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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 11:2 For behold, the wicked bend their bows. They set their arrow on the string to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/11-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/19_Psa_011_002.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 11:2 - In the LORD I Take Refuge" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For behold, the wicked bend their bows. 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They shoot from the shadows at those whose hearts are right. <a href="/esv/psalms/11.htm">English Standard Version</a> for behold, the wicked bend the bow; they have fitted their arrow to the string to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart; <a href="/bsb/psalms/11.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> For behold, the wicked bend their bows. They set their arrow on the string to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart. <a href="/kjv/psalms/11.htm">King James Bible</a> For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart. <a href="/nkjv/psalms/11.htm">New King James Version</a> For look! The wicked bend their bow, They make ready their arrow on the string, That they may shoot secretly at the upright in heart. <a href="/nasb_/psalms/11.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “For, behold, the wicked bend the bow, They have set their arrow on the string To shoot in darkness at the upright in heart. <a href="/nasb/psalms/11.htm">NASB 1995</a> For, behold, the wicked bend the bow, They make ready their arrow upon the string To shoot in darkness at the upright in heart. <a href="/nasb77/psalms/11.htm">NASB 1977 </a> For, behold, the wicked bend the bow, They make ready their arrow upon the string, To shoot in darkness at the upright in heart. <a href="/lsb/psalms/11.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For, behold, the wicked bend the bow, They make ready their arrow upon the string To shoot in darkness at the upright in heart. <a href="/amp/psalms/11.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For look, the wicked are bending the bow; They take aim with their arrow on the string To shoot [by stealth] in darkness at the upright in heart. <a href="/csb/psalms/11.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For look, the wicked string bows; they put their arrows on bowstrings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart. <a href="/hcsb/psalms/11.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For look, the wicked string the bow; they put the arrow on the bowstring to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart. <a href="/asv/psalms/11.htm">American Standard Version</a> For, lo, the wicked bend the bow, They make ready their arrow upon the string, That they may shoot in darkness at the upright in heart; <a href="/cev/psalms/11.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> You tell me, "Watch out! Those evil people have put their arrows on their bows, and they are standing in the shadows, aiming at good people. <a href="/erv/psalms/11.htm">English Revised Version</a> For, lo, the wicked bend the bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may shoot in darkness at the upright in heart. <a href="/gwt/psalms/11.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Wicked people bend their bows. They set their arrows against the strings to shoot in the dark at people whose motives are decent. <a href="/gnt/psalms/11.htm">Good News Translation</a> because the wicked have drawn their bows and aimed their arrows to shoot from the shadows at good people. <a href="/isv/psalms/11.htm">International Standard Version</a> Look, the wicked have bent their bow and placed their arrow on the string, to shoot from the darkness at the upright in heart. <a href="/msb/psalms/11.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> For behold, the wicked bend their bows. They set their arrow on the string to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart. <a href="/net/psalms/11.htm">NET Bible</a> For look, the wicked prepare their bows, they put their arrows on the strings, to shoot in the darkness at the morally upright. <a href="/nheb/psalms/11.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For, look, the wicked bend their bows. They set their arrows on the strings, that they may shoot in darkness at the upright in heart. <a href="/wbt/psalms/11.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart. <a href="/web/psalms/11.htm">World English Bible</a> For, behold, the wicked bend their bows. They set their arrows on the strings, that they may shoot in darkness at the upright in heart. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/psalms/11.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> For behold, the wicked bend a bow, "" They have prepared their arrow on the string, "" To shoot in darkness at the upright in heart. <a href="/ylt/psalms/11.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> For lo, the wicked tread a bow, They have prepared their arrow on the string, To shoot in darkness at the upright in heart. <a href="/slt/psalms/11.