Psalms 41:6
Psalms 41:6 in Multiple Translations
My visitor speaks falsehood; he gathers slander in his heart; he goes out and spreads it abroad.
And if he come to see me, he speaketh vanity: his heart gathereth iniquity to itself; when he goeth abroad, he telleth it.
And if he come to see me, he speaketh falsehood; His heart gathereth iniquity to itself: When he goeth abroad, he telleth it.
If one comes to see me, deceit is in his heart; he keeps a store of evil, which he makes public in every place.
They come to visit me, but their sympathy is not sincere. They're only interested in the bad news, which they spread around as soon as they leave.
And if hee come to see mee, hee speaketh lies, but his heart heapeth iniquitie within him, and when he commeth foorth, he telleth it.
And if he came to see — vanity he speaketh, His heart gathereth iniquity to itself, He goeth out — at the street he speaketh.
If he comes to see me, he speaks falsehood. His heart gathers iniquity to itself. When he goes abroad, he tells it.
And if he cometh to see me , he speaketh vanity: his heart gathereth iniquity to itself; when he goeth abroad, he telleth it .
Why art thou sad, O my soul? and why dost thou trouble me? Hope in God, for I will still give praise to him: the salvation of my countenance,
When my enemies come to me, they falsely say that they are concerned about me. They listen to bad news about ◄me/my health►. Then they go away and tell everywhere what is happening to me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 41:6
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 41:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אוֹיְבַ֗/י
יֹאמְר֣וּ
רַ֣ע
לִ֑/י
מָתַ֥י
יָ֝מ֗וּת
וְ/אָבַ֥ד
שְׁמֽ/וֹ
אוֹיְבַ֗/י
ʼôyêb
H341
enemy
V-Qal | Suff
יֹאמְר֣וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
רַ֣ע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Adj
לִ֑/י
Prep | Suff
מָתַ֥י
mâthay
H4970
how
Part
יָ֝מ֗וּת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וְ/אָבַ֥ד
ʼâbad
H6
to perish
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
שְׁמֽ/וֹ
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms | Suff
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 41:6
אוֹיְבַ֗/י
ʼôyêb
H341
"enemy"
V-Qal | Suff
This Hebrew word means enemy or adversary, referring to someone who hates or opposes another person or nation. It is used to describe personal or national enemies in the Bible.
Definition: 1) (Qal) enemy 1a) personal 1b) national
Usage: Occurs in 275 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe. See also: Genesis 22:17; 2 Samuel 22:1; Psalms 3:8.
יֹאמְר֣וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
רַ֣ע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Adj
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.
לִ֑/י
""
Prep | Suff
מָתַ֥י
mâthay
H4970
"how"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'when' or 'how long', often used to ask about time or duration, like in Genesis when asking how long a task will take.
Definition: 1) when? 1a) with prep 1a1) against when?, until when?, how long?, after how long?
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: long, when. See also: Genesis 30:30; Psalms 101:2; Psalms 6:4.
יָ֝מ֗וּת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
וְ/אָבַ֥ד
ʼâbad
H6
"to perish"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
To perish means to be destroyed or lost, whether it's a person, animal, or thing, like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19.
Definition: 1) perish, vanish, go astray, be destroyed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) perish, die, be exterminated 1a2) perish, vanish (fig.) 1a3) be lost, strayed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to destroy, kill, cause to perish, to give up (as lost), exterminate 1b2) to blot out, do away with, cause to vanish, (fig.) 1b3) cause to stray, lose 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to destroy, put to death 1c1a) of divine judgment 1c2) object name of kings (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (אֲבַד "to destroy" H0007)
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: break, destroy(-uction), [phrase] not escape, fail, lose, (cause to, make) perish, spend, [idiom] and surely, take, be undone, [idiom] utterly, be void of, have no way to flee. See also: Exodus 10:7; Psalms 112:10; Psalms 1:6.
שְׁמֽ/וֹ
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
Study Notes — Psalms 41:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 41:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 41:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 41:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 41:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 41:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 41:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 41:6
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 41:6
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 41:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 41:6
- Sermons on Psalms 41:6
Context — Victory over Betrayal
4I said, “O LORD, be gracious to me; heal me, for I have sinned against You.”
5My enemies say with malice: “When will he die and be forgotten?”
6My visitor speaks falsehood; he gathers slander in his heart; he goes out and spreads it abroad.
