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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 41:6 My visitor speaks falsehood; he gathers slander in his heart; he goes out and spreads it abroad.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/41-6.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/19_Psa_041_006.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 41:6 - Blessed is He who Cares for the Poor" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="My visitor speaks falsehood; he gathers slander in his heart; he goes out and spreads it abroad." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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then he goes out and spreads it around.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/41.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />They visit me as if they were my friends, but all the while they gather gossip, and when they leave, they spread it everywhere.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/41.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And when one comes to see me, he utters empty words, while his heart gathers iniquity; when he goes out, he tells it abroad.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/41.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />My visitor speaks falsehood; he gathers slander in his heart; he goes out and spreads it abroad.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/41.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And if he come to see <i>me</i>, he speaketh vanity: his heart gathereth iniquity to itself; <i>when</i> he goeth abroad, he telleth <i>it</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/41.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And if he comes to see <i>me,</i> he speaks lies; His heart gathers iniquity to itself; <i>When</i> he goes out, he tells <i>it.</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/41.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And when he comes to see <i>me,</i> he speaks empty words; His heart gathers wickedness to itself; When he goes outside, he tells it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/41.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />And when he comes to see me, he speaks falsehood; His heart gathers wickedness to itself; When he goes outside, he tells it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/41.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And when he comes to see <i>me</i>, he speaks falsehood; His heart gathers wickedness to itself; When he goes outside, he tells it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/41.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And when he comes to see <i>me</i>, he speaks worthlessness; His heart gathers wickedness to itself; When he goes outside, he speaks it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/41.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />And when one comes to see me, he speaks empty words, While his heart gathers malicious gossip [against me]; When he goes away, he tells it [everywhere].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/41.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When one of them comes to visit, he speaks deceitfully; he stores up evil in his heart; he goes out and talks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/41.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When one of them comes to visit, he speaks deceitfully; he stores up evil in his heart; he goes out and talks. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/41.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And if he come to see me, he speaketh falsehood; His heart gathereth iniquity to itself: When he goeth abroad, he telleth it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/41.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />When visitors come, all they ever bring are worthless words, and when they leave, they spread gossip. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/41.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And if he come to see me, he speaketh vanity; his heart gathereth iniquity to itself: when he goeth abroad, he telleth it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/41.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When one of them comes to visit me, he speaks foolishly. His heart collects gossip. [Then] he leaves to tell others.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/41.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Those who come to see me are not sincere; they gather bad news about me and then go out and tell it everywhere. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/41.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The one who comes to visit me speaks lies; in his heart he thinks slanderous things about me and goes around spreading them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/41.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />My visitor speaks falsehood; he gathers slander in his heart; he goes out and spreads it abroad.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/41.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When someone comes to visit, he pretends to be friendly; he thinks of ways to defame me, and when he leaves he slanders me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/41.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />If he comes to see me, he speaks falsehood. His heart gathers iniquity to itself. When he goes abroad, he tells it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/41.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And if he cometh to see me, he speaketh vanity: his heart gathereth iniquity to itself; when he goeth abroad, he telleth it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/41.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />If he comes to see me, he speaks falsehood. His heart gathers iniquity to itself. When he goes abroad, he tells it. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/41.