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For behold, the unjust will bend the bow, they prepared their arrow upon the cord, they will shoot in darkness the upright of heart.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/psalms/11.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For, lo, the wicked have bent their bow; they have prepared their arrows in the quiver; to shoot in the dark the upright of heart. <a href="/cpdv/psalms/11.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> <V 10:3>For behold, the sinners have bent their bow. They have prepared their arrows in the quiver, so as to shoot arrows in the dark at the upright of heart. <a href="/nabre/psalms/11.htm">New American Bible</a> See how the wicked string their bows, fit their arrows to the string to shoot from the shadows at the upright of heart. <a href="/nrsvce/psalms/11.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> for look, the wicked bend the bow, they have fitted their arrow to the string, to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/psalms/11.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For, lo, the wicked bend their bow; they make ready their arrow upon the string to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart. <a href="/hpbt/psalms/11.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Because, behold, sinners have drawn the bow and readied their arrows upon the string to shoot in thick darkness at the upright hearts<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/psalms/11.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> For, lo, the wicked bend the bow, They have made ready their arrow upon the string, That they may shoot in darkness at the upright in heart. <a href="/sep/psalms/11.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> For behold the sinners have bent their bow, they have prepared their arrows for the quiver, to shoot privily at the upright in heart. <a href="/parallel/psalms/11-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=977" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/psalms/11.htm">In the LORD I Take Refuge</a> 1For the choirmaster. Of David. In the LORD I take refuge. How then can you say to me: “Flee like a bird to your mountain! 2<a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">For</a> <a href="/hebrew/2009.htm" title="2009: hin·nêh (Interjection) -- Lo! behold! Prolongation for hen; lo!">behold,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7563.htm" title="7563: hā·rə·šā·‘îm (Art:: Adj-mp) -- Wicked, criminal. From rasha'; morally wrong; concretely, an bad person.">the wicked</a> <a href="/hebrew/1869.htm" title="1869: yiḏ·rə·ḵūn (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp:: Pn) -- To tread, march. A primitive root; to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow.">bend</a> <a href="/hebrew/7198.htm" title="7198: qe·šeṯ (N-fs) -- A bow. From qashah in the original sense of bending: a bow, for shooting or the iris.">their bows.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3559.htm" title="3559: kō·wn·nū (V-Piel-Perf-3cp) -- A primitive root; properly, to be erect; hence to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal, or figurative.">They set</a> <a href="/hebrew/2671.htm" title="2671: ḥiṣ·ṣām (N-msc:: 3mp) -- From chatsats; properly, a piercer, i.e. An arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, thunder-bolt; the shaft of a spear.">their arrow</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">on</a> <a href="/hebrew/3499.htm" title="3499: ye·ṯer (N-ms) -- From yathar; properly, an overhanging, i.e. an excess, superiority, remainder; also a small rope.">the string</a> <a href="/hebrew/3384.htm" title="3384: lî·rō·wṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- Or yara; a primitive root; properly, to flow as water; transitively, to lay or throw; figuratively, to point out, to teach.">to shoot</a> <a href="/hebrew/1119.htm" title="1119: bə·mōw- (Prep) -- In. Prolongation for prepositional prefix; in, with, by, etc.">from</a> <a href="/hebrew/652.htm" title="652: ’ō·p̄el (N-ms) -- Darkness, gloom. From the same as 'aphel; dusk.">the shadows</a> <a href="/hebrew/3477.htm" title="3477: lə·yiš·rê- (Prep-l:: Adj-mpc) -- Straight, right. From yashar; straight.">at the upright</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: lêḇ (N-ms) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">in heart.