Psalm 140:8 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Grant not, O Lord, the desires of the wicked; do not further their evil plot, or they will be exalted! Selah

NIV: Do not grant the wicked their desires, Lord; do not let their plans succeed.

NASB: Do not grant, Lord, the desires of the wicked; Do not bring about his evil planning, so that they are not exalted. Selah

CSB: Lord, do not grant the desires of the wicked; do not let them achieve their goals. Otherwise, they will become proud. Selah

NLT: Lord, do not let evil people have their way. Do not let their evil schemes succeed, or they will become proud. Interlude

KJV: Grant not, O Lord, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah.

NKJV: Do not grant, O Lord, the desires of the wicked; Do not further his wicked scheme, Lest they be exalted. Selah

Psalm 140:6–8 repeats David's request to be spared death at the hands of conspiring enemies (Psalm 140:4–5). He looks back on the Lord's provision in prior battles (1 Samuel 17:34–37; 2 Samuel 8:14) and expresses confidence. David's prayer is not merely to spare his own life, but also to prevent evil men from attaining success through sin.

David prays for rescue from wicked and bloodthirsty enemies. He suggests violent conspiracies and traps, including false words. These enemies are plotting for his death, so he asks God for protection. This prayer comes with confidence that the Lord will grant David's request. David also asks the Lord to judge these evil opponents: to make them suffer defeat and death. This is also expressed with confidence that God will do what is right and care for the weak.

Psalm 140 is part of a series associated with David (Psalms 138—145). No specific event is mentioned. However, David experienced danger and conspiracy many times. King Saul sought to have him killed (1 Samuel 19:1–2) and David's own son, Absalom, conspired to take the throne (2 Samuel 15:13–14). Because David prays for negative consequences on these enemies, this is considered the last of the "imprecatory" psalms (Psalms 5; 10; 17; 35; 58; 59; 69; 70; 79; 83; 109; 129; 13). Davd's Psalm 7 has a similar progression of ideas and also relates to a hostile enemy.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

Accessed 7/29/2025 12:02:39 AM