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My head will not refuse it, for my prayer will still be against the deeds of evildoers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/141.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Let the godly strike me! It will be a kindness! If they correct me, it is soothing medicine. Don’t let me refuse it. But I pray constantly against the wicked and their deeds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/141.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness; let him rebuke me—it is oil for my head; let my head not refuse it. Yet my prayer is continually against their evil deeds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/141.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Let the righteous man strike me; let his rebuke be an act of loving devotion. It is oil for my head; let me not refuse it. For my prayer is ever against the deeds of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/141.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Let the righteous smite me; <i>it shall be</i> a kindness: and let him reprove me; <i>it shall be</i> an excellent oil, <i>which</i> shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also <i>shall be</i> in their calamities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/141.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Let the righteous strike me; <i>It shall be</i> a kindness. And let him rebuke me; <i>It shall be</i> as excellent oil; Let my head not refuse it. For still my prayer <i>is</i> against the deeds of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/141.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />May the righteous strike me with mercy and discipline me; It is oil for the head; My head shall not refuse it, For my prayer is still against their evil deeds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/141.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Let the righteous smite me in kindness and reprove me; It is oil upon the head; Do not let my head refuse it, For still my prayer is against their wicked deeds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/141.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Let the righteous smite me in kindness and reprove me; It is oil upon the head; Do not let my head refuse it, For still my prayer is against their wicked deeds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/141.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Let the righteous smite me in lovingkindness and reprove me; It is oil upon the head; Let not my head refuse it, For still my prayer is against their evil deeds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/141.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Let the righteous [thoughtfully] strike (correct) me—it is a kindness [done to encourage my spiritual maturity]. It is [the choicest anointing] oil on the head; Let my head not refuse [to accept and acknowledge and learn from] it; For still my prayer is against their wicked deeds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/141.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Let the righteous one strike me — it is an act of faithful love; let him rebuke me — it is oil for my head; let me not refuse it. Even now my prayer is against the evil acts of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/141.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Let the righteous one strike me— it is an act of faithful love; let him rebuke me— it is oil for my head; let me not refuse it. Even now my prayer is against the evil acts of the wicked. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/141.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Let the righteous smite me, it shall be a kindness; And let him reprove me, it shall be as oil upon the head; Let not my head refuse it: For even in their wickedness shall my prayer continue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/141.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Let your faithful people correct and punish me. My prayers condemn the deeds of those who do wrong, so don't let me be friends with any of them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/141.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Let the righteous smite me, it shall be a kindness; and let him reprove me, it shall be as oil upon the head; let not my head refuse it: for even in their wickedness shall my prayer continue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/141.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />A righteous person may strike me or correct me out of kindness. It is like lotion for my head. My head will not refuse it, because my prayer is directed against evil deeds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/141.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Good people may punish me and rebuke me in kindness, but I will never accept honor from evil people, because I am always praying against their evil deeds. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/141.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Let one who is righteous strike me; It is an act of gracious love. Let him rebuke me, because it is oil for my head; do not let my head refuse it. My prayers continuously will be against their wicked activities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/141.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Let the righteous man strike me; let his rebuke be an act of loving devotion. It is oil for my head; let me not refuse it. For my prayer is ever against the deeds of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/141.