7All who hate me whisper against me; they imagine the worst for me: 8“A vile disease has been poured into him; he will never get up from where he lies!”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 12:2 | They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and a double heart. |
| 2 | Luke 11:53–54 | As Jesus went on from there, the scribes and Pharisees began to oppose Him bitterly and to ply Him with questions about many things, waiting to catch Him in something He might say. |
| 3 | Proverbs 26:24–26 | A hateful man disguises himself with his speech, but he lays up deceit in his heart. When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart. Though his hatred is concealed by deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly. |
| 4 | Luke 20:20–23 | So they watched Him closely and sent spies who pretended to be sincere. They were hoping to catch Him in His words in order to hand Him over to the rule and authority of the governor. “Teacher,” they inquired, “we know that You speak and teach correctly. You show no partiality, but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” But Jesus saw through their duplicity and said to them, |
| 5 | 2 Corinthians 11:26 | In my frequent journeys, I have been in danger from rivers and from bandits, in danger from my countrymen and from the Gentiles, in danger in the city and in the country, in danger on the sea and among false brothers, |
| 6 | Daniel 11:27 | And the two kings, with their hearts bent on evil, will speak lies at the same table, but to no avail, for still the end will come at the appointed time. |
| 7 | Nehemiah 6:1–14 | When Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall and not a gap was left—though to that time I had not yet installed the doors in the gates— Sanballat and Geshem sent me this message: “Come, let us meet together in one of the villages on the plain of Ono.” But they were planning to harm me. So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it to go down to you?” Four times they sent me the same message, and each time I gave the same reply. The fifth time, Sanballat sent me this same message by his young servant, who had in his hand an unsealed letter that read: “It is reported among the nations—and Geshem agrees—that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and this is why you are building the wall. According to these reports, you are to become their king, and you have even appointed prophets in Jerusalem to proclaim on your behalf: ‘There is a king in Judah.’ Soon these rumors will reach the ears of the king. So come, let us confer together.” Then I sent him this reply: “There is nothing to these rumors you are spreading; you are inventing them in your own mind.” For they were all trying to frighten us, saying, “Their hands will be weakened in the work, and it will never be finished.” But now, my God, strengthen my hands. Later, I went to the house of Shemaiah son of Delaiah, the son of Mehetabel, who was confined to his house. He said: “Let us meet at the house of God inside the temple. Let us shut the temple doors because they are coming to kill you— by night they are coming to kill you!” But I replied, “Should a man like me run away? Should one like me go into the temple to save his own life? I will not go!” I realized that God had not sent him, but that he had uttered this prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. He had been hired to intimidate me so that I would sin by doing as he suggested, so they could give me a bad name in order to discredit me. O my God, remember Tobiah and Sanballat for what they have done, and also Noadiah the prophetess and the other prophets who tried to intimidate me. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 20:10 | For I have heard the whispering of many: “Terror is on every side! Report him; let us report him!” All my trusted friends watch for my fall: “Perhaps he will be deceived so that we may prevail against him and take our vengeance upon him.” |
| 9 | Micah 7:5–7 | Do not rely on a friend; do not trust in a companion. Seal the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your arms. For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A man’s enemies are the members of his own household. But as for me, I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me. |
Psalms 41:6 Summary
[This verse is talking about someone who comes to visit, but instead of speaking truth and kindness, they speak lies and hurtful words. This kind of behavior can be really hurtful and damage relationships, as seen in Proverbs 18:8. We should strive to speak the truth in love, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:15, and trust in God's goodness and sovereignty to defend us against false accusations.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'speak falsehood' in Psalms 41:6?
To speak falsehood means to intentionally deceive or mislead others with untrue words, as seen in the example of Satan, who is the father of lies (John 8:44).
Why does the visitor gather slander in his heart before speaking it?
The visitor gathers slander in his heart because he has allowed bitterness and resentment to take root, much like the warning in Ephesians 4:31 to put away all bitterness and wrath.
How does this verse relate to the command to love our enemies?
This verse highlights the difficulty of loving our enemies, as seen in Matthew 5:44, but also reminds us that our response to their evil should be to pray for them and trust in God's justice, as in Romans 12:14-21.
What is the consequence of spreading slander, as seen in this verse?
The consequence of spreading slander is damage to relationships and reputations, and ultimately, it can lead to spiritual harm, as warned in James 1:26 and Ephesians 4:29-32.
Reflection Questions
- How can I guard my heart against gathering slander and speaking falsehood, and instead speak the truth in love?
- What are some ways I can recognize and resist the temptation to spread rumors or gossip about others?