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And if he came to see—he speaks vanity, "" His heart gathers iniquity to itself, "" He goes out—at the street he speaks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/41.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And if he came to see -- vanity he speaketh, His heart gathereth iniquity to itself, He goeth out -- at the street he speaketh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/41.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And if he came to see, he will speak vanity: his heart will gather vanity to him; he will go forth without; he will speak.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/41.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And if he came in to see me, he spoke vain things : his heart gathered together iniquity to itself. He went out and spoke to the same purpose. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/41.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 40:7>And when he came in to see me, he was speaking emptiness. His heart gathered iniquity to itself. He went outside, and he was speaking in the same way.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/41.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When someone comes to visit me, he speaks without sincerity. His heart stores up malice; when he leaves, he gossips. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/41.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />And when they come to see me, they utter empty words, while their hearts gather mischief; when they go out, they tell it abroad.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/41.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />When they come to see me, they speak falsely and their hearts devise evil; they go out into the street and gossip about me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/41.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />When they have come to see me, they have been speaking lies and planning evil in their heart; they have been going into the street and talking.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/41.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And if one come to see me, he speaketh falsehood; His heart gathereth iniquity to itself; When he goeth abroad, he speaketh of it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/41.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And if he came to see <i>me</i>, his heart spoke vainly; he gathered iniquity to himself; he went forth and spoke in like manner.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/41-6.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=4887" 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/41.htm">Blessed is He who Cares for the Poor</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">5</span>My enemies say with malice: “When will he die and be forgotten?” <span class="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: wə·’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">My visitor</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: bā (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: lir·’ō·wṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: yə·ḏab·bêr (V-Piel-Imperf-3ms) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">speaks</a> <a href="/hebrew/7723.htm" title="7723: šāw (N-ms) -- Or shav; from the same as show' in the sense of desolating; evil, literally or morally; figuratively idolatry, uselessness.">falsehood;</a> <a href="/hebrew/6908.htm" title="6908: yiq·bāṣ- (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To gather, collect. A primitive root; to grasp, i.e. Collect.">he gathers</a> <a href="/hebrew/205.htm" title="205: ’ā·wen (N-ms) -- From an unused root perhaps meaning properly, to pant; strictly nothingness; also trouble. Vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol.">slander</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">in his</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: lib·bōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- 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.">heart;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: yê·ṣê (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">he goes</a> <a href="/hebrew/2351.htm" title="2351: la·ḥūṣ (Prep-l, Art:: N-ms) -- The outside, a street. Or chuts; from an unused root meaning to sever; properly, separate by a wall, i.e. Outside, outdoors.">out</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: yə·ḏab·bêr (V-Piel-Imperf-3ms) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">and spreads it abroad.</a> </span><span class="reftext">7</span>All who hate me whisper against me; they imagine the worst for me:…<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="/jeremiah/9-4.htm">Jeremiah 9:4-5</a></span><br />“Let everyone guard against his neighbor; do not trust any brother, for every brother deals craftily, and every friend spreads slander. / Each one betrays his friend; no one tells the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they wear themselves out committing iniquity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/26-24.htm">Proverbs 26:24-26</a></span><br />A hateful man disguises himself with his speech, but he lays up deceit in his heart. / When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart. / Though his hatred is concealed by deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/7-5.htm">Micah 7:5-6</a></span><br />Do not rely on a friend; do not trust in a companion. Seal the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your arms. / For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A man’s enemies are the members of his own household.