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />May the godly strike me in love and correct me! May my head not refuse choice oil! Indeed, my prayer is a witness against their evil deeds. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/141.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Let the righteous strike me, it is kindness; let him reprove me, it is like oil on the head; do not let my head refuse it; Yet my prayer is always against evil deeds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/141.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/141.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Let the righteous strike me, it is kindness; let him reprove me, it is like oil on the head; don’t let my head refuse it; Yet my prayer is always against evil deeds. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/141.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The righteous beat me [in] kindness. And reprove me, "" My head does not disallow oil of the head, "" For my prayer [is] still about their distress.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/141.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> The righteous doth beat me in kindness. And doth reprove me, Oil of the head my head disalloweth not, For still my prayer is about their vexations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/141.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The just one shall smite me; a mercy: and he shall admonish me, an oil of the head it shall not decorate my head: for yet my prayer in their evils.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/141.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The just shall correct me in mercy, and shall reprove me: but let not the oil of the sinner fatten my head. For my prayer also shall still be against the things with which they are well pleased: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/141.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 140:5>The just one will correct me with mercy, and he will rebuke me. But do not allow the oil of the sinner to fatten my head. For my prayer will still be toward their good will.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/141.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Let a righteous person strike me; it is mercy if he reproves me. Do not withhold oil from my head while my prayer opposes their evil deeds. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/141.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Let the righteous strike me; let the faithful correct me. Never let the oil of the wicked anoint my head, for my prayer is continually against their wicked deeds.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/141.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Let the righteous teach me and reprove me; let the oil of the wicked not anoint my head since my prayer has been against their evils.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/141.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The Righteous One will teach me and will rebuke me; the oil of the wicked will not anoint my head because my prayer is against their evil companions.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/141.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Let the righteous smite me in kindness, and correct me; Oil so choice let not my head refuse; For still is my prayer because of their wickedness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/141.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />The righteous shall chasten me with mercy, and reprove me: but let not the oil of the sinner anoint my head: for yet shall my prayer also be in their pleasures.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/141-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=17534" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/141.htm">Come Quickly to Me</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">4</span>Do not let my heart be drawn to any evil thing or take part in works of wickedness with men who do iniquity; let me not feast on their delicacies. <span class="reftext">5</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6662.htm" title="6662: ṣad·dîq (Adj-ms) -- Just, righteous. From tsadaq; just.">Let the righteous man</a> <a href="/hebrew/1986.htm" title="1986: ye·hel·mê·nî- (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms:: 1cs) -- To smite, hammer, strike down. A primitive root; to strike down; by implication, to hammer, stamp, conquer, disband.">strike me;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3198.htm" title="3198: wə·yō·w·ḵî·ḥê·nî (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjImperf-3ms:: 1cs) -- To decide, adjudge, prove. A primitive root; to be right; reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict.">let his rebuke</a> <a href="/hebrew/2617.htm" title="2617: ḥe·seḏ (N-ms) -- Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty. From chacad; kindness; by implication piety: rarely reproof, or Beauty.">be an act of loving devotion.</a> <a href="/hebrew/8081.htm" title="8081: še·men (N-msc) -- Fat, oil. From shaman; grease, especially liquid; figuratively, richness.">It is oil</a> <a href="/hebrew/7218.htm" title="7218: rōš (N-ms) -- Head. From an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head, whether literal or figurative.">for my head;</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">let me not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5106.htm" title="5106: yā·nî (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- To hinder, restrain, frustrate. A primitive root; to refuse, forbid, dissuade, or neutralize.">refuse it.