Psalms 140:4 Meaning and Explanation
“Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A renewed petition for protection from the wicked who are intentionally trying to sabotage the psalmist's journey and plans.
The Context of Psalms 140:4
A reiteration of the prayer for divine protection from organized wickedness.
What Does Psalms 140:4 Mean?
The psalmist repeats and deepens the prayer for protection, now specifying the nature of the threat: the wicked intend to 'overthrow my goings'—to derail the psalmist's path, plans, or progress. This is not random violence but deliberate sabotage aimed at the victim's life direction. The word 'purposed' emphasizes their intention and premeditation.
'Keep me' and 'preserve me' are paired petitions, showing the psalmist's urgent reliance on God's active protection. By asking God to safeguard them 'from the hands' of enemies, the prayer acknowledges God's power to intervene between the threat and the threatened.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 140:4
What does Psalms 140:4 mean?
A renewed petition for protection from the wicked who are intentionally trying to sabotage the psalmist's journey and plans.
What is the context of Psalms 140:4?
A reiteration of the prayer for divine protection from organized wickedness.