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-59.htm">Matthew 26:59-61</a></span><br />Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death. / But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward / and declared, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/14-55.htm">Mark 14:55-57</a></span><br />Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but they did not find any. / For many bore false witness against Jesus, but their testimony was inconsistent. / Then some men stood up and testified falsely against Him:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/20-20.htm">Luke 20:20-21</a></span><br />So they watched Him closely and sent spies who pretended to be sincere. They were hoping to catch Him in His words in order to hand Him over to the rule and authority of the governor. / “Teacher,” they inquired, “we know that You speak and teach correctly. You show no partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/11-53.htm">John 11:53-54</a></span><br />So from that day on they plotted to kill Him. / As a result, Jesus no longer went about publicly among the Jews, but He withdrew to a town called Ephraim in an area near the wilderness. And He stayed there with the disciples.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/12-10.htm">John 12:10-11</a></span><br />So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, / for on account of him many of the Jews were deserting them and believing in Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/23-12.htm">Acts 23:12-15</a></span><br />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. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/15-10.htm">2 Samuel 15:10-12</a></span><br />Then Absalom sent spies throughout the tribes of Israel with this message: “When you hear the sound of the horn, you are to say, ‘Absalom reigns in Hebron!’” / Two hundred men from Jerusalem accompanied Absalom. They had been invited as guests and they went along innocently, for they knew nothing about the matter. / While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from his hometown of Giloh. So the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept increasing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/17-1.htm">2 Samuel 17:1-4</a></span><br />Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. / I will attack him while he is weak and weary; I will throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will flee; I will strike down only the king / and bring all the people back to you as a bride returning to her husband. You seek the life of only one man; then all the people will be at peace.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/19-19.htm">Job 19:19</a></span><br />All my best friends despise me, and those I love have turned against me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/20-12.htm">Job 20:12-14</a></span><br />Though evil is sweet in his mouth and he conceals it under his tongue, / though he cannot bear to let it go and keeps it in his mouth, / yet in his stomach his food sours into the venom of cobras within him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/12-2.htm">Psalm 12:2</a></span><br />They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and a double heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/55-21.htm">Psalm 55:21</a></span><br />His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And if he come to see me, he speaks vanity: his heart gathers iniquity to itself; when he goes abroad, he tells it.</p><p class="hdg">speaketh</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/12-2.htm">Psalm 12:2</a></b></br> They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: <i>with</i> flattering lips <i>and</i> with a double heart do they speak.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nehemiah/6-1.htm">Nehemiah 6:1-14</a></b></br> Now it came to pass, when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the wall, and <i>that</i> there was no breach left therein; (though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates;) … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/26-24.htm">Proverbs 26:24-26</a></b></br> He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him; … </p><p class="hdg">when</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/20-10.htm">Jeremiah 20:10</a></b></br> For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, <i>say they</i>, and we will report it. All my familiars watched for my halting, <i>saying</i>, Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/40-11.htm">Abroad</a> <a href="/psalms/40-4.htm">Deceit</a> <a href="/psalms/18-42.htm">Empty</a> <a href="/psalms/41-5.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/psalms/31-18.htm">Falsehood</a> <a href="/psalms/38-19.htm">Falsely</a> <a href="/psalms/39-6.htm">Gathereth</a> <a href="/psalms/33-7.htm">Gathers</a> <a href="/psalms/38-10.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/psalms/40-12.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/psalms/39-11.htm">Iniquity</a> <a href="/psalms/5-9.htm">Itself</a> <a href="/psalms/41-2.htm">Keeps</a> <a href="/psalms/40-4.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/psalms/36-4.htm">Mischief</a> <a href="/job/31-34.htm">Outside</a> <a href="/psalms/26-7.htm">Public</a> <a href="/psalms/38-20.htm">Slander</a> <a href="/psalms/37-30.htm">Speaketh</a> <a href="/psalms/37-30.htm">Speaks</a> <a href="/psalms/39-6.htm">Store</a> <a href="/job/36-33.htm">Telleth</a> <a href="/job/36-33.htm">Tells</a> <a href="/psalms/37-30.htm">Utters</a> <a href="/psalms/39-11.htm">Vanity</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/24-11.htm">Whenever</a> <a href="/psalms/36-4.htm">Wickedness</a> <a href="/psalms/40-9.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/44-2.htm">Abroad</a> <a href="/psalms/43-1.htm">Deceit</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-4.htm">Empty</a> <a href="/psalms/41-7.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/psalms/52-3.htm">Falsehood</a> <a href="/psalms/44-17.htm">Falsely</a> <a href="/psalms/147-2.htm">Gathereth</a> <a href="/psalms/129-7.htm">Gathers</a> <a href="/psalms/57-10.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/psalms/44-18.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/psalms/49-5.htm">Iniquity</a> <a href="/psalms/42-6.htm">Itself</a> <a href="/psalms/63-8.htm">Keeps</a> <a href="/psalms/45-8.