</a> <a href="/hebrew/7218.htm" title="7218: rō·šî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Head. From an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head, whether literal or figurative."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">For</a> <a href="/hebrew/8605.htm" title="8605: ū·ṯə·p̄il·lā·ṯî (Conj-w:: N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Prayer. From palal; intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn.">my prayer is ever against</a> <a href="/hebrew/5750.htm" title="5750: ‘ō·wḏ (Adv) -- Or rod; from uwd; properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially, again, repeatedly, still, more."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: bə·rā·‘ō·w·ṯê·hem (Prep-b:: Adj-fpc:: 3mp) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">the deeds of the wicked.</a> </span><span class="reftext">6</span>When their rulers are thrown down from the cliffs, the people will listen to my words, for they are pleasant.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/27-6.htm">Proverbs 27:6</a></span><br />The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/18-15.htm">Matthew 18:15</a></span><br />If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/9-8.htm">Proverbs 9:8</a></span><br />Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-1.htm">Galatians 6:1</a></span><br />Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/5-19.htm">James 5:19-20</a></span><br />My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, / consider this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover over a multitude of sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-25.htm">Proverbs 19:25</a></span><br />Strike a mocker, and the simple will beware; rebuke the discerning man, and he will gain knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-16.htm">2 Timothy 3:16</a></span><br />All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/25-12.htm">Proverbs 25:12</a></span><br />Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/5-12.htm">1 Corinthians 5:12-13</a></span><br />What business of mine is it to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? / God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-11.htm">Hebrews 12:11</a></span><br />No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-31.htm">Proverbs 15:31-32</a></span><br />He who listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. / He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-14.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:14</a></span><br />And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/28-23.htm">Proverbs 28:23</a></span><br />He who rebukes a man will later find more favor than one who flatters with his tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-15.htm">Ephesians 4:15</a></span><br />Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/17-10.htm">Proverbs 17:10</a></span><br />A rebuke cuts into a man of discernment deeper than a hundred lashes cut into a fool.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities.</p><p class="hdg">the righteous</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/25-31.htm">1 Samuel 25:31-34</a></b></br> That this shall be no grief unto thee, nor offence of heart unto my lord, either that thou hast shed blood causeless, or that my lord hath avenged himself: but when the LORD shall have dealt well with my lord, then remember thine handmaid… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/12-7.htm">2 Samuel 12:7-13</a></b></br> And Nathan said to David, Thou <i>art</i> the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/16-7.htm">2 Chronicles 16:7-10</a></b></br> And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, Because thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not relied on the LORD thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand… </p><p class="hdg">smite, etc.</p><p class="hdg">for yet my</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/51-18.htm">Psalm 51:18</a></b></br> Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/125-4.htm">Psalm 125:4</a></b></br> Do good, O LORD, unto <i>those that be</i> good, and to <i>them that are</i> upright in their hearts.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44</a></b></br> But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/119-132.htm">Always</a> <a href="/psalms/23-5.htm">Anoint</a> <a href="/psalms/119-126.htm">Break</a> <a href="/psalms/57-1.htm">Calamities</a> <a href="/psalms/78-31.htm">Choice</a> <a href="/psalms/140-2.htm">Continually</a> <a href="/psalms/119-91.htm">Continue</a> <a href="/psalms/94-10.htm">Correct</a> <a href="/psalms/141-4.htm">Deeds</a> <a href="/psalms/141-4.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/psalms/141-4.htm">Evildoers</a> <a href="/psalms/76-4.htm">Excellent</a> <a href="/psalms/66-16.htm">God-Fearing</a> <a href="/psalms/140-9.htm">Head</a> <a href="/psalms/138-8.htm">Kindness</a> <a href="/psalms/133-2.htm">Oil</a> <a href="/psalms/141-2.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/psalms/120-3.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/psalms/119-21.htm">Rebuke</a> <a href="/psalms/83-10.htm">Refuse</a> <a href="/psalms/94-10.htm">Reprove</a> <a href="/psalms/140-12.htm">Right</a> <a href="/psalms/140-13.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/psalms/140-4.htm">Sinners</a> <a href="/psalms/121-6.htm">Smite</a> <a href="/psalms/110-6.htm">Strike</a> <a href="/psalms/140-13.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/15-5.htm">Vexations</a> <a href="/psalms/140-5.htm">Way</a> <a href="/psalms/141-4.