</a> 3If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/proverbs/1-11.htm">Proverbs 1:11-12</a> If they say, “Come along, let us lie in wait for blood, let us ambush the innocent without cause, / let us swallow them alive like Sheol, and whole like those descending into the Pit. <a href="/jeremiah/9-8.htm">Jeremiah 9:8</a> Their tongues are deadly arrows; they speak deception. With his mouth a man speaks peace to his neighbor, but in his heart he sets a trap for him. <a href="/psalms/37-14.htm">Psalm 37:14</a> The wicked have drawn the sword and bent the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright. <a href="/psalms/64-3.htm">Psalm 64:3-4</a> who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows, / ambushing the innocent in seclusion, shooting suddenly, without fear. <a href="/proverbs/6-17.htm">Proverbs 6:17</a> haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, <a href="/isaiah/32-7.htm">Isaiah 32:7</a> The weapons of the scoundrel are destructive; he hatches plots to destroy the poor with lies, even when the plea of the needy is just. <a href="/lamentations/3-34.htm">Lamentations 3:34-36</a> To crush underfoot all the prisoners of the land, / to deny a man justice before the Most High, / to subvert a man in his lawsuit—of these the Lord does not approve. <a href="/psalms/10-8.htm">Psalm 10:8-9</a> He lies in wait near the villages; in ambush he slays the innocent; his eyes watch in stealth for the helpless. / He lies in wait like a lion in a thicket; he lurks to seize the oppressed; he catches the lowly in his net. <a href="/psalms/64-2.htm">Psalm 64:2</a> Hide me from the scheming of the wicked, from the mob of workers of iniquity, <a href="/psalms/140-3.htm">Psalm 140:3</a> They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips. Selah <a href="/matthew/23-34.htm">Matthew 23:34</a> Because of this, I am sending you prophets and wise men and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify, and others you will flog in your synagogues and persecute from town to town. <a href="/luke/11-53.htm">Luke 11:53-54</a> As Jesus went on from there, the scribes and Pharisees began to oppose Him bitterly and to ply Him with questions about many things, / waiting to catch Him in something He might say. <a href="/john/15-18.htm">John 15:18-20</a> If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. / If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. / Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well. <a href="/acts/23-12.htm">Acts 23:12-15</a> When daylight came, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. / More than forty of them were involved in this plot. / They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have bound ourselves with a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. ... <a href="/romans/3-13.htm">Romans 3:13-14</a> “Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.” “The venom of vipers is on their lips.” / “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For, see, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow on the string, that they may privately shoot at the upright in heart.For, lo<a href="/psalms/10-2.htm">Psalm 10:2</a> The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined.<a href="/psalms/37-14.htm">Psalm 37:14</a> The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation.<a href="/psalms/64-3.htm">Psalm 64:3</a> Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words:make<a href="/psalms/21-12.htm">Psalm 21:12</a> Therefore shalt thou make them turn their back, when thou shalt make ready thine arrows upon thy strings against the face of them.that<a href="/psalms/10-8.htm">Psalm 10:8,9</a> He sitteth in the lurking places of the villages: in the secret places doth he murder the innocent: his eyes are privily set against the poor… <a href="/psalms/64-5.htm">Psalm 64:5</a> They encourage themselves in an evil matter: they commune of laying snares privily; they say, Who shall see them?<a href="/psalms/142-3.htm">Psalm 142:3</a> When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.privily.<a href="/psalms/7-10.htm">Psalm 7:10</a> My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart.<a href="/psalms/32-11.htm">Psalm 32:11</a> Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.<a href="/psalms/64-10.htm">Psalm 64:10</a> The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/41-28.htm">Arrow</a> <a href="/psalms/7-13.htm">Arrows</a> <a href="/psalms/7-12.htm">Bend</a> <a href="/psalms/7-12.htm">Bent</a> <a href="/psalms/7-12.htm">Bow</a> <a href="/psalms/10-10.htm">Bows</a> <a href="/job/41-2.htm">Cord</a> <a href="/psalms/10-8.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/job/38-19.htm">Darkness</a> <a href="/psalms/7-11.htm">Evil-Doers</a> <a href="/1_kings/6-35.htm">Fitted</a> <a href="/psalms/10-17.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/psalms/9-7.htm">Prepared</a> <a href="/psalms/10-8.htm">Privily</a> <a href="/psalms/9-7.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/job/16-16.htm">Shadows</a> <a href="/job/41-19.htm">Shoot</a> <a href="/psalms/7-12.htm">String</a> <a href="/amos/6-5.htm">Strings</a> <a href="/psalms/7-5.htm">Tread</a> <a href="/psalms/10-10.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/psalms/10-15.htm">Wicked</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/58-7.htm">Arrow</a> <a href="/psalms/18-14.htm">Arrows</a> <a href="/psalms/17-13.htm">Bend</a> <a href="/psalms/18-9.htm">Bent</a> <a href="/psalms/18-34.htm">Bow</a> <a href="/psalms/21-12.htm">Bows</a> <a href="/psalms/93-1.htm">Cord</a> <a href="/psalms/18-9.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/psalms/18-9.htm">Darkness</a> <a href="/psalms/17-9.htm">Evil-Doers</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-18.htm">Fitted</a> <a href="/psalms/12-2.