Psalms 64:8
Psalms 64:8 in Multiple Translations
They will be made to stumble, their own tongues turned against them. All who see will shake their heads.
So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: all that see them shall flee away.
So they shall be made to stumble, their own tongue being against them: All that see them shall wag the head.
The evil of their tongues is the cause of their fall; all those who see them are shaking their heads at them.
What they themselves say will trip them up; people who see them will mock them, shaking their heads at them.
They shall cause their owne tongue to fall vpon them: and whosoeuer shall see them, shall flee away.
And they cause him to stumble, Against them [is] their own tongue, Every looker on them fleeth away.
Their own tongues shall ruin them. All who see them will shake their heads.
So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: all that see them shall flee away.
Who troublest the depth of the sea, the noise of its waves. The Gentiles shall be troubled,
Because of what they say [MTY], he will get rid of them, and then everyone who sees what has happened to them will shake their heads to ridicule them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 64:8
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 64:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּרֵ֗/ם
אֱלֹ֫הִ֥ים
חֵ֥ץ
פִּתְא֑וֹם
הָ֝י֗וּ
מַכּוֹתָֽ/ם
וַ/יֹּרֵ֗/ם
yârâh
H3384
to shoot
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
אֱלֹ֫הִ֥ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
חֵ֥ץ
chêts
H2671
arrow
N-ms
פִּתְא֑וֹם
pithʼôwm
H6597
suddenly
Adv
הָ֝י֗וּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
מַכּוֹתָֽ/ם
makkâh
H4347
wound
N-fp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 64:8
וַ/יֹּרֵ֗/ם
yârâh
H3384
"to shoot"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
To show or teach something, like pointing it out or shooting an arrow. It is used in Psalms and Proverbs to describe instructing or directing others.
Definition: 1) to shoot, pour 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to shoot arrows 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to shoot at 1b2) part. shooter, archer 1c) to throw water, rain
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase]) archer, cast, direct, inform, instruct, lay, shew, shoot, teach(-er,-ing), through. See also: Genesis 31:51; Job 8:10; Psalms 11:2.
אֱלֹ֫הִ֥ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
חֵ֥ץ
chêts
H2671
"arrow"
N-ms
An arrow is a sharp object shot from a bow, used for hunting or battle, like those used by archers in the book of Judges. It can also symbolize God's powerful judgment.
Definition: arrow
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] archer, arrow, dart, shaft, staff, wound. See also: Genesis 49:23; Psalms 91:5; Psalms 7:14.
פִּתְא֑וֹם
pithʼôwm
H6597
"suddenly"
Adv
This word means happening suddenly or quickly, like an unexpected event. It is used in the Bible to describe surprising things that happen to people like Jacob and Joseph.
Definition: adv 1) suddenly, surprisingly subst 2) suddenness
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: straightway, sudden(-ly). See also: Numbers 6:9; Proverbs 7:22; Psalms 64:5.
הָ֝י֗וּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
מַכּוֹתָֽ/ם
makkâh
H4347
"wound"
N-fp | Suff
A wound or blow, also referring to carnage, pestilence, or defeat. It can describe physical harm, like a beating, or widespread suffering, like a plague.
Definition: 1) blow, wound, slaughter 1a) blow, stripe 1b) beating, scourging 1c) wound 1d) slaughter 1e) defeat, conquest 1f) plague
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: beaten, blow, plague, slaughter, smote, [idiom] sore, stripe, stroke, wound(-ed). See also: Leviticus 26:21; 2 Chronicles 22:6; Psalms 64:8.
Study Notes — Psalms 64:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 64:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 64:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 64:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 64:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 64:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 64:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 64:8
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 64:8
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 64:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 64:8
- Sermons on Psalms 64:8
Context — The Hurtful Tongue
6They devise injustice and say, “We have perfected a secret plan.” For the inner man and the heart are mysterious.
7But God will shoot them with arrows; suddenly they will be wounded.
