Psalms 37:12
What does Psalms 37:12 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 37:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 37:12 means
This verse starkly portrays the active malice and aggressive intent of the wicked toward the righteous. It acknowledges the reality of spiritual warfare and human opposition that believers often face. The wicked are not merely disbelieving; they actively "plotteth against the just," engaging in schemes and conspiracies. Their intense hostility is further illustrated by the vivid image of gnashing upon him with his teeth, an expression of bitter enmity, rage, and a desire to harm. This verse validates the experience of the righteous who are targeted by evildoers, reminding them that such opposition is real.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The wicked plotteth against the just, And gnasheth upon him with his teeth.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The wicked plotteth against the just, And gnasheth upon him with his teeth.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The sinner has evil designs against the upright, lifting up the voice of wrath against him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862The wicked is devising against the righteous, And gnashing against him his teeth.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752My friends and my neighbours have drawn near, and stood against me. And they that were near me stood afar off:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The wicked plotteth against the righteous, and gnasheth his teeth against him.
Context
After affirming the blessed state of the meek in verse 11, this verse shifts focus back to the present reality of conflict, acknowledging the aggressive nature of the wicked. It explicitly describes their evil intentions against the just, making the subsequent divine response in verse 13 all the more powerful as a source of comfort for those experiencing such plots. This frames the real-world challenge that God promises to overcome.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 35:16
Like the profane mockers in feasts, They gnashed upon me with their teeth.
- Psalms 37:32
The wicked watcheth the righteous, And seeketh to slay him.
- Daniel 8:24
And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power; and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper and do his pleasure; and he shall destroy the mighty ones and the holy people.
- Matthew 26:4
and they took counsel together that they might take Jesus by subtlety, and kill him.
- 1 Samuel 18:21
And Saul said, I will give him her, that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saul said to David, Thou shalt this day be my son-in-law a second time.
- Psalms 31:13
For I have heard the defaming of many, Terror on every side: While they took counsel together against me, They devised to take away my life.
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