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/psalms/37-23.htm">Prepared</a> <a href="/psalms/31-4.htm">Privily</a> <a href="/psalms/21-12.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/songs/2-17.htm">Shadows</a> <a href="/psalms/22-7.htm">Shoot</a> <a href="/jeremiah/51-3.htm">String</a> <a href="/psalms/21-12.htm">Strings</a> <a href="/psalms/25-5.htm">Tread</a> <a href="/psalms/11-3.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/psalms/11-5.htm">Wicked</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 11</div>1. <a href="/psalms/11-1.htm">David encourages himself in God against his enemies</a> 4. <a href="/psalms/11-4.htm">The providence and justice of God</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/11.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/11.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>For behold, the wicked bend their bows. This phrase highlights the readiness and intent of the wicked to harm the righteous. In ancient warfare, the bow was a primary weapon, symbolizing preparation for attack. The imagery of bending the bow suggests a deliberate and premeditated action. Biblically, the wicked often represent those who oppose God's ways, as seen in <a href="/psalms/37-14.htm">Psalm 37:14</a>, where the wicked draw the sword and bend the bow against the poor and needy. This reflects the ongoing spiritual battle between good and evil, a theme prevalent throughout Scripture.They set their arrow on the string This action signifies the imminent threat posed by the wicked. The setting of the arrow on the string indicates that the attack is not only planned but about to be executed. In historical context, archers were crucial in battles, and their readiness to shoot was a sign of impending danger. This phrase can be connected to <a href="/ephesians/6-16.htm">Ephesians 6:16</a>, where believers are urged to take up the shield of faith to extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one, emphasizing the need for spiritual preparedness.to shoot from the shadows Shooting from the shadows implies deceit and cowardice, as the wicked prefer to attack when unseen. This tactic of ambush is common in Scripture, where darkness often symbolizes evil and treachery. In <a href="/john/3-19.htm">John 3:19-20</a>, it is stated that people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. The use of shadows also suggests a spiritual dimension, where the forces of darkness work against the light of God’s truth.at the upright in heart. The "upright in heart" refers to those who live righteously and seek to follow God's commandments. This phrase underscores the target of the wicked's attacks: those who are faithful to God. The upright are often contrasted with the wicked throughout the Psalms, as in <a href="/psalms/7-10.htm">Psalm 7:10</a>, where God is described as a shield for the upright in heart. This highlights the spiritual warfare faced by believers and the assurance of God's protection for those who remain steadfast in their faith.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_wicked.htm">The Wicked</a> This term refers to those who oppose God's ways and seek to harm the righteous. In the context of this Psalm, they are depicted as aggressors who plot against the upright. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_upright_in_heart.htm">The Upright in Heart</a> These are individuals who live in accordance with God's will, maintaining integrity and righteousness. They are the targets of the wicked's schemes. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_shadows.htm">The Shadows</a> This symbolizes secrecy and deceit, indicating that the wicked operate in hidden and underhanded ways to attack the righteous.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_spiritual_opposition.htm">The Reality of Spiritual Opposition</a> Believers must recognize that spiritual opposition is a reality. The wicked, influenced by evil, often target those who strive to live righteously. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_spiritual_vigilance.htm">The Importance of Spiritual Vigilance</a> Just as the wicked shoot from the shadows, believers must remain vigilant and discerning, aware of the subtle and hidden attacks that may come their way. <a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_protection.htm">Trust in God's Protection</a> Despite the threats from the wicked, believers can trust in God's protection. He is aware of the schemes of the wicked and is a refuge for the upright. <a href="/topical/m/maintaining_integrity.htm">Maintaining Integrity</a> The upright in heart are those who maintain their integrity despite opposition. Believers are called to uphold their commitment to God's ways, even when under attack. <a href="/topical/p/prayer_as_a_defense.htm">Prayer as a Defense</a> Prayer is a powerful defense against the attacks of the wicked. Believers should continually seek God's guidance and protection through prayer.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_11.