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/psalms/52-1.htm">Mischief</a> <a href="/psalms/55-12.htm">Outside</a> <a href="/psalms/64-9.htm">Public</a> <a href="/psalms/50-20.htm">Slander</a> <a href="/psalms/49-3.htm">Speaketh</a> <a href="/psalms/50-1.htm">Speaks</a> <a href="/psalms/112-3.htm">Store</a> <a href="/psalms/101-7.htm">Telleth</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-17.htm">Tells</a> <a href="/psalms/46-6.htm">Utters</a> <a href="/psalms/62-9.htm">Vanity</a> <a href="/psalms/78-34.htm">Whenever</a> <a href="/psalms/45-7.htm">Wickedness</a> <a href="/psalms/42-10.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 41</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/41-1.htm">The recompense of the charitable</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/41-4.htm">David complains of his enemies' treachery</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/41-10.htm">He flees to God for helpfulness</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/41.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/41.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>My visitor speaks falsehood;</b><br>This phrase highlights the betrayal and deceit experienced by the psalmist, traditionally understood to be David. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, hospitality was a sacred duty, and a visitor was expected to be truthful and respectful. The act of speaking falsehood would have been a grave violation of trust. This can be connected to the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot, who, despite being a close companion, ultimately deceived Him (<a href="/matthew/26-14.htm">Matthew 26:14-16</a>). The theme of betrayal by a close associate is a recurring motif in the Bible, emphasizing the pain of treachery from those who are expected to be allies.<p><b>he gathers slander in his heart;</b><br>The imagery of gathering slander in one's heart suggests a premeditated and malicious intent. In biblical terms, the heart is often seen as the center of thought and intention (<a href="/proverbs/4-23.htm">Proverbs 4:23</a>). This phrase indicates that the visitor is not only deceitful in speech but also harbors ill will internally. The act of gathering slander implies a deliberate collection of false information or accusations, which is condemned in the Ten Commandments (<a href="/exodus/20-16.htm">Exodus 20:16</a>). This behavior contrasts with the biblical call to love one's neighbor and to speak truthfully (<a href="/ephesians/4-25.htm">Ephesians 4:25</a>).<p><b>he goes out and spreads it abroad.</b><br>The act of spreading slander abroad signifies the transition from internal malice to external action. This reflects the destructive power of words and the impact of gossip and false accusations within a community. In the historical context, such actions could lead to social discord and damage reputations, which were highly valued in ancient societies. This behavior is warned against in <a href="/proverbs/6-16.htm">Proverbs 6:16-19</a>, where sowing discord among brethren is listed as one of the things the Lord hates. The spreading of falsehoods can also be seen as a type of the false accusations Jesus faced from the Pharisees and other religious leaders, ultimately leading to His crucifixion (<a href="/mark/14-55.htm">Mark 14:55-59</a>).<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 <a href="/bsb/psalms/41.htm">Psalm 41</a>, David is expressing his experience of betrayal and deceit by those who visit him under false pretenses.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/v/visitors.htm">Visitors</a></b><br>These are individuals who come to David, pretending to be concerned, but their true intention is to gather information to slander him.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/h/heart.htm">Heart</a></b><br>In Hebrew thought, the heart ("lev") is the center of thought, emotion, and intention. Here, it signifies the deceitful intentions of the visitors.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/slander.htm">Slander</a></b><br>The act of making false and damaging statements about someone. In this context, it refers to the malicious gossip spread by the visitors.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/spreading_abroad.htm">Spreading Abroad</a></b><br>This phrase indicates the dissemination of slanderous information, highlighting the betrayal and the public nature of the deceit.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/guard_against_deceit.htm">Guard Against Deceit</a></b><br>Be aware of the intentions behind words. Not everyone who speaks kindly has pure motives. Discernment is crucial.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_the_heart.htm">The Power of the Heart</a></b><br>Our words reflect our heart's condition. Cultivate a heart aligned with God's truth to ensure your speech edifies rather than destroys.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_destructive_nature_of_slander.htm">The Destructive Nature of Slander</a></b><br>Slander can cause significant harm. As Christians, we are called to speak truth and love, avoiding gossip and falsehood.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seek_god's_protection.htm">Seek God's Protection</a></b><br>In times of betrayal, seek refuge in God. He is our defender against false accusations and deceit.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflect_christ_in_speech.htm">Reflect Christ in Speech</a></b><br>Let your words be a reflection of Christ's love and truth. Strive to build others up rather than tear them down.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_41.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 41</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_psalm_120_4_contradict_god's_love.htm">Psalm 120:4 - Does referring to 'warrior's sharp arrows' and 'burning coals' raise contradictions with a supposedly loving and merciful God?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_psalm_43_2_imply_god_forsakes.htm">Why does Psalm 43:2 suggest God has forsaken the writer, when other passages emphasize God's constant presence?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_psalm_101_5_challenge_free_will.htm">Does Psalm 101:5's vow to silence slanderers raise questions about free will or the practicality of eradicating all deceitful speech in ancient Israel?