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/psalms/141-4.htm">Wickedness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/5-19.htm">Always</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-8.htm">Anoint</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-10.htm">Break</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-5.htm">Calamities</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-10.htm">Choice</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-19.htm">Continually</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-17.htm">Continue</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-17.htm">Correct</a> <a href="/psalms/145-6.htm">Deeds</a> <a href="/psalms/141-9.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/psalms/141-9.htm">Evildoers</a> <a href="/psalms/148-13.htm">Excellent</a> <a href="/isaiah/57-1.htm">God-Fearing</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-9.htm">Head</a> <a href="/psalms/143-8.htm">Kindness</a> <a href="/psalms/147-3.htm">Oil</a> <a href="/psalms/141-10.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/psalms/149-7.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-23.htm">Rebuke</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-24.htm">Refuse</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-8.htm">Reprove</a> <a href="/psalms/142-4.htm">Right</a> <a href="/psalms/142-7.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/psalms/141-10.htm">Sinners</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-26.htm">Smite</a> <a href="/psalms/144-5.htm">Strike</a> <a href="/psalms/142-7.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/15-5.htm">Vexations</a> <a href="/psalms/142-3.htm">Way</a> <a href="/psalms/141-6.htm">Wicked</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-17.htm">Wickedness</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 141</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/141-1.htm">David prays that his suit may be acceptable</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/141-3.htm">His conscience sincere</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/141-7.htm">And his life free from snares</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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/141.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/141.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Let the righteous man strike me;</b><br>This phrase reflects the psalmist's openness to correction from those who are righteous. In biblical times, a "righteous man" was someone who lived in accordance with God's laws and was seen as morally upright. The idea of being "struck" by a righteous person can be understood metaphorically as receiving correction or discipline. <a href="/proverbs/27-6.htm">Proverbs 27:6</a> states, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend," emphasizing that true friends offer constructive criticism. This aligns with the biblical principle that discipline from the righteous is beneficial and should be welcomed.<p><b>let his rebuke be an act of loving devotion.</b><br>Rebuke, when given in love, is seen as an act of kindness and devotion. In the Hebrew culture, rebuke was not merely criticism but a means to guide someone back to the right path. The psalmist acknowledges that such correction is an expression of love and care, similar to how God disciplines those He loves (<a href="/hebrews/12-6.htm">Hebrews 12:6</a>). This reflects the biblical theme that love often involves guiding others towards righteousness, even if it requires difficult conversations.<p><b>It is oil for my head;</b><br>Oil in ancient Israel was a symbol of blessing, healing, and anointing. Anointing the head with oil was a common practice to show honor and hospitality (<a href="/psalms/23-5.htm">Psalm 23:5</a>). By comparing rebuke to oil, the psalmist suggests that correction is not only beneficial but also a source of spiritual enrichment and honor. This imagery underscores the value of receiving guidance and correction as a means of spiritual growth and blessing.<p><b>let me not refuse it.</b><br>The psalmist expresses a willingness to accept correction, recognizing its importance for personal growth and spiritual maturity. This attitude is consistent with the wisdom literature of the Bible, which often emphasizes the importance of being teachable and open to instruction (<a href="/proverbs/9-8.htm">Proverbs 9:8-9</a>). Refusing correction is seen as folly, while accepting it leads to wisdom and understanding.<p><b>For my prayer is ever against the deeds of the wicked.</b><br>The psalmist contrasts his openness to righteous correction with his opposition to wickedness. His prayers are directed against the actions of the wicked, indicating a commitment to righteousness and justice. This reflects the biblical theme of the righteous standing against evil and seeking God's intervention against injustice (<a href="/psalms/5-4.htm">Psalm 5:4-6</a>). The psalmist's dedication to prayer highlights the importance of seeking God's guidance and strength in opposing wickedness.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of this psalm, David is expressing a desire for righteous correction and guidance.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/r/righteous_man.htm">Righteous Man</a></b><br>Represents those who live according to God's will and are capable of providing godly correction.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/w/wicked.htm">Wicked</a></b><br>Refers to those who act against God's commandments, whose deeds David opposes through prayer.