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 11</a> <a href="/q/how_does_psalm_57_align_with_2_sam_11.htm">How does Psalm 57's depiction of David's unwavering trust align with other biblical passages that portray his moral failures (e.g., 2 Samuel 11)?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_psalm_11_6_align_with_mercy.htm">How does Psalm 11:6's description of raining coals and brimstone fit with other biblical accounts that emphasize mercy over destruction?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_psalm_59_4_claim_david's_innocence.htm">If Psalm 59:4 claims innocence on David's part, why do other passages (e.g., 2 Samuel 11) contradict this portrayal of his character?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_psalm_18_20-24_align_with_2_sam_11.htm">How does David's claim of righteousness in Psalm 18:20-24 align with accounts of his moral failures elsewhere in Scripture (e.g., 2 Samuel 11)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/11.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) Privily.--See margin, which preserves the image of the archer lurking in a dark corner.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/11.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 2. - For, lo, the wicked bend their bow. The words are still those of the timid friends. "Lo," they say, "the ungodly are already bending the bow against thee" - preparing, i.e., to attempt thy life. They make ready their arrow upon the string; or, fit their arrow to the string. The last thing before discharging it. That they may privily shoot at the upright in heart; literally, that they may shoot amid darkness at the upright in heart (comp. <a href="/1_samuel/19-1.htm">1 Samuel 19:1, 2</a>, where, Saul having given orders to "all his servants, that they should kill David," Jonathan persuades him to hide himself "until the morning"). <a href="/commentaries/psalms/11-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>For כִּ֤י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction behold, הִנֵּ֪ה (hin·nêh) Interjection <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2009.htm">Strong's 2009: </a> Lo! behold! the wicked הָרְשָׁעִ֡ים (hā·rə·šā·‘îm) Article | Adjective - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7563.htm">Strong's 7563: </a> Wrong, an, bad person bend יִדְרְכ֬וּן (yiḏ·rə·ḵūn) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | Paragogic nun <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1869.htm">Strong's 1869: </a> To tread, to walk, to string a, bow [their] bows; קֶ֗שֶׁת (qe·šeṯ) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7198.htm">Strong's 7198: </a> A bow, for, shooting, the iris they set כּוֹנְנ֣וּ (kō·wn·nū) Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3559.htm">Strong's 3559: </a> To be erect their arrow חִצָּ֣ם (ḥiṣ·ṣām) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2671.htm">Strong's 2671: </a> A piercer, an arrow, a wound, thunderbolt, the shaft of a, spear on עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against the string יֶ֑תֶר (ye·ṯer) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3499.htm">Strong's 3499: </a> An overhanging, an excess, superiority, remainder, a small rope to shoot לִיר֥וֹת (lî·rō·wṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3384.htm">Strong's 3384: </a> To flow as water, to lay, throw, to point out, to teach from בְּמוֹ־ (bə·mōw-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1119.htm">Strong's 1119: </a> In, with, by the shadows אֹ֝֗פֶל (’ō·p̄el) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_652.htm">Strong's 652: </a> Darkness, gloom at the upright לְיִשְׁרֵי־ (lə·yiš·rê-) Preposition-l | Adjective - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3477.htm">Strong's 3477: </a> Straight, right in heart. לֵֽב׃ (lêḇ) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/11-2.htm">Psalm 11:2 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/psalms/11-2.htm">Psalm 11:2 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/psalms/11-2.htm">Psalm 11:2 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/psalms/11-2.htm">Psalm 11:2 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/psalms/11-2.htm">Psalm 11:2 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/11-2.htm">Psalm 11:2 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/11-2.htm">Psalm 11:2 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/11-2.htm">Psalm 11:2 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/11-2.htm">Psalm 11:2 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/psalms/11-2.htm">Psalm 11:2 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/psalms/11-2.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 11:2 For behold the wicked bend their bows (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/11-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 11:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 11:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/11-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 11:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 11:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>