- How can I respond in a godly way when someone speaks falsehood about me, and trust in God's sovereignty to defend my reputation?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of being a faithful and trustworthy friend, and how can I cultivate those qualities in my relationships?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 41:6
And if he come to see [me],.... Meaning anyone of his enemies, when they came, as pretended, to pay him a friendly visit.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 41:6
And if he come to see me, he speaketh vanity: his heart gathereth iniquity to itself; when he goeth abroad, he telleth it. And if he come to see me. "He" - i:e., the wicked enemy.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 41:6
To see me; to visit me in my sickness, according to the custom. He speaketh vanity, or falsehood; pretending sympathy with me, and friendship to me, whilst they plot mischief in their hearts against me. His heart gathereth iniquity to itself; even when he is with me, and pretends hearty affection to me, his heart cannot forbear its customary practice of meditating and devising mischief against me; for which he watcheth and seeketh for all occasions from my speeches, or carriage, or the circumstances of my condition, which he observes. He telleth it, partly to delight his companions, and partly to encourage them to and direct them in their malicious designs against me.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 41:6
Psalms 41:6 And if he come to see [me], he speaketh vanity: his heart gathereth iniquity to itself; [when] he goeth abroad, he telleth [it].Ver. 6. And if he come to see me] That is, Ahithophel, or some such hollow hearted Holophanta (Plaut.). He speaketh vanity] Pretending that he is very sorry to see me so ill at ease; and letting fall some crocodile’ s tears perhaps, Ore pro mea sanitate orant sed corde quaeruut malum (Midrash Tillin.). His heart gathereth iniquity to itself] As toads and serpents gather venom to vomit at you. When he goeth abroad, he telleth it] Boasting to his treacherous brotherhood of his base behaviour.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 41:6
(6) And if he come.—Some one particular individual is here singled out from the body of enemies. To see.—The usual word for visiting a sick person. (Comp. 2 Samuel 13:5; 2 Kings 8:29.) Vanity.—Better, lies. No more vivid picture of an insincere friend could be given. Pretended sympathy lies at the very bedside, while eye and ear are open to catch up anything that can be retailed abroad or turned into mischief, when the necessity of concealment is over. The scene of the visit of the king to the death-bed of Gaunt in Shakespeare’s King Richard II. illustrates the psalmist’s position, and the poet may even have had this verse in his mind when he wrote. “Should dying men flatter with those that live No, no; men living flatter those that die.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 41:6
Verse 6. And if he come to see me] This may relate to Ahithophel; but it is more likely that it was to some other person who was his secret enemy, who pretended to come and inquire after his health, but with the secret design to see whether death was despatching his work. When he goeth abroad, he telleth it.] He makes several observations on my dying state; intimates that I am suffering deep remorse for secret crimes; that God is showing his displeasure against me, and that I am full of sorrow at the approach of death.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 41:6
6. And if one of them comes to see me, he speaketh falsehood. If one of these enemies comes to visit him, as was usual in sickness (2 Kings 8:29), he speaks vanity or falsehood (Psalms 12:2), makes hypocritical professions of sympathy; though all the time his heart it gathering iniquity or mischief; he is collecting materials for fresh slander, or feeding his malice on the sight of the sick man; and then he goeth abroad, he telleth what he has seen.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 41:6
And if he come to see me - If he condescends to visit me in my sickness.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 41:6
6. If he come to see me—Professedly to inquire after my health as a friend. He speaketh vanity—His professions of friendship are empty and hypocritical.
Sermons on Psalms 41:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Importance of Our Speech by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the critical importance of controlling the tongue and being filled with the Holy Spirit. It highlights how the tongue can either be a source of life or a sou |
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From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Daniel) ch.6:1-28 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the character of Daniel and his faithfulness in his work. Daniel was a Christian who stood out among his colleagues by being punctual, dilige |
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Characteristics of Pharisees by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the characteristics of Pharisees, highlighting their legalistic nature, hypocrisy, hardness of heart, and inability to appreciate true worship. It emphasize |
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The Evil Tongue by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches about the destructive power of the evil tongue, describing it as a fire fueled by hell that corrupts the whole person. He delves into various aspects of the |
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Major Ian Thomas - Part 1 by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of God's word and its ability to uphold all things in the universe. He highlights the importance of understanding the Gospel of Lu |
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The Saved Jew Blesses His Merciful God by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing a conversation he had with someone about believers' baptism. He takes his time to explain every text in the New Testament that supp |
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Day 156, Luke 20 by David Servant | David Servant discusses the spiritual insight of common folks in Jesus' time compared to the Jewish religious leaders, emphasizing the importance of genuine love for God and others |