Psalms 11:2 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The enemies of the righteous prepare their weapons in secret to strike at those with upright hearts.
The Context of Psalms 11:2
The psalmist describes the active threat posed by enemies who prepare weapons against the righteous.
What Does Psalms 11:2 Mean?
The danger the psalmist faces is real and deliberate. The wicked actively prepare their weapons and take aim at the upright in heart—those who seek to live righteously. The image of the drawn bow emphasizes the imminent threat; the arrow is nocked and ready. This danger is not imagined but actual, which gives weight to the psalmist's earlier declaration of trust.
The word privily (in secret) underscores the cowardice of the attack. The righteous face hidden plots and cloaked aggression. Yet this verse also reveals the wicked's intent: they specifically target those with upright hearts, suggesting that righteous living draws opposition. The psalmist's faith must contend with real hostility.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 11:2
What does Psalms 11:2 mean?
The enemies of the righteous prepare their weapons in secret to strike at those with upright hearts.
What is the context of Psalms 11:2?
The psalmist describes the active threat posed by enemies who prepare weapons against the righteous.