Psalm 21 11

Psalm 21:11 kjv

For they intended evil against thee: they imagined a mischievous device, which they are not able to perform.

Psalm 21:11 nkjv

For they intended evil against You; They devised a plot which they are not able to perform.

Psalm 21:11 niv

Though they plot evil against you and devise wicked schemes, they cannot succeed.

Psalm 21:11 esv

Though they plan evil against you, though they devise mischief, they will not succeed.

Psalm 21:11 nlt

Although they plot against you,
their evil schemes will never succeed.

Psalm 21 verses

Psalm 21 11 Meaning

Psalm 21:11 declares the utter futility of evil plans devised against God's anointed and, by extension, against God Himself. It reveals that the enemies' malicious intentions and wicked schemes, though deeply pondered and crafted, are ultimately powerless and cannot be executed because God's sovereign will and protective hand are superior to any human or demonic design. This verse assures the triumph of divine purpose over all opposition.

Psalm 21 11 Context

Psalm 21 is a psalm of royal thanksgiving, likely composed by King David or a poet for the king, celebrating God's victorious intervention on behalf of the monarch. It stands as a counterpart to Psalm 20, a prayer offered before battle or a great trial. Psalm 21 expresses profound gratitude and confidence, affirming that the king's successes are directly from Yahweh. Verse 11 speaks from the vantage point of victory, reflecting on the defeated enemies. Their malicious intent and intricate schemes against the Lord's anointed king ultimately proved futile, reinforcing the divine protection and strength bestowed upon the king. The historical/cultural context is that of ancient Near Eastern kingship, where the king's prosperity was seen as a direct reflection of his god's favor. This verse carries a polemic against the strength of rival nations and their deities, asserting that their plotting and military might are nothing against the sovereign power of Yahweh.

Psalm 21 11 Word analysis

• For they intended:

  • The Hebrew particle "כִּי" (ki) means "for," indicating a reason or explanation.
  • "יָט֤וּ" (yatu) comes from the root נָטָה (natah), which literally means "to stretch out," "to incline," or "to spread." In this Hiphil perfect form, it implies purposeful direction, thus "to intend," "to plan," or "to aim." It suggests a deliberate mental act of designing harm.

• evil:

  • "רָעָה" (ra'ah) broadly translates to "evil," "wickedness," "calamity," or "harm." It encompasses moral depravity and the negative consequences it brings, pointing to the inherent malevolence of the enemies' intentions.

• against thee:

  • "עָלֶ֑יךָ" (aleika) means "against you." The "thee" refers to the king, the Lord's anointed. An attack against the king, God's chosen representative, is ultimately seen as an attack against God Himself and His divine plan for His people.

• they imagined:

  • "חָשְׁב֥וּ" (chashavu) is from the verb חָשַׁב (chashav), "to think," "to devise," "to plan," "to reckon," or "to scheme." This word highlights the cognitive and intentional effort put into conceiving their malevolent design, implying thoughtful and strategic plotting, not just impulsive malice.

• a mischievous device:

  • "מְזִמָּה" (mezimmah) refers to a "device," "plot," "scheme," or "malicious purpose." The term often carries a negative connotation, indicating a wicked, cunning, or perverse plan. It implies a premeditated, deceptive, or treacherous stratagem intended to cause harm.

• which they are not able to perform:

  • "לֹא־ יוּכְלֽוּ עֲשׂוֹת" (lo- yuchlu asot) literally means "not they are able to do/make."
  • "יוּכְלֽוּ" (yuchlu) derives from the root יָכֹל (yakol), "to be able," "to prevail," "to overcome." The negative particle "לֹא" (lo) emphatically states their complete inability.
  • "עֲשׂוֹת" (asot), the infinitive construct of עָשָׂה (asah), means "to do," "to make," or "to perform." This phrase underscores the ultimate powerlessness of the enemies. Despite all their thought and planning ("intended," "imagined," "devised"), their efforts remain fruitless and incapable of execution because of divine intervention.

• "For they intended evil against thee: they imagined a mischievous device": This phrase uses synonymous parallelism, reinforcing the idea of a deeply premeditated and malevolent plot. The enemies weren't merely acting impulsively; they thoughtfully crafted their schemes. Their heart was full of wicked intent, and their minds were actively engaged in devising strategies for harm.

• "which they are not able to perform": This concluding clause is the powerful pivot, rendering all the preceding intentions and devices null and void. It emphasizes God's omnipotence and absolute sovereignty, demonstrating that even the most cunning and malicious human plans are rendered impotent when they conflict with the divine will. The enemies' lack of capability highlights God's strength.

Psalm 21 11 Bonus section

The repeated emphasis on the enemies' intellectual efforts ("intended," "imagined") underscores the depth of their malice, making their eventual failure even more dramatic and God's triumph more pronounced. This verse serves as a source of profound encouragement for believers facing opposition, reminding them that no counsel or scheme formed against God's people or God's purpose will ultimately prevail. It implies that God is not only powerful enough to frustrate wicked plans but is also actively engaged in the affairs of humanity to ensure His will is done. This confidence in God's overriding sovereignty is a foundational principle for facing any adversity.

Psalm 21 11 Commentary

Psalm 21:11 stands as a powerful testament to God's ultimate sovereignty over human wickedness. The verse portrays enemies who are not merely reactive, but actively, deeply, and strategically plotting harm against the Lord's anointed king, and by extension, against God's plan. Their intentions ("intended evil") are malevolent, and their schemes ("imagined a mischievous device") are cunningly crafted. Yet, the Psalm emphatically declares their utter failure: "which they are not able to perform." This outcome is not due to any inherent flaw in the enemies' plotting skills, but solely because divine power and protective care nullify their efforts. It reassures believers that even when evil designs seem formidable and well-conceived, God's purposes cannot be thwarted by human malice. The futility of their plans ultimately magnifies God's omnipotence and unwavering faithfulness to His people.