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/e/embrace_correction.htm">Embrace Correction</a></b><br>Understand that correction from a righteous person is an act of love and kindness. It is meant to guide us back to the right path.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/v/value_of_rebuke.htm">Value of Rebuke</a></b><br>Just as oil was used for anointing and healing, a rebuke from a righteous person can be healing and restorative for our spiritual lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/prayer_against_wickedness.htm">Prayer Against Wickedness</a></b><br>Maintain a prayerful stance against the deeds of the wicked, seeking God's intervention and justice.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_in_receiving_correction.htm">Humility in Receiving Correction</a></b><br>Cultivate a humble heart that is open to receiving correction without defensiveness or pride.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_accountability.htm">Community Accountability</a></b><br>Engage in a community of believers where mutual correction and encouragement are practiced for spiritual growth.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_141.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 141</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_a_rebuke_from_the_righteous_kind.htm">Psalm 141:5 – Why would a “strike” or rebuke from the righteous be considered a kindness, when other biblical passages seem to discourage violence? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_psalm_17_5_align_with_eph._2_8-9.htm">How does the psalmist's reliance on personal righteousness (Psalm 17:5) align with New Testament teachings about salvation by faith and not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_there_proof_of_judgment_in_psalm_125_5.htm">In Psalm 125:5, is there historical or archaeological proof of a specific judgment that differentiates the fate of the righteous from the 'evildoers' mentioned?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_psalm_12_5_with_ongoing_suffering.htm">How do we resolve the seeming conflict between Psalm 12:5, where God promises protection for the poor, and other biblical passages where the suffering of the righteous continues unabated?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/141.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) The difficulties of the psalm thicken here. Render, <span class= "ital">Let a righteous man smite me, it is a kindness; and let him reprove me, it is oil for the head: my head shall not refuse it though it continue; yet my prayer is against their wickedness.</span><p>The word rendered "smite" is that used of Jael's "hammer strokes "(<a href="/judges/5-26.htm" title="She put her hand to the nail, and her right hand to the workmen's hammer; and with the hammer she smote Sisera, she smote off his head, when she had pierced and stricken through his temples.">Judges 5:26</a>). (Comp. <a href="/isaiah/41-7.htm" title="So the carpenter encouraged the goldsmith, and he that smoothes with the hammer him that smote the anvil, saying, It is ready for the soldering: and he fastened it with nails, that it should not be moved.">Isaiah 41:7</a>.) The Hebrew for "reprove" is probably used in a judicial sense, as in <a href="/genesis/31-37.htm" title="Whereas you have searched all my stuff, what have you found of all your household stuff? set it here before my brothers and your brothers, that they may judge between us both.">Genesis 31:37</a>; <a href="/isaiah/2-4.htm" title="And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.">Isaiah 2:4</a>; <a href="/proverbs/24-25.htm" title="But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come on them.">Proverbs 24:25</a>, &c. The greatest obscurity attaches to the word rendered above "refuse," but in the Authorised Version "break," probably because in <a href="/psalms/33-10.htm" title="The LORD brings the counsel of the heathen to nothing: he makes the devices of the people of none effect.">Psalm 33:10</a> (" bring to none effect") it is in parallelism with "break." The LXX. and Vulg. take it as meaning "anoint," rendering (from a different text to ours) "let not oil of a wicked man anoint my head." If we might adopt this reading it would remove the difficulty of this part of the verse, and give an excellent parallelism: "A righteous man may smite me in mercy and reprove me, but let not a wicked man's oil anoint my head;" i.e., I would welcome reproof from the righteous, but reject even the festive oil offered by the wicked. For the rendering "wickednesses," instead of "calamities," comp. <a href="/job/20-12.htm" title="Though wickedness be sweet in his mouth, though he hide it under his tongue;">Job 20:12</a>; <a href="/psalms/94-23.htm" title="And he shall bring on them their own iniquity, and shall cut them off in their own wickedness; yes, the LORD our God shall cut them off.">Psalm 94:23</a>. For the sense of "although" given to the conjunction, see <a href="/exodus/13-17.htm" title="And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt:">Exodus 13:17</a>. The suffix "their" <span class= "ital">refers </span>back, of course, to the <span class= "ital">ungodly </span>in <a href="/psalms/141-4.htm" title="Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practice wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties.">Psalm 141:4</a>. The "oil for the head" (comp. <a href="/psalms/45-7.htm" title="You love righteousness, and hate wickedness: therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows.">Psalm 45:7</a>) is a natural emblem of festivity, and the whole sentiment of the passage is tolerably clear. Rather than join in the wicked mirth of a profane banquet, the poet would be the object of continued rebuke and chastisement from one of the godly--his prayer meanwhile still rising for protection against the allurements held out to tempt him. We probably have sketched here the actual condition of many a Levite between the apostate and the loyal part of the nation. