Psalm 59 2

Psalm 59:2 kjv

Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloody men.

Psalm 59:2 nkjv

Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, And save me from bloodthirsty men.

Psalm 59:2 niv

Deliver me from evildoers and save me from those who are after my blood.

Psalm 59:2 esv

deliver me from those who work evil, and save me from bloodthirsty men.

Psalm 59:2 nlt

Rescue me from these criminals;
save me from these murderers.

Psalm 59 verses

Psalm 59 2 Meaning

Psalm 59:2 is an earnest plea from the psalmist, King David, to God for divine intervention against actively malicious and violent adversaries. It expresses a desperate need for deliverance and salvation from those who purposefully engage in evil deeds and specifically seek to shed blood, highlighting their cruel and destructive nature. The verse encapsulates a direct cry for protection from imminent, life-threatening danger orchestrated by determined enemies.

Psalm 59 2 Context

Psalm 59 is a Miktam of David, specifically noted as "when Saul sent men, and they watched the house in order to kill him" (Ps 59 superscription). This context points to a time of extreme danger and betrayal for David, where he was a righteous servant being hunted down by King Saul, driven by jealousy and paranoia. David was innocent of the accusations against him, yet faced a literal death threat from those empowered by the king. Therefore, his cry for deliverance from "workers of iniquity" and "bloodthirsty men" is not hyperbole but a precise description of his immediate peril. The chapter recounts the malevolence and relentlessness of his pursuers, highlighting their unjust aggression and his sole reliance on God as his defense. The Psalm transitions from an urgent plea to an expression of confidence and eventual praise for God's strong deliverance.

Psalm 59 2 Word analysis

• Deliver me (חַצִּילֵנִי, ḥaṣṣîlēnî): From the Hebrew root נָצַל (nāṣal), meaning to snatch away, rescue, draw out. It implies an urgent, swift removal from danger. This word conveys an active, decisive act of God lifting or pulling David out of harm's way, suggesting he is already ensnared or closely pursued.
• from those who work (מִפֹּעֲלֵי, mippō‘ălê): From the root פָּעַל (pa‘al), to perform, make, do, work. This participial form indicates ongoing, habitual action. These are not merely people who commit a single wrong deed but those whose very nature and continuous activity are characterized by the performance of evil.
• iniquity (אָוֶן, ’āwen): This Hebrew term denotes wickedness, evil, trouble, or moral wrong. It frequently carries the connotation of grievous harm or oppressive, harmful deeds. It’s a comprehensive term for depraved acts, implying not just legal transgression but a deeper perversion of righteousness, often leading to sorrow or calamity for others.
• and save me (וְהוֹשִׁיעֵנִי, wəhôšî‘ēnî): From the root יָשַׁע (yāša‘), to save, deliver, be victorious. This term is broader and stronger than nāṣal, implying a comprehensive act of salvation that brings safety and well-being. It is the root from which the name "Yeshua" (Jesus) is derived, signifying a deep, holistic rescue that brings to a place of security and ultimate triumph. It highlights God's power to provide complete safety and make the psalmist victorious over his adversaries.
• from bloodthirsty men (מֵאִישֵׁי דָמִים, mē’îšê dāmîm): This is a powerful, graphic idiom, literally "from men of blood."
  • men (אִישֵׁי, ’îšê): The plural of אִישׁ (’îš), man. Here, it emphasizes the individual agents, their character.
  • bloodthirsty / of blood (דָמִים, dāmîm): Literally "bloods" (plural). It vividly refers to bloodshed, violence, or murder. "Men of blood" signifies individuals whose very being is associated with violent acts, specifically seeking to kill or cause grievous harm. This group is distinct from mere "workers of iniquity," as it specifies the deadliest manifestation of their evil intentions, emphasizing murderous intent or execution.
• "those who work iniquity" and "bloodthirsty men": This grouping provides a dual characterization of the enemies. "Workers of iniquity" describes their general evil conduct and perverse actions, encompassing their deceit, false accusations, and moral corruption. "Bloodthirsty men" specifies the deadly extent of their malice—they are actively seeking David's life, driven by a murderous intent. The parallel structure amplifies the psalmist's predicament, showing the breadth and depth of his enemies' wickedness. They are evil not only in their general behavior but in their specific, violent desire for his life.

Psalm 59 2 Bonus section

The structure of Psalm 59:2—two parallel clauses using similar verbs and distinct descriptions of enemies—is characteristic of Hebrew poetry, enhancing the intensity and clarity of David’s plea. The petition moves from a general request for deliverance from pervasive evil ("workers of iniquity") to a specific, urgent demand for protection from murderous intent ("bloodthirsty men"), reflecting the escalating nature of the threat. This progression deepens the reader's understanding of David's extreme vulnerability and the particular cruelty of his pursuers. The immediate danger for David highlights that "deliverance" and "salvation" are not merely theological concepts but tangible acts of God’s protective power in dire circumstances.

Psalm 59 2 Commentary

Psalm 59:2 serves as a foundational petition within a psalm of desperate appeal to God. David, facing death at the hands of King Saul’s men, cries out for urgent divine intervention. His plea "Deliver me... and save me" reflects an understanding of God as both a rescuer from immediate danger and a provider of ultimate salvation and security. The "workers of iniquity" represent the moral depravity and deceitful actions of his enemies, whose unjust conduct constitutes evil in God's eyes. More specifically, the "bloodthirsty men" directly indicate their murderous intentions, highlighting the critical nature of David's peril. This verse is not just a complaint, but a deep act of trust, recognizing that only God possesses the power to counteract such pervasive and deadly human evil. It expresses a reliance on God's just character to defend the innocent against the ruthless aggression of the wicked. In essence, it's a model prayer for divine protection when human hostility becomes life-threatening, reinforcing the biblical truth that God is the refuge and strong tower against all forms of oppression and violence.