its nature and effects; see Rom 12:9; but on the contrary he loves it, takes pleasure in doing it, and in them that commit it: thus, by his thoughts, words, and actions, he appears to be devoid of the fear of God.

Psalms 36:4

The Transgression of the Wicked

Scripture
Sermons
Commentary

Berean Standard Bible

Even on his bed he plots wickedness; he sets himself on a path that is not good; he fails to reject evil.

American Standard Version (1901)

He deviseth iniquity upon his bed; He setteth himself in a way that is not good; He abhorreth not evil.

Bible in Basic English

He gives thought to evil on his bed; he takes a way which is not good; he is not a hater of evil.

Free Bible Version

Even when they're lying in bed they think up evil schemes. They commit themselves to a way of life that is no good. They choose evil, and don't reject it.

Geneva Bible 1599

Hee imagineth mischiefe vpon his bed: he setteth himselfe vpon a way, that is not good, and doeth not abhorre euill.

King James (Authorized) Version

He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil.

One Unity Resource Bible

He plots iniquity on his bed. He sets himself in a way that is not good. He does not abhor evil.

Translation for Translators

While they are lying on their beds, they plan to do things to harm others; they are determined to do things that are not good, and they never refuse to do what is evil.

Unlocked Literal Bible

While he lies in bed, he plans ways to sin; he sets out on an evil way; he does not reject evil.

Noah Webster Bible

He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil.

World English Bible

He plots iniquity on his bed. He sets himself in a way that is not good. He doesn’t abhor evil.

Young's Literal Translation

Iniquity he deviseth on his bed, He stationeth himself on a way not good, Evil he doth not refuse.'