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_you_praise_god's_greatness.htm">How does slander affect relationships and reputations?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/41.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(6) <span class= "bld">And if he come.</span>--Some one particular individual is here singled out from the body of enemies.<p><span class= "bld">To see.</span>--The usual word for visiting a sick person. (Comp. <a href="/2_samuel/13-5.htm" title="And Jonadab said to him, Lay you down on your bed, and make yourself sick: and when your father comes to see you, say to him, I pray you, let my sister Tamar come, and give me meat, and dress the meat in my sight, that I may see it, and eat it at her hand.">2Samuel 13:5</a>; <a href="/2_kings/8-29.htm" title="And king Joram went back to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds which the Syrians had given him at Ramah, when he fought against Hazael king of Syria. And Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah went down to see Joram the son of Ahab in Jezreel, because he was sick.">2Kings 8:29</a>.)<p><span class= "bld">Vanity</span>.--Better, <span class= "ital">lies. </span>No more vivid picture of an insincere friend could be given. Pretended sympathy lies at the very bedside, while eye and ear are open to catch up anything that can be retailed abroad or turned into mischief, when the necessity of concealment is over.<p>The scene of the visit of the king to the death-bed of Gaunt in Shakespeare's <span class= "ital">King Richard II. </span>illustrates the psalmist's position, and the poet may even have had this verse in his mind when he wrote.<p>"Should dying men flatter with those that live<p>No, no; <span class= "ital">men living flatter those that die.</span><p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/41.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 6.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And if he come to see me, he speaketh vanity</span>; rather, <span class="accented">he speaketh falsehood</span> (see the comment on Psalm 12:2). It is suggested that Ahithophel is especially aimed at. But there is no proof of this. <span class="accented">All</span> the enemies are probably intended, only distributively instead of collectively. <span class="cmt_word">His heart gathereth iniquity to itself</span>. Dr. Kay's comment is, "He makes a show of friendship, using hollow compliments; but he is treasuring up every expression as material for misrepresentation." When he goeth abroad, he telleth it. He reports what he has seen and heard, but untruly. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/41-6.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">My visitor</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאִם־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">speaks</span><br /><span class="heb">יְדַבֵּ֗ר</span> <span class="translit">(yə·ḏab·bêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arrange, to speak, to subdue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">falsehood;</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁ֤וְא</span> <span class="translit">(šāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7723.htm">Strong's 7723: </a> </span><span class="str2">Evil, idolatry, uselessness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he gathers</span><br /><span class="heb">יִקְבָּץ־</span> <span class="translit">(yiq·bāṣ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6908.htm">Strong's 6908: </a> </span><span class="str2">To gather, collect</span><br /><br /><span class="word">slander</span><br /><span class="heb">אָ֥וֶן</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·wen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_205.htm">Strong's 205: </a> </span><span class="str2">Strictly nothingness, trouble, vanity, wickedness, an idol</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in his heart;</span><br /><span class="heb">לִבּ֗וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(lib·bōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> </span><span class="str2">The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he goes</span><br /><span class="heb">יֵצֵ֖א</span> <span class="translit">(yê·ṣê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, bring, out, direct and proxim</span><br /><br /><span class="word">out</span><br /><span class="heb">לַח֣וּץ</span> <span class="translit">(la·ḥūṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2351.htm">Strong's 2351: </a> </span><span class="str2">Separate by a, wall, outside, outdoors</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and spreads it abroad.</span><br /><span class="heb">יְדַבֵּֽר׃</span> <span class="translit">(yə·ḏab·bêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arrange, to speak, to subdue</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/41-6.htm">Psalm 41:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/41-6.htm">Psalm 41:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/41-6.htm">Psalm 41:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/41-6.htm">Psalm 41:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/41-6.htm">Psalm 41:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/41-6.htm">Psalm 41:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/41-6.htm">Psalm 41:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/41-6.htm">Psalm 41:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/41-6.htm">Psalm 41:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/41-6.htm">Psalm 41:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/41-6.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 41:6 If he comes to see me he (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/41-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 41:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 41:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/41-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 41:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 41:7" /></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>