Psalm 36 2

Psalm 36:2 kjv

For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful.

Psalm 36:2 nkjv

For he flatters himself in his own eyes, When he finds out his iniquity and when he hates.

Psalm 36:2 niv

In their own eyes they flatter themselves too much to detect or hate their sin.

Psalm 36:2 esv

For he flatters himself in his own eyes that his iniquity cannot be found out and hated.

Psalm 36:2 nlt

In their blind conceit,
they cannot see how wicked they really are.

Psalm 36 verses

Psalm 36 2 Meaning

Psalm 36:2 describes the profound self-deception of the wicked. In their distorted self-perception, they convince themselves that their sin (iniquity) will not be uncovered or that it will escape the detestation and judgment it rightfully deserves. This internal delusion blinds them to the reality of their sin and its inevitable consequences before a righteous God.

Psalm 36 2 Context

Psalm 36 is structured as a powerful contrast between the pervasive wickedness of humanity and the supreme goodness and steadfast love of God. Verse 2 specifically describes the inward thought process of the wicked man outlined in verse 1 ("Transgression speaks to the wicked deep in his heart..."). This verse vividly portrays the self-deception at the root of such wickedness, where the sinner convinces himself that his deeds will remain hidden and unpunished. Historically and culturally, this stands in stark opposition to the Israelite understanding of Yahweh as an omniscient God who judges righteously. It functions as a direct polemic against any belief system, internal or external, that denies divine oversight or suggests that one can evade the consequences of sin through stealth or flattery. It sets the stage for the psalm's dramatic shift to glorifying God's character and provision, which stands in stark contrast to humanity's self-deceiving folly.

Psalm 36 2 Word analysis

• For he flatters himself: יֶחֱלִיק (yeḥeliq). This Hebrew verb, derived from a root meaning "to be smooth," signifies speaking smoothly, deceptively, or deceptively praising. Here, in the Hiphil stem, it is reflexive: "he causes himself to be smooth," or "he makes himself agreeable/flattering." It implies self-deception, speaking pleasant but untrue things to oneself, creating a comforting but false reality. It suggests a deep psychological entrenchment in sin where the individual internalizes a deceptive narrative.
• in his own eyes: בְּעֵינָיו (b'einav). This phrase emphasizes subjectivity and perception. The delusion occurs internally, seen through his own biased lens, not external reality or divine truth. It highlights the ego-centric nature of this deception.
• that his iniquity: עֲווֹן (avon). This term refers to "crookedness," "perversity," "guilt," and the "punishment for sin." It's not just a casual mistake but a twisting or moral distortion. The wicked man attempts to minimize or rationalize this fundamental perversion.
• will not be found out: לִמְצֹא (limtzo') - from מָצָא (matza'), "to find," "to discover." This denotes the desire for sin to remain concealed, unknown to others and, crucially, unexposed before God's judgment. The expectation is of perpetual hiddenness.
• and hated: לִשְׂנֹא (lisno') - from שָׂנֵא (sane'), "to hate," "to detest." This refers not only to avoiding the detestation of others but primarily avoiding God's detestation and the just wrath and punishment that accompanies sin. It suggests a belief that his evil acts will not be met with divine disapproval or consequences.
• Phrase Analysis: "flatters himself in his own eyes" This full phrase captures the essence of delusion. It's an active, internal process where the individual's self-perception becomes a tool for justifying or minimizing sin. It underscores the danger of looking inward without reference to objective truth or divine revelation. It speaks to a heart hardened by deceit, where truth is sacrificed for comfort or perceived advantage.
• Phrase Analysis: "his iniquity will not be found out and hated" This segment reveals the twofold delusion regarding the consequences of sin. Firstly, an assurance of stealth and secrecy, that the wicked act will remain hidden from exposure. Secondly, a belief in impunity, that even if known, it will escape the rightful abhorrence, judgment, or punitive consequences it deserves. This displays a fundamental misunderstanding or outright rejection of God's character and moral order.

Psalm 36 2 Bonus section

This verse subtly introduces the concept of spiritual blindness as a self-inflicted wound. The "flatters himself" implies a proactive turning away from truth. This isn't passive ignorance but an active choice to embrace falsehood within one's own perception, thereby justifying corrupt behavior. It highlights the progressive nature of sin: internal self-deception paves the way for increasingly audacious acts of rebellion, as the perceived absence of immediate consequence reinforces the delusion. The wicked individual effectively creates an echo chamber within their own mind, reinforcing their faulty reasoning and deepening their entanglement in darkness. This verse provides a psychological key to understanding why many remain unrepentant; they genuinely do not perceive the gravity of their sin or the certainty of its repercussions, because they have meticulously constructed a reality where their sin is inconsequential or even acceptable.

Psalm 36 2 Commentary

Psalm 36:2 dissects the spiritual psychology of the wicked. It reveals that the genesis of sin lies not just in outward actions but in an internal, deceptive dialogue. The sinner "flatters himself," crafting a personal narrative that conveniently dismisses or minimizes the gravity of his transgression. This self-deception, cultivated "in his own eyes," is the bedrock of his continued wickedness. He mistakenly believes his "iniquity" – his inherent crookedness and perversion – will neither be "found out" by any observer, divine or human, nor be "hated" with the just revulsion it warrants, thereby escaping accountability. This portrays a mind thoroughly insulated by pride and folly, fundamentally at odds with the all-seeing, holy nature of God who despises evil and will surely bring hidden deeds to light for judgment. This verse is a sober warning against the spiritual blindness that allows sin to fester by rationalization and delusion, rather than facing truth and seeking God's grace.