Psalm 64 6

Psalm 64:6 kjv

They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search: both the inward thought of every one of them, and the heart, is deep.

Psalm 64:6 nkjv

They devise iniquities: "We have perfected a shrewd scheme." Both the inward thought and the heart of man are deep.

Psalm 64:6 niv

They plot injustice and say, "We have devised a perfect plan!" Surely the human mind and heart are cunning.

Psalm 64:6 esv

They search out injustice, saying, "We have accomplished a diligent search." For the inward mind and heart of a man are deep.

Psalm 64:6 nlt

As they plot their crimes, they say,
"We have devised the perfect plan!"
Yes, the human heart and mind are cunning.

Psalm 64 verses

Psalm 64 6 Meaning

Psalm 64:6 describes the meticulous and pervasive nature of the wicked's plotting. It portrays them as intensely devoted to formulating evil schemes, carefully seeking out and refining their plans. The latter part of the verse explains this propensity for profound wickedness by stating that the inner mind and heart of humanity are inherently deep, signifying a hidden and often corrupted wellspring from which such intricate evil originates. It underscores the profound depths of human depravity and hidden motives, which, though concealed from human view, are fully known to God.

Psalm 64 6 Context

Psalm 64 is a fervent prayer by David, seeking deliverance from cunning enemies who plot against him in secret. The psalm vividly portrays their malicious intent, describing their sharp tongues as swords and their bitter words as arrows (Ps 64:3-4). Verse 6 specifically delves into the insidious nature of their planning, emphasizing how meticulously and deeply they conceive their wickedness. This verse serves as a crucial exposition of the hidden roots of their destructive actions, preparing for the dramatic declaration of God's swift judgment against such concealed malice (Ps 64:7-8). The surrounding verses describe the wicked setting traps (v. 5), then their downfall (v. 7-8), followed by a declaration of God's work (v. 9) and the joy of the righteous (v. 10). Historically, this context could apply to David's many adversaries, from King Saul's attempts to kill him, to the rebellion of Absalom, or foreign enemies constantly seeking his downfall.

Psalm 64 6 Word analysis

• They devise wickedness: The Hebrew verb is vayyachpesu (וַיַּחְפְּשׂוּ), from chaphash, meaning "to search," "to explore," or "to devise." It implies a diligent, painstaking effort, not just casual thought. The "wickedness" is ʿolōth (עוֹלֹת), which often refers to "iniquities," "mischief," or actions that are twisted. This signifies active, careful planning of wrongdoing.
• and complete their devising: The Hebrew chefesh mechuppas (חֵפֶשׂ מְחֻפָּשׂ) is a strong emphatic construction using a noun and a participle from the same root (chaphash). It literally means "a search thoroughly searched" or "a devising diligently devised." This highlights the extreme depth, thoroughness, and covert nature of their planning. It emphasizes that their evil is not spontaneous but meticulously sought out and brought to completion in their minds.
• for the inward mind: The word qerev (וְקֶרֶב) refers to the "inner part," typically the internal organs, but figuratively denotes the very core of a person's being, their intellect, consciousness, and hidden thoughts. It speaks to what is concealed within the self.
• and heart: lev (וְלֵב) in Hebrew thought is not merely the seat of emotions but the center of one's intellect, will, decision-making, and moral character. It represents the full spiritual and moral core of a person. The conjunction "and" links qerev and lev to emphasize the holistic inner man.
• are deep: The Hebrew adjective ʿamoq (עָמֹק) means "deep," "profound," "unfathomable." It signifies that these inner aspects—the mind and heart—are hidden, mysterious, and difficult for others to penetrate. This "depth" allows for the extensive and hidden plotting previously mentioned. It can also imply profound corruption or intricacy that human perception cannot fully grasp, but which is known to God.

Psalm 64 6 Words-group analysis

• They devise wickedness and complete their devising: This phrase reveals the intensity and perfection of evil planning. It's not a fleeting thought, but a dedicated pursuit to construct elaborate schemes, akin to engineers designing a complex machine, but for malicious ends. This diligence in evil mirrors the diligence with which the righteous are called to seek God, starkly contrasting the two paths. It underlines the extent of deliberate malice.
• for the inward mind and heart of a man are deep: This explanatory clause offers the reason for such profound and hidden plotting. The human internal constitution is depicted as a reservoir of thoughts and intentions that are profoundly concealed. This "depth" makes it hard for others to discern their motives, highlighting the insidious nature of the wicked and emphasizing the necessity for God's divine discernment. This echoes biblical teaching on the deceitfulness of the human heart (Jer 17:9), presenting it as a source of hidden evils that human beings often fail to perceive fully.

Psalm 64 6 Bonus section

• The linguistic emphasis of "חֵפֶשׂ מְחֻפָּשׂ" is a rhetorical device that amplifies the degree of diligent searching for wickedness. It creates a vivid mental picture of relentless effort poured into conceiving evil. This intense verbal construction implies a dedication to malicious enterprise that is alarming in its thoroughness and reflects the profound depth of depravity the psalmist observes in his enemies.
• The contrast between the "deep" (hidden) human heart and God, who "sees through all things" (Heb 4:13) and whose word discerns the thoughts and intentions, is an underlying theological theme throughout the Bible, powerfully present in this verse. While human plans and motives may be profoundly concealed from others, they are fully exposed to the omniscient gaze of God. This knowledge of God's omnipresence provides comfort and assurance to the psalmist, knowing that his accusers' secret evils are not secret to the Creator.
• This Psalm, particularly this verse, implies a dynamic struggle between human craftiness and divine insight. Though men may devise schemes in secret depths, God's justice is deeper still, bringing their hidden intentions and wicked designs to light and to their just conclusion. It affirms that while human hearts are capable of profound and complex evil, God's understanding and power transcend that depth, ensuring accountability.

Psalm 64 6 Commentary

Psalm 64:6 precisely diagnoses the core issue of the wicked: their meticulous devotion to hidden malice, rooted in the profound and often corrupted depths of the human heart. It unveils that evil is often not superficial but springs from an intricately designed inner framework of thought and intent. The enemies are portrayed as tirelessly perfecting their wicked plots, searching them out thoroughly before executing them. This underscores the deceitful nature of sin that originates from within (Mk 7:21-23), illustrating that evil intentions are cultivated. The "deep" inner being points to human fallenness, where evil motives can fester unseen by human eyes, but never by God. It provides theological grounding for God's ultimate judgment, as He alone can truly penetrate and discern the innermost thoughts and intents of the heart. The verse sets the stage for the dramatic shift in the psalm where God, seeing these hidden depths, responds with unerring judgment (Ps 64:7-8), reminding believers that no hidden sin goes unnoticed by the Omniscient.