8They will be made to stumble, their own tongues turned against them. All who see will shake their heads.
9Then all mankind will fear and proclaim the work of God; so they will ponder what He has done. 10Let the righteous rejoice in the LORD and take refuge in Him; let all the upright in heart exult.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 18:7 | A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul. |
| 2 | Proverbs 12:13 | An evil man is trapped by his rebellious speech, but a righteous man escapes from trouble. |
| 3 | Psalms 140:9 | May the heads of those who surround me be covered in the trouble their lips have caused. |
| 4 | Jeremiah 18:16 | They have made their land a desolation, a perpetual object of scorn; all who pass by will be appalled and shake their heads. |
| 5 | Matthew 21:41 | “He will bring those wretches to a wretched end,” they replied, “and will rent out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him his share of the fruit at harvest time.” |
| 6 | Jeremiah 48:27 | Was not Israel your object of ridicule? Was he ever found among thieves? For whenever you speak of him you shake your head. |
| 7 | Psalms 22:7 | All who see me mock me; they sneer and shake their heads: |
| 8 | Nahum 3:7 | Then all who see you will recoil from you and say, ‘Nineveh is devastated; who will grieve for her?’ Where can I find comforters for you?” |
| 9 | Psalms 31:11 | Among all my enemies I am a disgrace, and among my neighbors even more. I am dreaded by my friends— they flee when they see me on the street. |
| 10 | Luke 19:22 | His master replied, ‘You wicked servant, I will judge you by your own words. So you knew that I am a harsh man, withdrawing what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? |
Psalms 64:8 Summary
Psalms 64:8 tells us that those who do wrong will eventually fall into their own traps, and their own words will be used against them. This is a reminder that God is a God of justice, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:4, and He will ultimately bring about what is right. Just like it says in Galatians 6:7-8, we reap what we sow, and the wicked will face the consequences of their actions. This should encourage us to live righteously and trust in God's goodness and justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the wicked to 'stumble' in Psalms 64:8?
In this context, stumbling refers to the wicked being brought down by their own actions and words, as seen in Psalms 64:8, much like it is written in Proverbs 28:10 that the wicked will fall into their own net.
How will 'all who see' react to the downfall of the wicked in Psalms 64:8?
According to Psalms 64:8, all who see will shake their heads, indicating a sense of dismay or disappointment, similar to the reaction of those who witness the judgment of God in Isaiah 66:24.
Is this verse suggesting that the wicked will be punished without warning?
While Psalms 64:8 does depict the sudden downfall of the wicked, other scriptures like Ecclesiastes 8:11 suggest that the wicked may be given time to repent before judgment, emphasizing the importance of God's patience and mercy as seen in 2 Peter 3:9.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of God's justice?
Psalms 64:8 illustrates God's justice in action, where the wicked are punished for their deeds, and the righteous are vindicated, reflecting the principle stated in Deuteronomy 32:4 that God is a God of justice.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I be mindful of my own words and actions, lest I suffer a similar fate to the wicked in Psalms 64:8?
- How can I trust in God's justice, even when it seems like the wicked are prospering, as mentioned in Psalms 37:7?
- What are some ways I can 'shake my head' in dismay at the sin and injustice in the world, while still maintaining a heart of love and compassion, as taught in Matthew 9:36?
