Psalms 140:1 Meaning and Explanation
“Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A prayer for deliverance from wicked and violent enemies.
The Context of Psalms 140:1
Opening verse of a prayer psalm asking God for protection from enemies.
What Does Psalms 140:1 Mean?
The psalmist opens with an urgent appeal to God for protection from two types of adversaries: evil people and violent people. This prayer reflects the experience of facing hostile opposition and physical threat. The repetition of the plea emphasizes the desperation and intensity of the request.
The response called for is not vengeance but deliverance—God's protection and rescue. By bringing this to the Lord, the psalmist models how to face threats through prayer rather than through retaliation or human strength alone.
Psalms 140:1 in the Original Language
natsal (נָצַל), 'deliver' — to snatch away, rescue from danger.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 140:1
What does Psalms 140:1 mean?
A prayer for deliverance from wicked and violent enemies.
What is the context of Psalms 140:1?
Opening verse of a prayer psalm asking God for protection from enemies.