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/141.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 5.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness</span>; rather, <span class="accented">let the righteous smite me kindly</span>, as in the margin. <span class="cmt_word">And let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head</span>; rather, <span class="accented">which my head shall not refuse</span>. The psalmist will prefer the reproof of the righteous to the dainty allurements of the wicked. He will regard their words as an oil of welcome, such as was poured upon the head of favored guests (<a href="/luke/7-36.htm">Luke 7:36</a>), and his head will not <span class="accented">refuse</span> it. <span class="cmt_word">For yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities</span>; rather, <span class="accented">their wickednesses</span>. This healing oil will strengthen him to continue to pray for his enemies, even though they still continue in their "wickednesses." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/141-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Let the righteous man</span><br /><span class="heb">צַדִּ֨יק ׀</span> <span class="translit">(ṣad·dîq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6662.htm">Strong's 6662: </a> </span><span class="str2">Just, righteous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">strike me;</span><br /><span class="heb">יֶֽהֶלְמֵֽנִי־</span> <span class="translit">(ye·hel·mê·nî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1986.htm">Strong's 1986: </a> </span><span class="str2">To strike down, to hammer, stamp, conquer, disband</span><br /><br /><span class="word">let his rebuke</span><br /><span class="heb">וְֽיוֹכִיחֵ֗נִי</span> <span class="translit">(wə·yō·w·ḵî·ḥê·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3198.htm">Strong's 3198: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be right, reciprocal, to argue, to decide, justify, convict</span><br /><br /><span class="word">be an act of loving devotion.</span><br /><span class="heb">חֶ֡סֶד</span> <span class="translit">(ḥe·seḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2617.htm">Strong's 2617: </a> </span><span class="str2">Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty</span><br /><br /><span class="word">It is oil</span><br /><span class="heb">שֶׁ֣מֶן</span> <span class="translit">(še·men)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8081.htm">Strong's 8081: </a> </span><span class="str2">Grease, liquid, richness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for my head;</span><br /><span class="heb">רֹ֭אשׁ</span> <span class="translit">(rōš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7218.htm">Strong's 7218: </a> </span><span class="str2">The head</span><br /><br /><span class="word">let me not</span><br /><span class="heb">אַל־</span> <span class="translit">(’al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">refuse it.</span><br /><span class="heb">יָנִ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(yā·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5106.htm">Strong's 5106: </a> </span><span class="str2">To refuse, forbid, dissuade, neutralize</span><br /><br /><span class="word">For</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my prayer is ever against</span><br /><span class="heb">וּ֝תְפִלָּתִ֗י</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ṯə·p̄il·lā·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8605.htm">Strong's 8605: </a> </span><span class="str2">Intercession, supplication, a hymn</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the deeds of the wicked.</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּרָעוֹתֵיהֶֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(bə·rā·‘ō·w·ṯê·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Adjective - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bad, evil</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/141-5.htm">Psalm 141:5 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/141-5.htm">Psalm 141:5 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/141-5.htm">Psalm 141:5 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/141-5.htm">Psalm 141:5 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/141-5.htm">Psalm 141:5 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/141-5.htm">Psalm 141:5 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/141-5.htm">Psalm 141:5 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/141-5.htm">Psalm 141:5 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/141-5.htm">Psalm 141:5 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/141-5.htm">Psalm 141:5 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/141-5.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 141:5 Let the righteous strike me it (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/141-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 141:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 141:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/141-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 141:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 141:6" /></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>