- In what ways can I be a reflection of God's justice and righteousness in my own life, as encouraged in Micah 6:8?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 64:8
So shall they make their own tongue to fall upon themselves,.... The evil things they have wished for, threatened unto, and imprecated on others, shall come upon themselves; the curses they have
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 64:8
They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search: both the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart, is deep. -When all the plot is ripe, then ensues sudden destruction of the wicked plotters.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 64:8
The mischief of their hard speeches, and threats, and crafty counsels against me shall be turned against themselves. Shall flee away; partly through abhorrency of them, and partly through fear of being involved in their destruction.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 64:8
Psalms 64:8 So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: all that see them shall flee away.Ver. 8. So they shall make their own tongue, &c.] According to Proverbs 12:13 Psalms 59:12. And all that see them shall flee away] With horror and astonishment. Heb. They shall wander about in their flight; this is spoken of their favourites and abetters fearing to fall under the like punishment, and being agitated by the furies of their own evil consciences.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 64:8
(7, 8) The meaning of these verses is clear. In the moment of their imagined success, their deeply-laid schemes just on the point of ripening, a sudden Divine retribution overtakes the wicked, and all their calumnies, invented with such cunning, fall back on their own heads. But the construction is most perplexing. The text presents a tangled maze of abrupt clauses, which, arranged according to the accents, run: And God shoots an arrow, sudden are their wounds, and they make it (or him) fall on themselves their tongue. The last clause seems to pronounce the law which obtains in Divine judgment. While God orders the retribution it is yet the recoil of their own evil on the guilty. In these cases, “We still have judgment here, that we but teach Bloody instructions, which, being taught, return To plague the inventor; this evenhanded justice Commends the ingredients of our poisoned chalice To our own lips.” : Macbeth.Flee away.—The verb (nâdad) properly means to flutter the wings like a bird (Isaiah 10:14).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 64:8
Verse 8. Their own tongue to fall upon them-selves] All the plottings, counsels, and curses, they have formed against me, shall come upon themselves.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 64:8
8. So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves] An untenable rendering of an obscure sentence. It is best to render, substantially as R.V., And they are made to stumble, their own tongue being against them. Lit. they make him stumble: the plural subject to the verb suggesting, as in Psalms 63:10, the idea of mysterious agents in God’s service, and the singular object regarding ‘the enemy’ (as in Psalms 64:1 b) collectively as a body. For the sense cp. Psalms 140:9; Psalms 7:15 f (note that v. 12 f are parallel to v. 7 here); Psalms 57:6. Their tongue, the weapon with which they sought to destroy others, is turned against themselves. Ahithophel’s fate may serve for illustration. Possible, but less satisfactory, is the rendering of R.V. marg.: So shall they against whom their tongue was make them to stumble. The context does not hint that their victims become their executioners. shall flee away] For fear of sharing their fate (Numbers 16:34).
But the right rendering certainly is, All that see their desire upon them shall wag the head, in scornful triumph, as Jeremiah 48:27, R.V.; cp. Psalms 22:7. See Psalms 52:6 ff.; Psalms 54:7; Psalms 59:10, and for the light in which such expressions of satisfaction are to be regarded see note on Psalms 58:11.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 64:8
So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves - In Psalms 64:3, their tongue is represented as a sword; and here, keeping up the figure, the tongue, as a sword, is represented as
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 64:8
8. Make their own tongue to fall upon themselves—The evil which they had proposed to bring upon the righteous by false testimony and vile slander, shall be visited back upon themselves to their ruin.
Sermons on Psalms 64:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(The Tongue of a Disciple) the Satan Controlled Tongue by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of wise and thoughtful speech when delivering God's word. He compares preparing a message to preparing a meal for a special gu |
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Are You Walking the Walk or Talking the Walk - Part 5 by Will Graham | This sermon emphasizes the distinction between those who are truly born again, walking in the ways of the Lord and hating sin, and those who are not regenerated, delighting in sinf |
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Jacob and Esau by Paul Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of separating the precious from the vile in order to experience true life. He discusses the power of atmosphere and how it ca |
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All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 77 by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the profound events surrounding Jesus' crucifixion, highlighting his obedience to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, |
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The Seventh Degree of Humility by St. Benedict of Nursia | St. Benedict of Nursia preaches on the seventh degree of humility, emphasizing the importance of considering oneself lower and of less account than anyone else, not just in words b |
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Psalms - Part 1 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of filling one's heart with the Word of God rather than simply avoiding evil. He references the story of a demon being cast ou |
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Psalm 31 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches about the believer's security in God during trials, life, and death, emphasizing the importance of faith unto eternal life. The sermon delves into the thoughts a |